N.Z. thanked for help to Niue

Press, 23 October 1984, Page 16

N.Z. thanked for help to Niue

NZPA staff correspondent Alofi, Niue The Niuean Premier, Sir Robert Rex. thanked New Zealand taxpayers for their contribution to Niue as the tiny Coral Pacific Island celebrated a decade of selfgovernment on Friday (Local time). Living standards had risen significantly in the last 10 years and although the population had declined 25 per , cent in the decade a stable and viable community of almost 3000 remained, he said. The rainy, overcast conditions of the early morning had passed by the time the official ceremony began at 9 a.m. and bright sun shone. The central green at the island’s capital of Alofi was crowded with visitors and local people. Cheering, flag-waving schoolchildren welcomed the Governor-General, Sir David Beattie. Flags of the various nations represented were raised while grassskirted warriors beat loudly on huge, hollowed-out logs. A guard of honour from H.M.N.Z.S. Southland, anchored just offshore, welcomed Sir David and Sir Robert and other official guests, including the Minis-

ter of Pacific Island Affairs, Mr Prebble, the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Robert Muldoon, the Cook Islands Premier, Sir Thomas Davis, the Nauru President, Mr Hammer de Roburt, the Western Samoan Minister of Justice, Taliaoa. Maoama, the American Ambassador, Mr Monroe Browne, and the Australian Ambassador, Mr Les Johnson. Mr Prebble said Niueans were “hardy, resourceful and self-reliant people — qualities that have made Niue great” He delivered a message from the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, telling Niueans that New Zealand looked forward to a "continuing close and friendly relationship in the years to come.” Sir David delighted the crowd by opening his address in Niuean. “As long as stable government continues, aid from other countries undoubtedly will,” he said. Sir David then formally invested Sir Robert Rex, who had received his knighthood in the New Year Honours List.