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New Zealand: The Northland

Story and Photos by Peter Cummins

For the readers of the Pattaya Mail, this week’s story on New Zealand’s Northland presents good news and bad news: the good news is that this is the last story in the four-part series; the bad news is that it is the longest! But read on...and on (Thai-tanic style)!

After this dreadful introduction, Peter Cummins looks at a few of New Zealand’s achievements and describes some of the exquisite areas of the Northland, including the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi National Reserve - the birthplace of the nation. He recently visited the country, courtesy of the New Zealand Tourism Board and Air New Zealand.

New Zealand: Land Of Surprises

With a population of under four million and some 42.5 million sheep, New Zealand’s image to the outside world has been one of a conservative nation - sitting out on the periphery of the world - a meticulously clean, green “coin du monde”, as the French would say it so neatly.

Asians excelled at the shearing exercise

That is still basically true to most of the world. But to the ever-increasing number of tourists, New Zealand is the new frontier of adventure, sport, breath-taking scenery and a magnificent, unspoiled environment.

On the world stage, who would know that New Zealander Richard Pearse took the world’s first flying machine aloft - two years before the better-known Wright Brothers were air-borne in 1904?

Everyone knows that Sir Edmond Hillary was the first person to conquer the - up to that time, 1953 - insurmountable Mount Everest; but would anyone know that New Zealander Baron Ernest Rutherford split the atom in 1919 - some 25 years before the technology reached European war-mongers? He also succeeded in detecting and transmitting ‘wireless’ waves a year before Marconi (ca. 1900).

New Zealand broke the United States’ hold on the longest-standing sporting record - the America’s Cup - thrashing the mighty Americans in San Diego in 1995 and humiliating the not-so-mighty Italians this year at Auckland.

A Maori war canoe on display at Waitangi National Reserve

New Zealand, in 1893, was the first country to give women the franchise (not all men were too happy about that - and many still are unhappy), and the first country to introduce the eight-hour working day (EVERYONE was happy about that!).

And, as you fasten your jacket with velcro tabs, to board an Air New Zealand flight bound for the new ‘adventure-land’, be reminded that a New Zealander invented the tear-back velcro strip, used to fasten a huge range of items - from running shoes and boat-fittings to watches and art gallery exhibits - around the world.

The Northland

Some 250 km due north of Auckland, along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, a well-surfaced and most scenic route, is the marvellous Bay of Islands - certainly one of New Zealand’s show places.

On the way, as one finds all over New Zealand, are several places of historic, cultural and, always, of scenic interest. Close to the Bay of Islands is the birthplace of the nation, the Waitangi National Reserve.

This splendidly laid-out natural park is, indeed, a walkway through the country’s by-ways of history, from the early Polynesians of a millennium ago, up to the arrival of the European some 800 years later. The Bay of Islands, in fact, was a focus of the South Pacific whaling industry, with the town now known as Russell as the centre. The introduction of muskets, as a major item of trade and barter, was the catalyst for the many conflicts which broke out.

At “Sheepworld”, a hands-on experience

The Treaty of Waitangi, finally signed by more than 500 Maori chieftains, was enshrined on 21 May, 1840. All the artefacts have been preserved in superb condition and even the massive Maori War Canoe which used to carry up to 80 warriors is on display, re-launched each year, to commemorate the anniversary of Waitangi.

The beauty of this 500-hectare reserve is not only a monument to New Zealand history, but it is also a tribute to one of the world’s cleanest, greenest countries. The park and its environs are immaculate - so much so that I felt like suppressing a sneeze which crept up on me!

The Cream Trip, which leaves from the lovely little seaside town of Paihia, is a journey into Nature’s own “swimming pool”, as our craft moved among a huge number of islands, calling at many for mail deliveries and supplies on what used to be a “dairy run”. All through the shimmering gulf we were accompanied by schools of dolphins, innumerable sea birds and many other manifestations of unfettered Nature at her best.

Paihia itself, in spite of its smallness, is remarkably cosmopolitan, with many good restaurants, bars and coffee shops, all in walking distance along the seafront.

A stay at the Abri Apartments in Paihia was like living in a “tree-house”. After so many years surviving in some of the world’s most clamorous cities like New York and Bangkok, the peace, quiet and tranquillity of this beautifully appointed unit (only two), was overwhelming. As one local resident said it so well, “the silence here is deafening”.

A meal at the “Only Seafood Restaurant”, with certainly the best seafood I have ever tasted, was well complimented with a crisp, clean Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Thank you New Zealand Tourism Board and Air New Zealand for a return to life the way it should be!

Back on the road to Auckland there was time for a stop at “Sheepworld”. On the way there, as fate would have it, the radio on my Budget Rental car (which I am most happy to report, by company policy, had removed cigarette lighter and ash tray, with a rather forceful strip sealing the gap thus created), had a newscast which went something like this: “Due to a shrinking market for lamb and wool, the sheep population of New Zealand is down to 42.5 million. (That is still about 11 sheep for every man, woman and child in the country.)

