The Queen's Birthday has had a little more to it this year with the Queen celebrating her 60 years as monarch and the Duke being recognised in the New Zealand honours list alongside many fantastic New Zealanders.
The monarchy is often discussed in New Zealand and I think it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the effect this type of constitutional monarchy has on our democratic system. There can be little doubt that countries governed under the same structure that we have are more settled and have better records of democracy than many others.
It is pretty amazing that two of our monarchs, Queen Victoria and currently Queen Elizabeth II, have reigned for a combined 110 years of our parliamentary democracy. While our priorities as a country will inevitably change, it is worth remembering that our form of democracy has served us well and will continue to do so as long as we protect it.
I well remember the Wanganui Jockey Club racing on the Saturday and Monday of Queen's Birthday weekend. Wanganui was a great place to be during this weekend with the racecourse packed by young and old and the city after hours. This Queen's Birthday saw the Foxton Racing Club run its race meeting at Waverley because of damage to its stands. A Wanganui horse, Marea Alta, trained by Alexander Fieldes won.
One last thing: One of our best known politicians of a generation ago died this week, former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Brian Talboys. He was born, educated and worked for a time in Wanganui before moving to Southland and entering politics.
