JAPANESE P.M. VISITS THE HERMITAGE

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31501, 16 October 1967, Page 1

JAPANESE P.M. VISITS THE HERMITAGE

New Zealand gave the Japanese Prime Minister (Mr Eisaku Sato) a respite from the demanding, whirlwind tour of Asian and Pacitic countries at the Hermitage at the week-end.

Soon after his arrival at Christchurch on Saturday afternoon. where he was given a quiet, but good-natured welcome, Mr Sato was flown to the mountain resort where he rested tor the first 20 hours in his hotel suite.

When the Prime Minister appeared for lunch early yesterday afternoon, officials were pleased to note that he had rested. He spent a relaxed afternoon in the brilliant sunshine posing for photographers, admiring Mount Cook and snow - capped peaks. The spokesman for the party. Mr G. Akatani. confirmed that the Japanese Prime Minister had rested well. "This is about the most; strenuous schedule any Japanese Prime Minister has ever faced.” he said. “And this is'

about the only rest he will get.” . . J I Mr Sato has already visited a number of Asian countries, ■and spent only a short time I in Japan before starting I the second stage—lndonesia, Australia. New Zealand, the Philippines and Vietnam. The informality began at lunch yesterday when Mr and Mrs Sato were presented with a large four-tiered sugar cake specially baked for them. The previous night they dined in their room, and Mr Sato ■ ordered Bluff oysters and ,! venison steaks. ; Later in the afternoon, Mr • i and Mrs Sato travelled by car • to Glentanner Station where . they were met by Mr 1. K. I Ivey, the manager, and Mrs 1 j Ivey. They watched sheepdog de- ■ monstrations, took a look at i' sheep, chatted with runholders

in the district who had travelled to meet them, and presented the Ivey children with a Japanese doll in traditional costume.

Mr Sato arrived at Christchurch Airport in a chartered Japan Airlines jet which touched down at 3.55 p.m. on Saturday. He was accompanied by four members of the Japanese Diet, 22 Government officials, two official cameramen and a press corps of 22, including two correspondents for American news publications. , Although police quickly bundled away students with hastily prepared placards, there was no sign of any demonstration from the front of the terminal building. The welcome was friendly but restrained.

A few children waved Japanese flags which had been handed out by Japanese Embassy staff. The Japanese Prime Minister was met by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) representing Mr Holyoake,

and the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand (Mr Harumi Takeuchi). Mr Sato would not be interviewed, but in a' brief statement said that he was visiting -New Zealand during his tour of Asian and Pacific nations to contribute in some measure to better understanding between Japan and New Zealand, and to promote further the ‘good neighbour” relations between the two countries. After the visit to Glentanner Station, Mr Sato’s informal mood was maintained at the Tasman airfield when he and Mrs Sato chatted with air service staff, their wives and children. The party’ was flown back to Christchurch in an R.N.Z.A.F. DC3 aircraft. They stayed the night at the United Service Hotel where last evening they had an informal meeting with the Mayor of Christchurch (Sir George Manning), local members of Parliament and their wives, and other guests. This morning, Mr Sato will fly to Wellington for an official welcome to be followed by talks with Mr Holyoake and a meeting with Cabinet Ministers.