PURPOSE OF VISIT

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29906, 21 August 1962, Page 14

PURPOSE OF VISIT

King’s Speech At Reception (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 20. King Bhumibol of Thailand looked about a packed end garlanded Town Hall today and said with a fleeting smile: "I am glad to see our visit has aroused some curiosity among you.” Replying to a formal welcome to Wellington by the Mayor (Mr F. J. Kitts) he added: "Curiosity has its use. In material things it leads to knowledge. Without curiosity there would be no science. With people it is a means of becoming acquainted and this often leads to friendship.” His Majesty said people must know each other to be able to decide if they like each other. “Only fools and perhaps other evil-meaning people say bad things about those they don’t know.” He said his first objective was to bring th.e greetings and goodwill of his people and city of Bangkok to the people of Wellington. “My second objective, and most important, is to come and know you and let all of you know us so that we can really decide if we really shall be friends or enemies. I don’t think the latter case will arise.”

His Majesty said he hoped as a result of his visit “our friendship will be even closer. Let nobody talk us into quarrelling and growing apart from each other. “This.” he added, “is what we hope to achieve by our visit.”