Second Year Celebrated

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31215, 12 November 1966, Page 15

Second Year Celebrated

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

SALISBURY, Nov. 11. Rhodesia’s second year of self-declared independence began today with a long week-end of celebrations ahead and prospects of a settlement with Britain even more remote than ever. At a lavish eve-of-independence ball, the Prime Minister, Mr lan Smith, un-

veiled a commemorative bell modelled on the American “liberty bell,” struck it 12 times and told more than 800 cheering guests: “This is the beginning of a wonderful era.”

As he raised a glass of champagne and shouted: “Independent Rhodesia” cries of “Republic . . . Republic” rang through the hall—an indication of some embittered White Rhodesians’ desire to severe any remaining ties with Britain.

Cars hooted, and a group of young revellers cheered, whistled, shouted and ex-

ploded fireworks in the city centre as the midnight hour struck. ‘Gone For Ever’ Many other white Rhodesians held parties in their homes, restaurants, bars and at open air barbecues.

No-one seemed to care about the news from New York that the United Nations Trusteeship Committee had voted to use force to end the Rhodesian “rebellion." In the emotion-charged bellringing ceremony. Mr Smith declared: “Every time it rines it means a nail in the coffin of the people who want to interfere in the internal affairs of Rhodesia. Those days have gone for ever.” Bronze Bell The copper and bronze bell, made in Holland and paid for by anonymous donors was inscribed with Mr Smith’s chosen words: “Rhodesian independence, 1965—1 toll for justice, civilisation and Christianity.” Earlier, Mr Smith told his countrymen in a nationalwide television and radio interview that if they maintained their fortitude and dedication to independence, he believed “we will come out of this next year stronger than we went into this year.”