"Indians' Ancient Bible Signed Again by Queen"

Brantford, July 2 - The Six Nations Indians' treasured Queen Anne Bible became even more valued as a historical possession here today when it was signed by a later Queen - Elizabeth II.

The Queen signed the old Bible, presented to the Six Nations by Queen Anne in 1712, during a 20-minute visit to Brantford. But it was not the first time she had signed it. Her signature as Princess Elizabeth was signed during the 1951 Royal tour and the Queen remembered it today.

"This looks like the book I signed eight years ago," the Queen told E. P. Garlow, chief councillor of the Mohawk Six Nations Indian Council.

"Yes, your Majesty, it is." Chief Garlow said.

"How nice," replied the Queen. She looked closely at the old Bible as Chief Garlow thumbed the pages for her.

Queen Anne presented the Bible to the Six Nations to commemorate a visit of several chiefs to the court in 1710. When the Mohawks came to Canada during the American revolution they brought the Bible with them.

Chief Garlow wore a "Glen Check suit for the ceremony, explaining. "It's too hot for feathers," but Councillor Walter Lickers, who also met the Queen, wore full tribal regalia.

More than 5,000 persons crowded around the CNR station here to greet the Queen.

Photographers, riding in the forward part of the train, had to sprint about 10 car lengths down the platform to get pictures of the Queen as she stepped from the rear observation platform.

She was introduced by Health Minister Monteith to Mayor Lloyd Hogarth. The mayor escorted the Queen down a crimson-carpeted gangway flanked by bleachers seating crippled children and handicapped adults, war veterans and Brantford's senior citizens.

During the brief welcoming ceremony, the Queen received a bouquet of flowers from Mary Kathleen Pearson, 6, daughter of Constable Arthur F. Pearson of the provincial police detachment here.

Police said that 40,000 persons lined the route of a 10-minute drive through city streets. Brantford business and industry shut down from noon until 3 p.m.