Assurance By Lord Mayor

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32381, 21 August 1970, Page 12

Assurance By Lord Mayor

An assurance of British-New Zealand friendship was given by the Lord Mayor of London (Sir lan Bowater) last evening at a Civic reception in Christchurch.

Before he left London, he had been told “on

the highest authority” that New Zealand would have a special place in any negotiations for Britain’s entry into the European Common Market. Sir lan Bowater, in his speech to the City Councillors and specially-invited guests, showed that he had

studied the history of New Zealand’s settlement and that of Canterbury in particular. How then, when Canterbury and Christchurch had been founded in England, eould England afford to lose what was a family relationship as well as a friendship? he asked. Sir lan Bowater and his wife were welcomed to Christchurch by the Mayor (Mr A. R. Guthrey). At the end of his address Sir lan Bowater presented the eity with a silver cigar box: Mr Guthrey gave him a pair of greenstone cuff-links and Lady Bowater was given a piece of greenstone jewellery. Sir lan Bowater and Lady Bowater were entertained earlier in the evening at a reception given by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. About 60 members and guests, with their partners, heard a welcoming address by the president (Mr J. M. Tocker) and a reply from Sir lan Bowater.