Few honours for Chch

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33870, 16 June 1975, Page 18

Few honours for Chch

Christchurch citizens seem to be missing out when honours are distributed, according to the Mayor (Mr H. G. Hay).

It might not be generally realised that any citizen or organisation could make a recommendation to the Prime Minister on honours, usually through a member of Parliament, but sometimes through the Mayor, Mr Hay said. He was thinking of setting up a small committee of already honoured citizens to help consider the names of those who should be recommended for honours.

Manv Christchurch people •would probably share his concern that only six Christchurch names appeared in the list of about 100 recipients of Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mr Hav said. Virtually all the higher awards went to the North Island, and of the 43 Queen’s Service Order and Queen’s Service Medal awards, onlv three came to Christchurch.

It was not the first time during the last 10 years that Christchurch, and the South Island, appeared to have been inadequately recognised in the honours lists. As mayor, he would be pleased to support appropri-

ate submissions by organisations, especially for distinguished voluntary service to the community, or to advise on what steps could be taken on honours, Mr Hay said.