5000 Give Queen Mother Welcome

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31043, 26 April 1966, Page 3

5000 Give Queen Mother Welcome

The cheering and clapping which marked the progress of the Queen Mother’s entourage through the centre of Christchurch increased in volume as it approached and reached the scene of the city’s public welcome to Her Majesty in Victoria square. The sun, which had been weakened by mist in a chill morning sky, broke through shortly before her arrival and warmed the patiently waiting crowd beneath autumn leaves.

As the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake) and Mrs Lake stepped forward to greet Her Majesty before presenting the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning, and the Town Clerk (Mr C. S. Bowie) the Royal visitor again received the spontaneous applause of a crowd of more than 5000 persons, young and old, straining to catch a glimpse of her.

The Band of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, played the first verse of the National anthem when Mr Manning had escorted Her Majesty to the dais on the north side of Cambridge terrace, facing the square. She was then presented with a bouquet of nink flowers by Miss Jane Guthrey. In his address of welcome Mr Manning said that Christchurch and Canterbury, in common with the rest of the people of New Zealand, have alwavs cherished and nurtured an unswerving and deep-seated loyalty and affection for the Royal Family. “Your visit today presents us with the opportunity to renew and re-invigorate these feelings,” Mr Manning said. “I can say that Your Majesty’s previous visit stimulated our love and affection for you personally and our loyalty to the Throne. Your kindly interest in education and in other social requirements of the people of the homeland, reveals to us your deep concern for their welfare and progress. Close Attention “The people of this country follow with close attention these activities and are aware of your self-sacrificing devotion to those institutions which we all treasure as the basis of the British way of life.” Mr Manning said. “May we express the wish that you will be reminded of your homeland which we are proud to call home, by the English trees and flowers of our parks, avenues and private gardens, particularly in Christchurch and Canter-

bury." he said. “Some of our buildings and the names of many of our streets also emphasise the foundation of this city by the Canterbury Association in 1850. “Our city motto embodies our history in the words “Fide Condita Fructu Beata Spe Fortis” (Founded in faith, rich in the fulfilment thereof, strong ’in hope for the future). “Your visit also forges another link in the chain of associations which strengthens our relations with the mother country and with the other nations of the CommonI wealth,” Mr Manning said. Her Majesty’s Reply In her reply Her Majesty said that both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had happy memories of their visits to Christchurch, as indeed had she herself. “1 am most grateful, Mr Mayor, for the address which you have presented to me on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch and the people of the Province of Canterbury,” Her Majesty said. “I have been deeply touched by your warm welcome and by the kind terms in which you have referred to me and to the members of my family. When I arrive back in England I will, without fail, convey to the Queen the sentiments of loyalty and devotion which you have expressed. I know that both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have such happy memories of their visits to Christchurch—and so indeed have I. “The people of this great | city, and of the Province of ! Canterbury, have a long tradition of achievement and progress. Here, in this rich, pastoral region, there has developed a centre of economic and industrial importance, with a cultural and educational background of which your citizens may worthily feel proud.

“They have built wisely and well, and have put. to excellent use the resources and beauty with which nature has so lavishly endowed this district.

“As I came here from Lyttelton this morning, I saw all around me evidence of sound development and that progressive outlook which is so characteristic of New Zealand. I was especially pleased that my journey took me through your magnificent new tunnel—a triumph of ingenuity and craftsmanship—which, to my great sorrow, I was prevented from opening two years ago. “Once again, may I thank you from my heart for your warm and friendly welcome. I eagerly look forward to the rest of my stay in your beautiful city.” Greenstone Brooch At the conclusion of her reply to the address of welcome, items were given by the battalion band and the pipe band of St. Andrew’s College. Mr Manning then presented the Queen Mother with a greenstone brooch on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch. He said he hoped she would wear it on many occasions and that it would bring back to her vivid memories of the affection in which she is held by the people of Christchurch and Canterbury. Her Majesty assured Mr Manning she would often think of the occasion and of the beautiful city of Christchurch. “Three cheers for Her Majesty” called for by Mr Manning drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Many persons had taken up vantage points at the top windows and on the roofs of buildings in Victoria street overlooking the square, and around the floral clock, and added their waving flags to the colourful scene. The welcome concluded with a march past of 1100 young people, representing 12 youth organisations, led by the St. Andrew’s College pipe band.