Film: the royals on the West Coast, 1954

Film clip: the royals on the West Coast

Still shots and description

The royal aeroplane lands in Westport. Scenes of crowds welcoming the royal couple. Then we cut to scenes of the royal train leaving for Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass.

Commentary:

‘Main outlet for the Buller coalfields, Westport gives a real mining community welcome. There they are for everyone to see, bless ’em. At every wayside station the children wait in loyalty and excitement. The Queen is journeying from the West Coast to Canterbury, right across [the] South Island - a magic carpet for every watching child.