WELCOME AT WAITANGI

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30050, 7 February 1963, Page 16

WELCOME AT WAITANGI

Queen Cheered

By Thousands (New Zealand Press Association) WAITANGI, February 6. It was the Queen’s day in the historic Bay of Islands today. After her landing at the Waitangi jetty at 1029 a.m. —a tiny, elegant figure in bright peacock silk—she captured once again the hearts of northern New Zealanders.

More than ’25,000 people had gathered at Waitangi for the welcome, which culminated in spectacular Waitangi Day celebrations in the Treaty House grounds this evening.

But the fact that it was Waitangi Day was never forgotten by the Queen. In an informal visit to the Treaty House this morning she showed particular interest in the copy of the treaty, an obvious highlight for the more than 6000 Maoris who had gathered in the area from all parts of New Zealand during the last week.

Under a moon that was almost full, the Royal yacht Britannia steamed out of the bay soon after 10.30 p.m. for Auckland and the second day of the Royal tour.

Many of the crowd were in a lively, holiday mood and were casually dressed for a warm day.

Their cheers started even before the Royal barge had pulled alongside the jetty. "Hie Queen wore a dress and jacket of bright peacock, heavy wild silk, and hat to match, and the Duke wore his No. 1 naval uniform as an Admiral of the Fleet. The Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) and Lady Fergusson, who had earlier visited the Royal yacht Britannia, welcomed them ashore.

Within minutes, the Queen was on her way to the Waitangi Golf dub. The sun broke through, and added new warmth to the day which had reached 70 deg. by 7.30 a.m. The Queen appeared to be slightly tired.

The Queen and the Duke were met at the Treaty House gates by the administrator of the Waitangi National Trust Board, and the Minister of Lands (Mr R. G. Gerard) and Mrs Gerard. Mr Gerard said later that the Queen had asked if the treaty were written in Maori and, if so, had the Maori chiefs who signed it. been able to read it. He assured her that the missionaries would have explained the treaty to chiefs who might not have been able to read it. Around the dais in the reception area an estimated 15,000 to 20.000 people

cheered the announcement of the Queen’s landing and waves of cheers from Northland school children greeted the Queen as she approached the dais. After the Royal salute, the officer in charge of the guard of 100 men (LieutenantCommander T. A. Riddell) accompanied the Queen on the inspection. Nine Canberra jet aircraft roared overhead in formation as the guard came to the present and as H.M.N.Z.S. Royalist in the bay fired a 21-gun salute. After inspecting the guard, the Queen met Ministers of the Crown and their wives who were presented by the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake).

Later in the morning, the Queen and the Duke paid an informal visit to the Treaty House, where the Queen showed great interest in a copy of the treaty and met leaders of Maori tribes from every part of New Zealand who assembled in front of the meeting house in the Treaty House grounds. The Royal visitors then passed through an avenue of chanting Maoris to inspect the gigantic 180-man, handcarved canoe in the grounds, It was constructed for the 1940 centennial celebrations. As they returned to the Treaty House, the Maoris chanted a farewell love song. The welcome ended with a ceremonial drive back to the jetty and the Royal barge which returned the Queen and Duke to the Britannia.