WEST COAST VISIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20966, 14 December 1942, Page 4

WEST COAST VISIT

DUTCH DELEGATION TASMAN TERCENTENARY (P.A.) HOKITIKA. Dec. 12. The Netherlands delegation to; the Tasman tercentenary celebrations, head by Dr. van der Plas, arrived in Hokitika last evening, accompanied bv the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry.. j A. civic welcome was extended by the Borough and County Councils in the Soldiers’ Hall in the presence of a large gathering of townspeople. Members of the Cabinet; the Hons. R. Semple, P. C. Webb and J. O’Brien were also present. , ! The Mayor. Mr. Elcock, presided, and addresses were given by Mr. O’Neil, county chairman, .the Hon. W. E. Parry and the Hon. J. O’Brien. Dr. van der Plas replied, expressing appreciation of the warm welcome extended and his pleasure at being in the district to assist m celebrating- a notable anniversary. This afternoon the formal celebration of the Tasman tercentenary is taking place, at Hokitika, when a large gathering from town and country is assured. To-morrow, j the delegation will .travel by plane to Okarito and WaiiiO. This morning Dr van der Plas placed d wreath on the South African memo rial. ;