LINKS STRENGTHENED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25364, 23 October 1943, Page 6

LINKS STRENGTHENED

CITIES OF CHRISTCHURCH (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 21. The Units between Christchurch (Hampshire) and Christchurch (New Zealand) were further strengthened when the New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, attended a civic reception in the Hampshire city. He was welcomed by the Mayor, who said: "Although New Zealand is on the other side of the world, we like to think of it as another England inhabited by people similar to ourselves, speaking the same language, and second to none in loyalty to the Mother Country." He recalled that the cities had already exchanged flags—one sent from New Zealand was then flying over the lawn of Christchurch. New Zealand had also sent seed which was being grown by Hampshire allotment holders. Mr Jordan read a message from the New Zealand Mayor, who expressed New Zealanders’ admiration for the steadfastness of the inhabitants of the older city, and for their sacrifices in the world struggle. Mr Jordan watched the bells of Christchurch Priory Church being rung by Mr George Preston, who has been bellringing for 57 years. The district commissioner of the Girl Guides presented Mr Jordan with a model of Priory Church made by members, of the National Fire Service and a copy of “Antiquities of Christchurch) J both of which he is sending to New Zealand.