The Wrong 'Henry’

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 328, 13 April 1928, Page 15

The Wrong 'Henry’

Art Invitation which was Incorrectly Addressed TWO MR. HOLLANDS How an invitation to attend tlie official opening of the Tauranga-Waihi section of railway line reached the wrong man is one of the best stories told at that function. No one has been able to explain why the invitation to Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, was received by Mr. H. Holland, M.P. for Christchurch North. When Mr. H. Holland, M.P.. received a flattering request* to attend the official opening of the railway he felt ra'ther gratified, but could not think why he had been invited. However, he made the trip—and enjoyed it. It appears that some of the people of Tauranga had made up their minds that the Leader of tlie Opposition should be present. Mr. Coates, it is said, was very busy at the time and wished the date of the opening changed from sfarch 28 to some later date. However, no alteration was made, despite requests from Wellington. The Prime Minister did not decide finally to attend the opening until 4 o’clock on the afternoon of March 27. He travelled on the Limited that night, and next morning hurried on a special from Frankton Junction. The second excursion train was held for 15 minutes at Waihi, where Mr. Coates’s special car was attached to -it. Meanwhile, Mr. H. Holland, M.P./ was nearing Tauranga on the first excursion train. When he arrived lie was greeted with the honour due to the. Leader of the Opposition, and wondered at the cordiality of his reception. . It was not until everyone went into luncheon, that the mistake was discovered. Mr. H. E. Holland’s invitation had been sent to Mr. H. Hoi land. The Prime Minister, it Is said, enjoyed the joke more than anyone, and did not keep it to himself.