NEW ZEALAND LEFT OUT

Evening Star, Issue 19759, 9 January 1928, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND LEFT OUT

LORD MAYOR'S PROCESSION In the Lord Mayor’s procession in London on November 9, there was a conspicuous carriage drawn by horses on which was placed a tableau depicting Captain Cook’s voyage in the Endeavour as relating to the “discovery of Australia.” Many New Zealanders, including the High Commissioner, who saw the procession, were rather surprised to learn that Captain Cook discovered Australia, and that New Zealand was not, apparently, considered of sufficent importance to be included in the great navigator’s discoveries. Sir Janies Parr took the matter up with the Lord Mayor’s office, pointing out that Captain Cook’s connection with New Zealand was much more intimate and of greater historical interest than his survey of a portion of the pastern coast of Australia, including the discovery of Botany Bay and Sydney Harbor, and expressing regret that in an important procession of the kind New Zealand’s name had been omitted.

Tbe reply received was to the effect that a well-known shipping company trading between London and Australia was responsible for the exhibit, and that it was regretted that owing to the shortness of lime available for preparations the details of particular items had necessarily to be left to those immediately concerned. Sir James Parr accepted the explanation, but suggested that in future the authorities, when planning the procession, should pay some regard to historical accuracy and perspective, so that the feelings of overseas visitors might not be hurt.