City the centre

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33447, 31 January 1974, Page 1

City the centre

“Today Christchurch is the centre of the Commonwealth — and as its Head I am especially pleased to he here,” the Queen said yesterday after her arrival from the Cook Islands at Christchurch Airport. Replying to a speech of welcome by the Prime Minister (Mr Kirk), Her Majesty said the occasion was certainly a family gathering. The Royal Family had converged on Christchurch by different routes, but they were all glad to be in Christchurch, and glad to be together. Her Majesty said.

“I am sure the same applies to the great family of the Commonwealth gathered here for the Games. “In this country, which has always given firm support for the Commonwealth association, 1 know they will find the happiness and satisfaction which comes from friendship and cooperation,” the Queen said. “And if there is also a spice of rivalry in the relationship, it will be none the worse for that.”

Her Majesty said that New Zealand’s achievements had often outstripped those of larger countries; she said that she was looking forward to seeing something of them, and of the changes since her last visit. “But above all, I am looking forward simply to being once again in this beautiful, kindly and hospitable land, of which I am proud to be Queen.”

Mr Kirk, in his speech of welcome, said that for the last week New Zealand and, in particular, Christchurch, had been the hub of Commonwealth activity. Her Majesty’s presence tn Christchurch, he said, would help bring the Commonwealth together and cement the bonds of Commonwealth friendship.