King’s Farewell Speech

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29911, 27 August 1962, Page 8

King’s Farewell Speech

In his farewell speech, King Bhumibol expressed the wish that Thailand and New Zealand, which shared similar institutions and aspirations, might continue to work together as close friends with respect and affection for each other—for their own good and for the good of the generations to come.

“Now is the hour when we must say goodbye,” said His Majesty. “I should like to leave with you, on the part of the Queen and myself, this very simple message: to each and every New Zealander, we thank you from the depth of our hearts for your kindness and hospitality. May you be blessed with good health and prosperity. “The Queen and I thank you very warmly for giving us the cordial message from his Excellency the GovernorGeneral. Please convey to his Excellency the expression of our sincere thanks and appreciation together with our good wishes for his prompt recovery,” said King Bhumibol. “We wish to also thank her Excellency Lady Cobham for her charming hospitality which she never failed to accord us during our stay at the Government House in the capital city, “The few days we have spent in your beautiful and hospitable country have been truly rewarding, as they allowed us to know more about New Zealand people, whose spontaneous friendliness and cordiality will be long remembered by all of us.

“We have been fortunate to see a great number of them, and whether pakeha or Maori, young or old, they seem to live in happiness and contentment. Their picturesque land is blessed by nature with outstanding beauty and abundant resources.” said His Majesty. “And, appreciating the blessing of nature, they know how to live in harmony and to work together in fruitful co-operation. Combining determined efforts with skill and intelligence, they have succeeded in creating a national society which distinguishes itself by its balanced harmony, its high standard of culture, and progressive outlook to the future.”

King Bhumibol said these were impressions that had been gained from the memorable visit.

“For a long time to come, the sight of the New Zealand people working in the fields.

in the shops, or in their homes, and the smiles, the friendly waving of hands and the joyous cries with which they greeted us everywhere we went—in the capital city of Wellington in the north, or in the south—will always remain the most pleasant memories in our hearts and our minds. “All this has been made possible thanks to the elaborate and efficient arrangements made by the Government, by your own personal attention, Mr Prime Minister, as well as your colleagues such as the Honourable Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Leon Gotz, who kindly accompanied- us on all our trips, and by many other Government officials.

“We are deeply grateful to you and to all of them,” said His Majesty.