Capital Honours ‘Head Of The Family’

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29723, 17 January 1962, Page 10

Capital Honours ‘Head Of The Family’

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 16.

It was a bright link in the chain which bound Wellington to a great family to welcome its head, the Mayor of Wellington, Mr F. J. Kitts, said at a reception given to-

night in honour of the Duke of Wellington. “It is not only for the ‘lron Duke.’ whdse epic history and battles have named our streets, but for yourself that we welcome you,” he said.

He had heard that Wellington was so windy that the Queen’s dresses had had to be weighted round the bottom during her visit, the Duke told about 150 guests gathered to do him honour in the Town Hall tonight at the invitation of the Mayor “This is the only feature of Wellington that has not come up to my expectations.” he said. "I have felt only faint breezes since I was here instead of the violent winds I was led to expect.” Accepting gifts from the city, two books about Wellington's history and a pair of cuff links, the Duke said that he had always felt a great kinship with Wellington. “For years I have known Wellington from pictorial

Christmas cards sent to me by its mayors and from welcoming New Zealand visitors to England,” he said. “I feel I am among friends and almost as though I belong here.” Guests at the reception Included the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Marshall, the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Nash, members of the diplomatic corps. Cabinet Ministers, city councillors and their wives. Hedge Fire.—A spark from a tractor ignited grass and a gorse fence in Hasketts road, Yaldhurst, about 2.36 p.m. yesterday. About two chains of the fence was destroyed. One unit from the Sockburn fire ststion attended.