The Press SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1963. A Royal Occasion

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30058, 16 February 1963, Page 10

The Press SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1963. A Royal Occasion

The delight of Canterbury people in welcoming the Queen to Christchurch today will be deepened by their warm remembrance of the days she spent here nine years ago. The small girl who then held up a homemade placard in Riccarton avenue imploring Her Majesty to come back again is now near womanhood; but to many older people the memory of the Queen’s first visit is so green that it win hardly seem possible it was so long ago. In the interval Her Majesty has cemented her hold on the love of her people and has grown to full stature as a sovereign, gracious and dignified though warm-hearted and friendly, as aU who have seen her

on State occasions on this tour have quickly realised. She is plainly mistress of herself as of the many thousands who are proud to own themselves her subjects. Christchurch win find that the charm of the Queen, stiH a radiant young woman, is not lessened but enhanced by her truly regal bearing. The cheers that will greet Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh this morning will be spontaneous and the affection behind them real and lasting. On Monday Christchurch Will have the privilege of bidding them farewell on their departure for Australia, the sadness of the occasion relieved by the pleasure

she has given us and the sure hope that we shall see her again in this loyal city. The week-end the Queen is to spend in Christchurch will be busy. It will be enjoyed by ordinary citizens, who will have several opportunities, apart from the great public welcome at Lancaster Park, to catch at least a glimpse of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. We trust that the Queen also will find the programme enjoyable. The huge assemblage of children at Lancaster Park should leave her with a happy memory of young New Zealand, for whom it will be an experience and privilege never to be forgotten. We shall be proud to show Her Majesty the Botanic Gardens, which have justly earned an international reputation, and racing at Riccarton, which will gratify one of her particular interests. The musical circles of Christchurch will entertain her, and Christchurch will be the place of the farewell State dinner. These arrangements should not be too burdensome for Her Majesty, providing the weather is kinder than it has been at some other points on her journey. It is the fervent wish of Canterbury people that these two days will provide a joyous climax to the fortnight the Queen has been able to spend in her furthest Dominion.