British Pathe

Continued from record b. 1954?

At Rotorua Park we see various shots of Maoris performing traditional ritual dances on a field before the Queen as a large crowd watches. The Queen steps up to a platform and is presented with a feathered cloak that is put around her shoulders. Prince Philip receives...

Continued from record b. 1954?

At Rotorua Park we see various shots of Maoris performing traditional ritual dances on a field before the Queen as a large crowd watches. The Queen steps up to a platform and is presented with a feathered cloak that is put around her shoulders. Prince Philip receives a similar mantle. A little white girl who has lost her mother in the crowd wanders onto the royal platform and sits near the feet of the Queen. More shots of Maoris performing different Hakas, including the famous 'Poi' (?) dance where the women rock to the rhythm of a paddling canoe. The Queen walks from the royal stage, accompanied by officials.

Several shots of the red royal train moving along the railway track; brief shot of adults and children cheering and waving streamers, probably at Moose Lodge where the royal couple paid a short visit. The Queen and Prince Philip alight the train at Stratford, and shake hands with the Mayor and his wife (?) at the station. They make their way through the town, past huge crowds of cheering locals. Getting back on the train they wave to the crowds from the rear observation car platform.

L/S of the city of Wellington, capital city of New Zealand. Royal cars move along the street; Maori men run along before them; crowds cheer and wave flags. At Government House we see the Queen and Prince Philip attending a large garden party. Several shots of the royal couple mingling under the gaze of the crowds. Voiceover for this section is by a woman in the character of a guest at the party.

In a hall in Wellington the Queen holds a Royal Investiture, awarding honours to several men while an audience in formal dress looks on. Aerial views of New Zealand coastline, probably across Cook Strait between the North and South island. Several shots of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, and glaciers. Climbers are seen making their way up one of the snowy mountains. Around the area of Marlborough we see men on horses herding flocks of sheep over the green mountains.

Several nice shots of the royal steam train travelling through beautiful countryside. The train stops at a rural station where crowds of people are waiting to cheer the royal couple as they stand on the observation platform. Commentator explains this is one of the whistle-stops along the route, allowing people in small communities to see the Queen.

Various shots of the Queen and Prince Philip arriving at New Zealand's Parliament, where the Queen, in an ornate gown, is about to perform the opening ceremony. Crowds of people and lines of soldiers stand watching outside. More people are present inside the Parliament building as the royal couple take their seats.

Several shots of the listening crowds outside as the Queen's speech is relayed over a tannoy system. She expresses her warm appreciation of being able to travel throughout the country and meet her subjects. M/S of the Queen and Prince Philip on the steps of the Parliament building.

End titles read: "THE END - An Associated British Pathe Production".