Farm-Gate Greetings

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30056, 14 February 1963, Page 14

Farm-Gate Greetings

(From Our Own Reporter) BLENHEIM, Feb. 13. With a strict timetable to observe on the route to Blenheim, the Queen’s driver slowed down only when there was a group of people along the route so that she could acknowledge their cheers.

Many of the country people had their dogs with them. Two women had eight Corgi dogs on leashes between them. Someone had fixed a Union Jack between a goat’s horns. Flags and flowers decorated gates and veranda posts on lonely farms. Through the Rai valley and beyond many small family groups waved from their gates. The Queen must have given a special smile and a wave to an elderly couple alone on the roadside for they hugged each other as soon as the Royal car passed. Near Woodbourne, a lone rider sat on her horse with

wide red, white and blue ribbons tied round its neck,

Closer to Blenheim, a pony club had mustered its members on their mounts and from here the crowds began to spread more evenly towards the town.

In Market street, the Queen drove through a guard of honour formed by former servicemen and women wearing their medals. Outside the Criterion Hotel, crowds were seven deep waiting to see her and, a little later, the Duke go in to lunch.

Cries of “We want the Queen and the Duke,” brought the Royal visitors on to the hotel’s balcony for a short time before they went down to the diningroom.

The appearance of the Queen, in her shimmering blue silk suit, seated beside the Duke in an open car set off a roar of cheering from more than 4000 children at Pollard Park.

In the uniforms of Red Cross, girls’ and boys’ Life Brigades, brownies, girl guides, and all waving flags, they gave the visitors a memorable welcome.

From the official dais, the view was a panorama of children . of all ages against

a background of fine English trees.

A little girl presented the Queen with a bouquet of gold-toned flowers and the Mayor of Blenheim (Mr S. P. Harting) welcomed the visitors.

Girls’ marching teams, and giiris’ and boys’ Life Brigade bands provided the entertainment.

During the reception, the Mayor announced the form of Commemoration of the Queen’s visit. This will be an award for Marlborough candidates under 18 gaining the highest marks in vocal or instrumental examinations for the Royal Schools of Music. It will be known as the Queen Elizabeth II award in music.

The Queen expressed her pleasure to hear of the first Outward Bound school in New Zealand when she replied to the Mayor’s address of welcome. “I wish the school every success. I join you in your prayers for peace among the nations of the world and for understanding among the men and women of all races,” said the Queen. Soon after 3.30 p.m., the Queen and the Duke set off by road for Picton to board the Britannia for Port Chalmers.