Colombo Plan Students' Visit

A party.of 48 English Language Institute students from South East Asia, who are at present attached to Victoria University in Wellington through the Colombo Plan, spent a profitable and enjoyable five days in Gisborae recently.

Billeted out by local families, the visitors were taken on an educational tour of the district organised by the Public Relations Office at the request of the External Affairs Department. The tour included visits to schools and clubs, and a day excursion to the Mangatu area, where they saw demon-strations of farming methods and Maori customs.

Co-in charge of the party was former Gisbornite, Peter Gordon, son of Mrs K. A. Gordon, Childers Road.

A student gazes into the future....with a greater understanding of his neighbours "down under".

Miss Vunnee Kimchoon, of Thailand, "spoke" with her hands....an art practised from childhood. Here she says "I an honoured to meet you".

After lunch at Ulverston, the manager of "the beautiful castle", Mr Gordon Wilkins, points out the view from his front lawn. Others are, from left: Peter Gordon, Francis Ganang, Angela Jopinpin, Karuna Tunkelratana, John Burland (P.R.O.), Mrs Esme Tombleson M.P., Djoko Setiono, Ngayuen Kin Kong, Margaret Raid, and Pairaj Claimukh.

The students listen intently from their seats at the councillors' table in the civic chambers to a welcome address by the Mayor, Mr Barker.

The party had lunch as guests of the Victoria League, after which they performed their national dances, persuading some of their hosts to take part. Pictured is Mrs Jock White dancing with Rudy Tan Han Giok.

Students cheerfully wash dishes after meal

Mrs Reg Cook receives tuition from Peter Gordon

At Mangatu many of the students saw lambs for the first time. (Mangatu pics by Trevor White).

At the Takipu Meeting House members of the party dress in Maori costume for the cameras

Nehe Tu, who cooked the hangi at Takipu Pa, explains the principles of Maori cooking to two visitors.

On the death of the Maori tribal leader, Mr Heta Te Kani, the party paid their respects. Leading them to the Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House are Mr Matu Rangi and Mr Peter Gordon.

Baby says goodbye

Last minute goodbyes from Mr and Mrs John Nicholls.

When the party left, they were bid au revoir by a large crowd of newly made friends
Broken streamers and waving hands as the bus pulls away

Mr Doug Dyer wishes well

Vunnee's beautiful hands say, "Farewell my friends".

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 111 : September 5, 1963

Colombo Plan Students' Visit