LONDON’S GOOD WISHES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21573, 8 February 1940, Page 7

LONDON’S GOOD WISHES

Centennial Celebrated

King and Queen Attend Reception United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 6. Their Majesties the King and Queen, visited the City of London for the first time since the outbreak of war, when they attended the reception given at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor (Sir William Coxen), in celebration of the New Zealand Centennial.

The King, wearing an Admiral's uniform, Inspected the Guard of Honour which was composed of 50 members of the New Zealand AntiTank Corps, under Major S. C. Duff. New Zealanders serving in all the forces' were especially invited, including a New Zealand flight under WingCommander M. W. Buckley. The women volunteers included Miss Stella Murray, who is serving with the Auxiliary Fire Service. The High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) received their Majesties with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. Their Majesties, after various presentations, including Dr. J. E. Lovelock, traversed the Egyptian Hall and talked with acquaintances. They spoke to a sailor who recently arrived from New Zealand in a 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, a niece of the Lady Mayoress. Tire guests included Mr R. A. Eden and Mrs Eden; Mrs Chamberlain, wife of the Prime Minister; Mrs Freyberg, wife of the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces; Lord Nuffield, High Commissioners and Agents-General. Many Happy Returns Their Majesties took tea before returning to Buckingham Palace. The Queen, to farewelling Mr Jordan, wished New Zealand many happy returns. The King c .mplimented Major Duff on the Guard of Honour, remarking, “They are a fine body of men.” The Queen asked Mrs Jordan about the women’s war fund and learned that they had presented gifts and that the New Zealanders serving in Britain were concentrating on hospital work. Mr 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 for New Zealanders to the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry proceded the reception. The Rev. W. Wilson Cash referred to the influence of religion in making a great Dominion. He added: “The Empire will continue strong only while its people are free, and no race is forcibly kept within the Commonwealth.”

Mr Jordan, broadcasting to New Zealand, paid a high tribute to Wakefield’s plan of colonisation, which all historians agreed was a success. It was a pleasure to arrange for one of his descendants, who is serving with the British Army, to speak in the British Broadcasting Corporation Empire broadcast. He described the British dwelling New Zealanders’ activities on behalf of the serving forces. There were large numbers of New Zealanders in England who would do whatever they could for the welfare of the troops. "We may look back on our first century with pride, and forward to the next century with hope and confidence as the foundation of a Dominion well laid a century ago by stalwart, faithful pioneer settlers. So may the building of a nation continue perfect in its parts and honourable to the builders.’’