U.K. not 'dead duck’ says Lord Mayor

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33932, 27 August 1975, Page 16

U.K. not 'dead duck’ says Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor of London (Sir Murray Fox) told 250 invited guests at a civic reception for him in Christchurch early last evening that Britain was by no means “finished.”

He said that the situation in Britain was not as bad as it was painted in the newspapers.

The country was not without economic problems. Some were of a domestic nature and some were influenced from outside the country. But those of the country's own making would have to be sorted out, and the stage had been reached where (unions, employers and the 1 Government were getting ' together. If their discussions on these problems were fruitful, then perhaps the country could get out of its present economic difficulties. Sir Murray said that there had always been a particularly warm feeling for New Zealand in Britain, and this would not alter now that Britain was in the European Economic Community. It might make some difference in trade between the two countries, but it certainly would not affect the feelings of the two peoples for each other. Sir Murray, who is the third Lord Mayor of London to have visited New Zealand while in office since World War 11, said he had retained an interest in this country for about 40 years—since he took a party of South Islanders on a tour of Scotland in an ancient motor car. In his addrss of welcome the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay) said it was of concern to New Zealanders to hear the view expressed that Britain was on the way out as an economic force. In spite of some undoubted problems, the City of London remained a major force in the world’s financial affairs, and certainly was one upon which New Zealand still depended. Mr Hay said that Christchurch had always taken a pride in its historic links with England and said that these should continue. He particularly sought increasing exchanges by cultural and sporting groups. He urged Sir Murray to i use his influence to get the

London Symphony Orchestra! to make a visit. Mr Hay presented Sir Murray with a carved Maori waka huia—a feather box, in which men, and women, of rank kept the tail feathers of the extinct Huia bird. A presentation was also made to Lady Fox. In return. Sir Murray presented the city

J with an • engraved decanter, and an illuminated resolution ■ from the London City Couni cii. , The visitors will be guests i at a civic luncheon in Tif maru today. After visiting Oamaru, Dunedin and the > Hermitage at Mount Cook, , the party will fly to Welling- ’ ton on Friday.