TASMAN TERCENTENARY

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 December 1942, Page 2

TASMAN TERCENTENARY

HOKITIKA RECEPTION HOKITIKA, December 12. The Borough of Hokitika and the County of Westland tendered a civic reception to Dr. Chas, van der Plas and his colleagues of the Dutch East Indies Commission. Also present were Mr. Semple, Mr. Webb, Mr. Parry, Mr. O’Brien and Mr. J. Heenan. The Mayor of Hokitika, Mr. A. R. Elcock and Mr. T. P. O’Neil,. County Chairman, welcomed the visitors. Mr. Parry expressed the pleasure of the Government to be associated with the welcome to the distinguished guests on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the event that placed New Zealand on the map. . Mr. J. O’Brien welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Electorate. He told them the time would not permit them to fully appreciate its beauties. He mentioned New Zealand’s great war effort and thanked the Dutch people for their great gift to New Zealand —that of the Hospital ship “Oranje.” , „ Dr. van der Pias thanked all lor their kind welcome. He briefly described the course of the war in Holland and the East Indies. He explained the origin of the Dutch National Anthem and said its sentiments inspired the Dutch people to-day. Between the addresses items were given by Miss Anne P. Duff and Messrs J. Hatch and A. E. Perry, Miss M. Giese presiding at the piano. The visitors sang the Dutch National Anthem and this was followed by God Save the King. Afterwards the visitors and Ministers mixed with the public present while light refreshments were served by members of the Wome-n’s Auxiliary.