Messages from the Mayor and the Member for Gisborne to readers of "Photo News"

This issue of the increasingly-popular "Photo News" provides impressive evidence of the growth of the City of Gisborne and the attractions of the surrounding district. The progress that has been made in a relatively short space of time is testimony to the natural wealth of the district and to the initiative and enterprise of its citizens.

The future holds even greater promise. The scope for further development is restricted only by the vision and determination of the people. Given a desire for progress and direction of it in wise hands, there is no limit to what can be achieved by this and future generations.

This holiday season Gisborne is providing a greater variety of attractions than ever before. I trust that these will add to the enjoyment of our own people and of the many visitors who will be in our midst. To our visitors and our own citizens alike, I extend the season's greetings and the wish that the New Year and the years to come may bring them increasing prosperity.

The rapid growth of our town, which has been at a higher tempo over the past few years, has meant that we have reached city status much earlier than many would have been bold enough to predict not long ago.

On this occasion, when we are celebrating our elevation to city status, our thoughts go to those who were the pioneers of the heritage that we now enjoy.

May I take this opportunity of paying my tribute to those who have had the responsibility of guiding the destinies of our newly-proclaimed city over the years. The proof of the confidence they had in their town is now abundantly evident.

Our high standard of citizenship, so amply demonstrated in many spheres since Gisborne was founded, will make it possible that there will be even greater opportunities for advancement in the future. Our natural assets can, and must be, fully developed to ensure the well-being of all.

I am convinced that the publication, "Gisborne Photo News," has done a splendid job in placing before us in attractive picture form so many features of our city and its people, and I do hope that this special issue will receive the widespread support that it merits.