LONDON RECEPTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 February 1940, Page 5

LONDON RECEPTION

CELEBRATION OF DOMINION’S CENTENNIAL GATHERING AT MANSION HOUSE. KING AND QUEEN PRESENT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m. ) LONDON. February 6. Their Majesties, the King and Queen visited the City of London for the first time after the outbreak of war when they attended the Lord Mayor's reception at Mansion House in celebration of the New Zealand Centennial. The King, wearing an admiral’s uniform, inspected the guard of honour of 50 members of the New Zealand anti-tank corps, under Major S. C. Duff. New Zealanders serving in all forces were especially invited including the New Zealand flight under Wing-Comm'andcr M. W. Buckley and women volunteers, who included Miss Stella Murray, serving in the auxiliary fire service.

Mr W. J. Jordan received their Majesties with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. Their Majesties, after various presentations, including Jack Lovelock, traversed the Egyptian Hall and talked to acquaintances. They spoke to a sailor who recently arrived 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, a niece of the Lady Mayoress. The guests included Mr and Mrs Anthony Eden, Mesdames Chamberlain and Freyberg. Lord Nuffield, the High Commissioners and AgentsGeneral.

Their Majesties took tea before returning to Buckingham Palace. The Queen, in 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 Jordan about the women's war fund, and learned that they had presented gifts to New Zealanders serving in Britain and were concentrating on hospital work. Mr Jordan acknowledged recognition of the historic occasion by the Lord Mayor who said: “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. The Rev W. Wilson Cash referred to the influence of religion in the making of a great Dominion. He added that the Empire would continue to be strong only while its people were free and no race was kept forcibly within the Commonwealth.