TELEGRAM FROM P.M.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29985, 21 November 1962, Page 16

TELEGRAM FROM P.M.

“Well Done, Barrie” (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. Nov. 20. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) tonight sent a message of congratulations to Barrie Devenport on swimming Cook Strait The message read: “Well done Barrie. A great swim and a wonderful achievement. Heartiest congratulations on coming back after your previous plucky effort to win honour as first man to conquor Cook Strait.

“It is a reward you richly deserve for your determination and an epic of sporting endeavour which all New Zealanders will admire and applaud. Warmest regards.” Mr Nash's Message The following message of congratulations was sent by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash):

“Congratulations on magnificent achievement, brilliantly conceived, superbly organised. The greatest first-ever of the century equals the great marathon—the history and telling of which never fades. Your name is enrolled for perpetual memory on the scrolls of our country and the the world.”

Waimairi Surf Club Praise

The three members of the Waimairi Surf Club who had been intending to try to swim Cook Strait this season were “thrilled” to hear of B. Devenport’s success, the club vice-captain (Mr M. J. Stevens) said last evening. The three (R. A. McDowell, T. Gaskell, and I. Greig) had not made up their minds yet whether to go on with their plans, Mr Stevens said. They had originally intended to make the attempt about midJanuary.