CONSPICUOUS BEARD

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22470, 4 January 1943, Page 6

CONSPICUOUS BEARD

West Coast Sensation The principal object of interest on the arrival at Hokitika of the Netherlands Government’s delegation for the Tasman tercentenary was the beard of Dr. Charles van der Plas, Queen Wilhelmina’s principal representative at the celebrations. On stepping from the rail-car at Hokitika. Dr. van der Plas was greeted by Mr T. P. O’Neill, chairman of the Westland County Council, who asked him If such a luxuriant growth could be real. Dr. van der Plas assured him it was. “Then not such a beard has been seen on the West Coast since the days of the old gold diggers,” replied Mr O’Neill. This incident was recalled by Dr. van der Plas. when fingering his beard, amidst laughter, at the civic reception tendered him by the Mayor, Mr A. R. Elcock, and Mr O'Neill, for the citizens of Hokitika and residents of Westland County. “This greeting macle me feel quite at home among you people,” said Dr. van der Plas. “I had heard of your wonderful hospitality, and unique scenic attractions. I am very honoured indeed to be representative of my Government on such a historic occasion.”