N.Z. CENTENNIAL

Grey River Argus, 8 February 1940, Page 3

N.Z. CENTENNIAL

KING AND QUEEN Attend London Reception [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l LONDON, February 6. Their Majesties visited the City of London for the first,, time after the outbreak of war, when they attended the Lord Mayor’s reception at the Mansion House, in celebration of the New Zealand Centennial. The King, wearing an Admiral’s uniform, inspected a guard of honour of 50 New Zealand anti-tank corps, under Major S. C. Duff. New Zealanders serving in all the forces, were especially invited, including a New Zealand flight, under Wing Commander M. Buckley, and woman volunteers included Stella- Murray, serving in the auxiliary fire service. Mr Jordan received Their Majesties, with the Lord Mayor .and I<ady. Their Majesties, after various presentations, including Jack Lovelock, traversed the Egyptian Hall, and talked with acquaintances. They spoke to a sailor who recently drived on a New Zealand meat ship. The Queen wore a long coat of dark mauve velvet, trimmed with grey fur, and carried lilies of the valley presented by Miss Denny, niece of the Lady Mayoress. The guests included Mr and Mrs Eden, Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs Freyberg, Lord Nuffield, High Commissioners and Agents General. Their Majesties took tea before returning to Buckingham Palace. The Queen on farewelling Mr Jordan wished New Zealand many happy returns. The King complimented Major Duff on the Guard of Honour, remarking, “They are a fine body, of men.’’ The Queen asked Mrs J'ordan about the women’s) war fund, and learned they had presented gifts to New Zealanders serving in Britain, and were concentrating on hospital work.

Mr John Jordan acknowledged the Lord Mayor’s recognition of the historic occasion. He added: “Whether the people of any country are rejoicing or troubled, the City of London shares their joys and sorrows.” A service at the New Zealanders" Church, Saint Lawrence Jewry, preceded the reception. Rev. W. Wilson Cash referred to the influence of religion >in making a great Dominion, r.nd added that the Empire would continue strong only while its people were free, and no race was forcibly kept within the commonwealth. MR JORDAN’S BROADCAST. Mr Jordan, broadcasting to New Zealand, paid a high tribute to Wakefield’s plan of colonisation, which all historians agree was a success. It was a pleasure to arrange for one of his descendants serving in .the Army to speak at the B B.C. Empire broadcast. He described Britishdwelling New Zealanders’ activities on behalf of the serving forces, and said: “There are large numbers of New . Zealanders who will do whatever they can for the welfare of our men.” He concluded: “We may look back to our first century with, pride, and forward to the next century with nope and confidence. As the foundation of the Dominion was well laid a century ago by stalwart, faithful pioneer settlers, Lb may the building of the nation continue perfect in its parts, and honourable to the builders.” NEW ZEALAND’S FREEDOM. ' MR. SAVAGE’S MESSAGE. LONDON February 6. After the departure of their Majesties, Mr. Jordon read Mr. Savage's message of gratitude to the Lord Mayor, to which the Lord Mayor replied that the ceremony was as hapny for London as for New Zealand. Finally in reply to Mr. Eden’:; broadcast, Mr. Savage said: “When we look back one hundred years on the Dominion’s history, we see plainly from - New Zealand’s experience that without freedom 'there cannot be enduring peace for the nations and ’ individuals. That is why at the outbreak of the war, there was no doubt in the mind of the New Zealand people.