The Press MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1963. The Royal Visit

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30059, 18 February 1963, Page 10

The Press MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1963. The Royal Visit

During the last 12 crowded days New Zealanders have left no doubt of their enduring loyalty to the Crown. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will leave Christchurch International Airport this afternoon in the certain knowledge that their stay has helped to cement afresh the historic ties between the Dominion and the Homeland, and to promote respect and affection for the central institution of the Commonwealth. From Waitangi to Dunedin thousands of pakeha and Maori subjects have demonstrated their allegiance to the Monarchy and their love for the British democratic system of government. The Queen and the Duke have been acquainted' at first hand with the Dominion’s most recent material achievements, the manner of its people’s life, their problems, their pastimes, and their work. For a brief space the Monarchy has been brought very close to men and women for whom the former isolation of a distant Dominion has been destroyed by modern communications. On this occasion the Queen and her husband came to New Zealand as old friends, whose visit in 1953-54 was

remembered with pleasure. Because of this there may sometimes have been less ebullience in the welcome of the crowds; but there could hardly have been deeper satisfaction that New Zealand was again graced by Her Majesty’s presence. The prospect that in the relatively near future the Queen’s children may also come to New Zealand will gratify all who have enjoyed the latest tour.

To Christchurch has fallen the privilege of bidding farewell to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness. Rain has failed to mar the warmth with which citizens have greeted their Royal guests. Even the lack of a worthy town hall did not prevent the city from entertaining the Royal party in memorable fashion. Fellow-citizens owe their gratitude to the many hundreds of men, women, and children who have helped in various

ways to make the Christchurch visit a success. Regret that the Royal tour is ending will be moderated by the assurance that such tours nowadays can be far more frequent than previously. In the Queen Elizabeth II Park at New Brighton the Christchurch public will gain a permanent reminder of this month’s tour. Because the provision of recreational facilities . for the community is a cause dear to both the Queen and the Duke, the City Council has chosen an especially appropriate way of marking their visit. Today, with all other New Zealanders, the people of Christchurch and Canterbury join in wishing Her Majesty and her husband a safe ahd happy journey, and in hoping that their return to the Dominion will not be long delayed.