RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30058, 16 February 1963, Page 17

RANDOM REMINDER

A DAY TO REMEMBER

We are said to be living in an age of materialism. We are told, by experts, that the lessons learned at a mother’s knee have been replaced by shrewd ideas for defeating the Inland Revenue Department; that personal gain has become more important than personal affections; that where there were loyalty and integrity, there are contracts. Perhaps it is true that there is more hooliganism. and that its educated cousin, sharp practice is more widespread. But perhaps it is only that these things are now given more attention, more publicity, than before. The average man, and his wife, still have their hearts in their homes. Children are still to most people the greatest of all riches. They may deplore the deficiencies in etiquette shown by their offspring, they may suffer with their youngsters when the school reports come home: but they have their rewards, day

by day, in seeing the young face of innocence and in finding the real reason for work, and play. Man is by nature gregarious. Brother and brother are linked by chains years and miles cannot tarnish. What reunion brings more genuine deep happiness than a family gathering? The feeling of family is still strong and sound, no matter what the cynics may say. Without it, entity would be empty. Today at Lancaster Park there will be the greatest family gathering in the history of this city. For this afternoon thousands and thousands of children will see their Queen; a great and gracious lady will build a sound, straight bridge to provide a further link between distant members of what may well be the firmest family in the history of civilisation. New Zealanders, perhaps even more than other members of the Commonwealth, have close ties with the

Crown. And those New Zealanders who have been to Britain will agree that the feeling is reciprocal. During the dark years of the war, the New Zealander’s shoulder flash was a passport to the proudest and the humblest of homes, and in the years between, there has been no lessening of that warm welcome.

New Zealand’s firm feeling for the Throne goes far beyond the waving of flags. The Queen, and her Consort, have strengthened ancient ties by their own example; they lead the family. Today’s Royal occasion will undoubtedly be memorable. There should be fair skies, and sunshine, as a proper setting. But it really matters little, for this will be a great day—great for the children, great for the parents, who should find in it a reminder that we may still lead a way of life we believe to be right, and good.