Some Polynesian Delegates

Not Presented To Queen

Delegates from the island Territories of Western Samoa, the Tokelaus, Cook Islands and Niue were grateful to the New Zea lad Government for its hospitality to them during their tour of New Zealand at the time of the Royal Visit. But, although no public statement was made, it is known that they were displeased in regard to the major reason for their visit —to represent their people in paying respects to the Queen.

For reasons best known to the New Zealand Government, only six of the 17 representatives were offici ally presented to Her Majesty. A few others, presumably at the re quest of the Queen, were presented to her during the course of a garden party at Wellington. Others were not presented officially or unofficially. If there was a reason for this it was not explained to the delegates—and they were not amused. Their feelings were supported by members who

mi.b. een . officially presented.

Their view is that as some of the members who were not presented were representing the people of certain islands or districts of their respective Territories, these islands or w& lstr f£ ts were hereby slighted.

Why the entire party could not be presented—it would have taken. not clear another ten minutes—is