Blenheim-Christchurch (16-22 Jan 1954)

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Map of route - click for enlargement

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Saturday, January 16

A.M.� By car to Wellington to Paraparaumu airport.� By plane R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Woodbourne and car to Blenheim � public welcome.

A Blenheim family play cards while they wait for the Queen
(click on image for more detail)

P.M.� By car to Woodbourne and plane to Nelson � civic reception.

[ Girl describes presenting flowers to Queen at Nelson ] [ transcript ]*

Sunday, January 17

A.M.� Divine Service, Nelson Cathedral.

A huge crown at Nelson Cathedral dwarfs the Royal Couple
(click for more detail)

' I was 11years old and the Queen and Duke were driving down High Street in Greymouth. The crowds were very thick and I wiggled to the front just as their car was passing, the Queen smiled at me and I was hooked. An instant avid royalist. I then ran alonside the car for about half a mile at which time the Duke of Edinburgh looked across and said, "If you run much further, you will burst". Well I was just totally blown away. That evening practically the entire population was gathered outside Revington's Hotel where the Royal couple were staying, calling "We want the Queen". Then as soon as everything went quiet this little eleven year old stood and yelled at the top of her voice. "I want the Duke". The Royal Couple came out onto the balcony and waved and the crowd went wild, especially me - I was totally convinced the Duke only came out because I called for him to do so.'
Pat Jamieson

P.M.� By plane, Nelson to Westport � public welcome and Hokitika.� By car to Greymouth.

[ film clip of royal visit to West Coast (2.07mb) - lower quality version (753kb). About this film ]

'In preparation for the Royal Visit only the left-side of the 25-mile roadway was re-sealed between Hokitika and Greymouth; for some years later known locally as "Lizzie's side".'
Bev Huston

Monday, January 18

A.M.� Civic reception, Greymouth.� By train via Otira for Darfield � public welcome, and Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH

[ Hear sound file of Queen's welcome in Christchurch ]* [ transcript ]

[ film clip of arrival in Christchurch (2mb) - lower quality version (707kb). About this film ]

Tuesday, January 19

A.M.� Civic reception, Cathedral Square, Christchurch.� Christchurch Hospital.

P.M.� Ceremonial drive.� Disabled Servicemen�s Training Centre � Evensong, Christchurch Cathedral.� Civic dinner.

Wednesday, January 20

A.M.� Factory of Lane Walker Rudkin, Ltd.

P.M.� H.R.H. address and luncheon with Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.� Investiture, Civic Theatre.� Civic garden party.

Thursday, January 21

A.M.-P.M.� New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, Addington.

Friday, January 22

A.M.� By car to military camp, Burnham, and Ashburton.

P.M.� Public welcome, Ashburton.� By car to Longbeach.

* Sound recordings from a radio documentary made a year after the Queen's arrival in New Zealand, 'Royal Visit Highlights 1953-54', ref D 548/3-5.
Provided by Sound Archives/Nga Taonga Korero,
Copyright © Radio New Zealand

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