Royal Tour Security

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 1

Royal Tour Security

(N Z Press Association' I WELLINGTON. April 6. i Security precautions during the forthcoming visit of the Queen Mother will be tighter than for the recent tour of the United States Vice-President, Mr Humphrey. The Commissioner of Police (Mr C. L. Spencer said today that certain people who would be accompanying the Queen Mother throughout her tour would be. armed. He could not say who these people would be. “But at no time wiM the New Zealand police be armed.”

Mr Spencer said the secur :ty arrangements would not; interfere with the public. The main concern for the police would be crowd control and “protecting the Queen Mother from overenthusiasm.” The director of the Royal tour, Mr J. V. Meech, said much the same course of security procedure was taken on every Royal visit. “We always have to take precautions against cranks and such like.” he said. “There is never really any constant worry for the safety of a visiting Royal figure, but we must take the necessary security measures.” | Mr Meech said only two or; [three policemen would ac[company the Queen Mother 1

around the country. Police- ; men in the districts she passed through would be responsible for her safety. i Superintendent K. B. Burnside, of Police Headquarters, Wellington, will be in charge of ail police security arrangements throughout the tour. He will be assisted by Inspector K. Ford, of Wellington. Recently they spent three weeks touring the country making security arrangements for the visit. Mr Burnside will accompany the Queen Mother throughout her New Zealand tour. Also accompanying the ; Queen Mother on the tour ‘will be her usual bodyguard. Chief Inspector R. W. Sumimer.