SURPRISE ITEM
(N.Z. Press Association) BUCHAREST, Feb. 24. New Zealand musical history was created in the Communist State of Rumania when the Prime Minister (Mr Rowling) arrived in Bucharest yesterday. Not only was it the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to an East European State, but it was the first time the New Zealand folk song, “The Interisland Steamer Express” had been sung at a Rumanian Prime Minister’s banquet. As well the arrival cere-
mony at Bucharest’s Otopeni Airport included what is believed to be the first playing of the anthem “God Defend New Zealand” behind the Iron Curtain. Members of Mr Rowling’s party listened with delighted amazement last night as a Rumanian singer launched into “The Interisland Steamer Express” and “Okaihau Express” during the dinner party given by the Prime Minister (Mr Manescu). The other items were mostly Rumanian folk songs and opera.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33777, 25 February 1975, Page 2
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147SURPRISE ITEM Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33777, 25 February 1975, Page 2
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