The Herald

50 years ago

SALISBURY, 10 August 1967. — The retiring Mayor of Salisbury, Mr F. Gordon Harper, said yesterday that Rhodesia, with representative of many races and nationalities, faces an almost unique challenge to the principle of people living together in understanding and peace. She needs the friendship of all the lands from which her people originate.

He was speaking at the formal election and installation of Mr. I. Pitch as mayor for the year 1967-68. Mr Harper said Rhodesians are a people with a mixed heritage and, if their lives are to be “perfect”, they cannot countenance animosity in any shape or form.

“I am in no way disloyal when I say that in my view nothing can be gained by slating people in other countries, nor by calling them a nitwits.”

In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, Rhodesia has a golden opportunity to prove that “we can hold out the hand of the friendship in the way that God meant we should,” he added.