CORONATION MEDALS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 140, 15 June 1937, Page 7

CORONATION MEDALS

NEW ZEALAND, HOUSE

MR. SAVAGE'S ADDRESS

(From "The Post's" Representative.) LONDON, May 15.

Coronation medals were, presented ia New Zealand House by ' the ' Prim* Minister (Mr. M. J. Savage) on the day after the Coronation]1"- Hs was /intro-'' duced to the recipients■ and the.staff, who gathered in the main hall, by Mr. W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner, and he was accompanied by Mr. H: T. Armstrong, Minister of .: ■.

The number of medals available was very limited, Mr. Jordan said, and those who were to receive ' them had not been sorted out above anybody else. "If there had been enough to go round,., I would give a medal to every man and .-■ woman on. the staff of this office. We have, sir," Mr. Jordan continued, addressing the Prime Minister, "a staff of which we can well be proud. The way they have stood up to the Coronation rush has been delightful. They have worked voluntarily, if necessary, during their lunch hour to assist in other departments where the rush may . have been particularly heavy, and I want to thank them all in your presence for their loyalty, willingness, and abilrty." : ' ■ "It does not often come,my way to see the High Commissioner, and his staff," said the Prime Minister, "and for that reason I welcome this opportunity. Mr. Jordan has told you that you all deserve a medal, and I am going to accept that statement because ha has fhe first hand opportunity of mea^ suring up the service that is given by» all. ■ ■'■'■'

"As I have told the civil servants in New Zealand, we are working together as a team. There is no question of man and servant. We should all feel that we have a responsibility, and I am not overlooking the fact that the Government has a responsibility to you. If we can go forward on that foundation with everyone feeling that they ar% engaged in a service for Nev/ Zealand I am confident of- the 'result SERVICE A PRIVILEGE. "If there is anything worth while in life it is the privilege of being able to serve others. Service is a great ideal, and when it goes into the High Commissioner's Office by the front door and remains there, while there is a living being inside it that office will be an even better place, perhaps, than, it used to'be. I have always fowid that the average citizen, if given a fair chance, will combine 100 per cent. I think you will, and I think that Mr. Jordan will see that you get a fair chance. We want you to do your level best for yourselves and the country you serve. When' you meet me in the, High Commissioner's Office, or in .the street, or anywhere : else, remember that I want to be your friend."

The following deceived the medalmost of the recipients are on the New Zealand House staff:—Mr. Charles A. Bunn, Mr. Cyril B. Burdekin, / Dr. Richard M. Campbell, Mr.-. Thomas E. Donne, C.M.G. (late official secretary), Mr.--Henry T. B. Drew (publicity officer), Mr. Melvin B. Esson (cables and wireless), Mr. Charles . A. . Knowles, C.B.E. (private secretary),. Mr. Frederick W. Lawrence . (Customs), Mr. Stanley C. Manhire, Mr. John P. Rutherford (audit), Mr. Frank T. Sandford (official secretary)", Mr. Robert M. Sunley. Miss Margaret Heatjn, Miss Ruth Heath, Miss Jane R. McKenzie, Mrs. Winifred Jordan (wife of the High Commissioner fqr New Zealand, London), Sir Cecil Day, C.M.G., C.B.E.

Others included:—Dr. Angus J. Harrop (agent, New Zealand University), Mr. John E. Lovelock, Mr. M. Maurice Smith (secretary. New Zealand Society), Mr. Cecil J. Wray, M.B.E. (chairman, New Zealand Society).