CROWD AT THEATRE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29910, 25 August 1962, Page 10

CROWD AT THEATRE

Civic Welcome

People gathered outside the the Civic Theatre before 10 a.m. yesterday to get a seat in the Civic Theatre for Christchurch's welcome to the King and Queen of Thailand. Long before the doors opened the queue stretched well up Manchester street; and the theatre filled quickly After being met by the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning, and the Town Clerk (Mr C S. Bowie), Their Majesties were escorted to the Mayor's room and then left in procession tor the theatre.

Following behind the Mayor and His Majesty and the Mayoress, who accompanied Queen Sirikit, came Prince Wongsa Nuvatra Devakula and the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs 'Mr Thanat Khoman), the Chief aide-de-camp (General Luanga Suranarong) and Princess Vibravadi Rangsit. the lady-in-waiting. The Minister in attendance (Mr Gotz). the tour director iMr J. V. Meech) and Mr Bowie completed the procession. As soon as the Royal couple reached the stage there was polite applause from the audience, and then the Royal Anthem of Thailand was played on the civic organ by Mr B F. Bicknell. After Mrs Manning had presented the Queen with a bouquet, the Mayor presented a formal address of welcome to Their Majesties. When the speeches were finished, most city councillors and their wives filed on to the stage to be presented to Their Majesties.

The stage was gaily decorated with spring flowers and greenery, and behind the official party were the draped flags of New Zealand and Thailand, with the city’s coat of arms.