The announcer pointed out that this latest count had taken years to complete because, every time a census-taker was sent out to count sheep, he or she inevitable fell asleep!

The visit to “Sheepworld” was, again, another great experience, with the Asians in the group excelling at the “hands-on” shearing operation.

Then, it was back to Auckland, for the end of this New Zealand odyssey and fly back to grubby, noisy Bangkok.

So, Pattaya Mail readers can now relax, for this is the last of the New Zealand epics which have been featured over the past month. But be forewarned, this special Mail correspondent has not yet been to the South Island!

With the Thai Baht hovering around 17-18 to the New Zealand dollar, there could hardly be a better time to “Go South” than now.

Going There

Visiting New Zealand is definitely an “other-worldly” experience and it is a country I would thoroughly recommend. There are excellent air, rail and road connections from New Zealand’s main cities, particularly Auckland, to all parts of the North and South Islands.

Air New Zealand is a member of the Star Alliance and thus is well connected to and from New Zealand and all other major destinations. All enquiries regarding flights, packages and connections should be addressed to Air New Zealand, Sindhorn Bldg., Tower 3, 30-32 Wireless Road (SET Building), Bangkok 10330. Tel (662) 254-8440-9; fax 253-1296-99.

Any enquiries about a New Zealand holiday should be directed to: The New Zealand Tourism Board, 9th Fl., ITF Tower, 140/11 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel. (02) 634-3001-2; (02) 634-3284; fax (02) 634-3004; E-mail [email protected]

Canadians the world over celebrate Canada Day

Background of Canada’s National Day

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st 1867.

Wells Gray Provincial Park

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.

There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.

The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies

Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada’s national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.

Another highlight was Canada’s Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being the backdrop for a large scale official ceremony.

Queen Charlotte Islands

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name “Festival Canada”, was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

Ellesmere Island the world’s most northern national park

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada’s Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. “Seed money” was distributed to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as “Dominion Day” became “Canada Day”.

Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

Canada - Thailand Relations

Courtesy of the Canadian Embassy

Political

Canada’s relations with Thailand date from the Colombo Plan in the 1950’s. Over the years, Canada’s interest in the region has broadened and relations with Thailand now include a full range of activities: political, economic, commercial and development cooperation.

In 1988, Canada and Thailand signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement creating a Bilateral Economic Commission, which was renewed in 1993.

Canada’s acceptance of over 37,000 Indochinese refugees from camps in Thailand also contributed to bringing the two countries closer together.

Canada and Thailand are members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the principal vehicle for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Canada is an active Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Thailand is a member. Canada and Thailand also participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which discusses regional security issues.

Commercial Relations

Prime Minister Chr้tien led a Team Canada mission to Thailand in January 1997, which resulted in over $1 billion in commercial deals. The intervening financial crisis has deferred some of the Team Canada contracts.

Total bilateral trade between Canada and Thailand in 1997 was $1.6 billion, of which $1.2 was Thai exports to Canada, while $466 million was Canadian exports. In 1998, Canadian exports to Thailand were down by 38% over 1997, to $286.9 million, due to the financial crisis and the resulting depreciation of the baht. In 1999, bilateral trade totalled $1.8 billion. Canadian exports to Thailand declined slightly in 1999, by 1%. Thai imports to Canada totalled over $1.5 billion last year, an increase of 18% from 1998.

In June 1998, Canada agreed to extend a US$500 million line of credit to Thailand as a “second line of defence” in financial support as part of an IMF assistance package to Thailand responding to the financial crisis.

Development Cooperation

The Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) programs in Thailand focus on child labour, private sector development (through the Industrial Cooperation Program), and sustainable development.

CIDA’s support also contributes to trade and investment objectives by highlighting Canadian expertise, technology and services through technical assistance and training programs. Projects in remote sensing, telecommunications, natural resources and the environment, for example, have contributed to commercial deals for Canadian companies.

Canada has also provided support for Burmese refugees, giving $752,000 in direct food aid, $6 million through the World Food Program, $8 million in various forms of humanitarian assistance, $195,000 for small-scale development initiatives and $500,000 for peace building activities.

Brief History of American relations with Thailand

Courtesy of the US Embassy, Bangkok

1821 First American ship reaches Bangkok.

1831 June First American missionary, David Abeel, arrives in Siam.

1833 March 18 H.M. King Nang Klao (Rama III) grants audience to American envoy Edmund Roberts. March 20 Siam and U.S. sign Treaty of Amity and Commerce in Bangkok.

1835 June Rev. Dr. Dan Beach Bradley arrives in Siam with Thai printing press and type from Singapore.

1844 July 4 Dr. Dan Bradley begins publishing The Bangkok Recorder, the first newspaper in Siam.

1850 April Joseph Balestier heads second American mission to Siam.

1856 May U.S. appoints first Consul to Siam, the Rev. Stephen Mattoon. May 29 Siam signs Harris Treaty with U.S.; agrees to impose no restraint on trade and concedes to extraterritoriality.

