Reception to Prime Minister

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33094, 8 December 1972, Page 12

Reception to Prime Minister

Sir, —It was a very nice gesture on the part of the Mayor, Mr Pickering, to tender a welcome to the Prime Minister, Mr Norman Kirk, but why did he spoil it by inviting only some of our city councillors? The occasion was surely one which should have been above party politics. By this action, Mr Pickering has diminished his office and done a disservice to the Prime Minister. Mr Kirk is the elected leader of all the people of this country. Mr Pickering appears to have forgotten that he and his council represent all the citizens of Christchurch. It is certain that many people of all shades of political opinion will regret his action in not issuing the invitation to all their elected councillors, and would welcome some explanation.—Yours, etc., L. R. BURGESS. December 7, 1972.

Sir,—l read that Christchurch is giving a civic reception to the new Prime Minister. This is right and proper, but now I see that it is only Labour councillors who have been invited. Is this reception given by the city or by the Labour Party? If, as it seems, it is given by the Labour Party, then who is paying for it? Along with other citizens I regret not being given an opportunity for my representatives on the council to be present. After all, I pay generous rates and I feel I have been slighted. Any right-minded citizen would like to pay tribute to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, whatever that citizen’s political opinions are.— Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. December 7, 1972.