30,000 hibiscus blooms for her Majesty
“IAM very happy to return once more to these lovely islands.” Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother said those words in her beautifully clear, low-pitched voice.
Her Majesty was expressing her thanks to the Fijian chiefs and people of Fiji for their moving and spectacular welcome to her on the grounds of Government House during her 1966 visit.
“This is the third time I have visited Fiji and I am very happy to return once more to these lovely islands,” the Queen said in her address.
“I have been greatly touched by the demonstrations of loyalty and affection for the British Crown which has been shown to me both in the town of Lautoka and in the city of Suva.
“My only regret is that time has not permitted me to undertake a more extended visit but I am fortunate in being able to meet so many of the people of Fiji during my brief stay.”
“I shall always watch the progress of Fiji with keen interest, and I shall pray for the happiness and prosperity of all its people. May God’s blessings be with you all.”
During Queen Mother’s visit, The Fiji
Times noted that Suva “was at its gayest”.
“Shops and business premises were bedecked with bunting, flowers and foliage while the city streets were decorated with eye-catching clusters if blooms,” The Fiji Times said.
About 30,000 hibiscus blooms were included in the street decorations.
Many of these had been left on roadsides by Suva residents for collection. They were given in response to an appeal by the Mayor of Suva, Cr C.A.Stinson, to provide flowers to decorate the royal route.
In the Fijian tradition, respected by people of other races, the crowds were mostly silent, but when the Queen Mother arrived at the Civic Centre there was a sudden outward burst of clapping.
While she walked to her waiting limousine, the Queen Mother waved happily and paused for photographers.
Among the thousands of Suva people were the throngs of out-of-town visitors who had travelled miles from outlying areas.
Some had flown to Suva and others made long journeys by road or by launch and canoes.