1861 February 14 H.M King Mongkut writes to President James Buchanan offering elephants; receives reply from President Abraham Lincoln a year later.

1866 Harris Treaty terms revised; shipping regulations modified.

1879 April Former President Ulysses S. Grant visits Siam.

1881 June U.S. appoints John A. Halderman as first American envoy to Siam with title of Consul-General. Siam appoints Prince Prisdang Jumsai first Minister to the U.S., residing in London.

1884 May 6 Prince Nares Warariddhi, Chief of the Siamese Mission to the U.S., presents his credentials to President Chester A. Arthur.

1894 Standard Oil Company of New York (Socony) opens a branch office in Bangkok.

1902 Crown Prince Vajiravudh, later King Rama VI, visits the United States.

1903 Siam appoints first American, Edward H. Strobel, as General Advisor.

1920 December 16 Siam-U.S. Treaty and Protocol abolishes extraterritoriality for American subjects, eases trade, promises protection of copyrights and patents.

1923 Frances B. Sayre becomes Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1926 Siam concludes treaties with European countries along lines of the 1920 Siam-U.S. Treaty and Protocol.

1927 December 5 H.R.H. Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej is born at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1931 April Their Majesties King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni visit the United States.

1937 U.S. and Siam sign Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation.

1938 Siam officially changes name to Thailand.

1941 December 8 Japanese troops enter Thailand following Japanese declaration of war on the U.S. and Britain.

1942 January Prime Minister Field Marshal Pibulsonggram declares war on the U.S. Thai Minister in Washington M.R. Seni Pramoj announces that his legation is independent of the Pibul government; the U.S. refuses to recognize the declaration of war.

1945 August 14 Japan surrenders. August 21 U.S. Secretary of State James Byrnes accepts Thailand’s Peace Proclamation.

1946 June Edwin F. Stanton, first U.S. envoy with rank of Ambassador to Thailand, arrives in Bangkok. December 15 The U.N. General Assembly accepts Thailand as a member of the United Nations.

1948 Jim Thompson founds the Thai Silk Company.

1950 July 1 Thai-U.S. Educational and Cultural Exchange Agreement signed. September 19 Thai-U.S. Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed. October Thai-U.S. Military Assistance Agreement signed.

1954 Thailand and the US join other signatories of the Manila Pact to form the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO).

1956 American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand founded.

1958 July 10 First section of “Friendship Highway” built with US aid, shortens Bangkok-Korat drive by 150 kilometers.

1960 June Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit visit the United States, accompanied by their four children.

1961 March President John F Kennedy dispatches a 500-man Marine helicopter detachment to Udorn. March The American Field Service starts exchanges of American and Thai high school students. Mitraparb Education Foundation established.

1962 January First American Peace Corps Volunteers arrive in Thailand March 6 Rusk-Thanat Joint Statement signed in Washington pledging US support for Thailand’s defense.

1964 First US military forces are based in Thailand.

1966 May 8 US and Thailand conclude a new Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations. October President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson visit Bangkok.

1967 June Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit visit the United States a second time.

1969 July President Richard M. Nixon visits Bangkok.

1971 October 14 California Governor Ronald Reagan visits Bangkok as President Nixon’s representative.

1975 March 15 Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj asks the US to withdraw all troops from Thailand.

1976 July 20 The United States completes its military withdrawal from Thailand.

1979 November U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter visits Thailand to assess refugee situation.

1980 February-July Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn receives army training in the United States.

1982 June Thailand and US stage their first annual Cobra Gold joint military exercise.

1983 March 20 While receiving air force training in the US, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn represents Thailand in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first US Siam treaty.

1984 April 13 US and Thailand sign Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology.

1985 March 5-27 Queen Sirikit visits US, opens SUPPORT exhibits, receives award from the Save the Children Fund.

Richad E. Hecklinger

U.S. Ambassador To Thailand

Ambassador Hecklinger arrived in Thailand in February 1999. He has been a career diplomat for over thirty years, and has held a number of senior level positions in the U.S. Department of State, primarily in the area of international economic policy. He was educated at Harvard Law School, John Hopkins School of International Studies, and St. Lawrence University. His wife, Carol Pratt Hecklinger, has also worked for the Department of State, where she was responsible for refugee admissions and resettlement.

America celebrates 224th Independence Day - 4th of July

Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England’s King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as “Taxation without Representation” as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.

In April 1775 as the King’s troops advanced on Concord Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that “The British are coming, the British are coming” as he rode his horse through the late night streets. The battle of Concord and its “shot heard round the world” would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies’ war for independence.

The Liberty Bell, with its inscription - Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof

The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.

By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 - Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained.

To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name “with a great flourish” so “King George can read that without spectacles!”

The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The “Province Bell” would later be renamed “Liberty Bell” after it’s inscription - Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.

And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4, 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.

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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.