FOOT NOW BETTER

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 82, 31 December 1934, Page 8

FOOT NOW BETTER

Duke of Gloucester at The Chateau FISHING AT TOKAANU ’Gallops as Preliminary to Marton Races By Telegraph. —Press Association. The Chateau, December 30. With the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s famous mountain resort as a background, and a towering mist enveloping Ruapehu, the Duke of Gloucesterjspent most of to-day In the open air. His foot has now completely recovered, and he was able to wear riding boots for his morning’s outing iu the saddle across country adjacent to the Chateau Tongariro.' During the course of his ride he had a couple of galloiw as a preliminary to the brief training he is to undertake at Huuterville to-morrow in preparation for bis race for the Ladies’ Bracelet at the Marton races on Tuesday. . Three hours of the afternoon wer6 devoted to trout fishing at Tokaanu delta, where, from a dinghy, and fishing with grey fly, his Royal Highness landed four trout under conditions by ao means ideal for fishing, his largest being five pounds. He has arranged to fish at the same spot early to-mor-row morning. • His departure for Mr. T. A. Duncan’s property at Hunterrille is timed for 3.36 o’clock on Monday afternoon. He will stay the night at Mr. Duncan’s, and will proceed to the Marton races the following ingAlthough rain has fallen in the surrounding districts, the weather has remained fine at each place the Duke of Gloucester has visited. Conditions at the Chateau Tongariro to-day were pleasant and the atmosphere bracing,as the Prince found at 8.30 o’clock tonight on returning to Tokaanu. where the heat in the afternoon had been intense. The Chateau is in holiday mood, with the Duke naturally the centre of attention, although his preference for the open ai r has practically confined his presence at the Chateau to meal times. , Tauniarunui’s Welcome. The popularity the Duke of Gloucester has won litis not been better exemplified in New Zealand than by the impromptu welcome given him during the brief stop of the Royal train in the sawmilling district of Taumarunui ou Saturday night. • Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour —9.30 p.m.—nearly a thousand people crowded the station approaches. Among the number there were perhaps 300 children drawn from nil parts of the district, with ardent faces alight at the prospect of seeing the King’s son. The excitement reached its zenith when the Duke, preceded by his Australian terriers, Sally and Digger, appeared on the well-lighted platform and walked the length of it. Shrill, isolated cheers from the darkness had pierced the air as the train rushed through the smaller stations, but, Tauinartniui’s acclamation was both concerted and deafening. It was a big moment for the wide-eyed children when his Royal Highness waved iu acknowledgment, and to one group said, smiling, “Thank you.” They had seen the Prince and were satisfied. ■ Tlie demonstration was not confined to juveniles, adults also expressing, their good wishes vociferously. A mighty cheer followed the departure of the Royal train. RETURN SOUTHWARD Departure From Auckland By Telegraph—Press Association. Hamilton, December 29. Still limping slightly and wearing a leather slipper, but otherwise in the best of spirits, the Duke of Gloucester boarded the Rojal train at Auckland at 10.45 a.m., en route to Hamilton, Cambridge, and the Chateau Tongariro. A large crowd lined the route from Government House to the railway station to express by wave and cheer the city’s message to the Royal visitor of bon voyage. Before the train departed his Royal Highness had a few words outside bis carriage with the Mayor, Mr. G. W. ■Hutchison. Lunch was taken on the moving train. In Hamilton, which was gaily decorated, the Prince and his retinue arrived about 1.15 p.m. to receive a welcome as enthusiastic and as warmhearted for the size of the place as any lie has received. The Waikato was en fete for the event, and although the stay of the Royal party was brief, thousands who had congregated to see the King’s third son had more than a 'glimpse of him. The children’s gathering was particularly impressive. Replying to the civic welcome, his Royal Highness said their Majesties often spoke of the beautips of New Zealand and the affectionate welcomes given them. To him it had been a pleasure to visit so important and historic a district as Hamilton. From Hamiltoh the Duke of Gloucester motored to the Ruakura State farm, where lie was conducted on a quarter of an hour’s inspection. The Duke later visited Cambridge. He is the first member of the Royal Family to visit that town. WANGANUI PREPARES Big Children’s Welcome Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, December 30. Preparations for the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to Wanganui are complete. He will stop here only two hours ou Thursday, during which time he will inspect one of the largest parades of school children ever got together in the city. Some 600 will arrive by trains from outlying centres and there will be an exceptionally large contingent, from the city itself. UNABLE TO PLAY POLO Quiet Outing on Horseback By Telegraph.—Press Association. Te Kuiti, December 29. The Duke of Gloucester was unable to play polo at Cambridge this afternoon. but went for a quiet hour’s ride in country lanes amid settings reminiscent of the country of Old England. His appearance in a shirt with

an open neck and corduroy slacks greatly appealed to the crowd, who gave him an ovation on his return to the polo course. His Royal Highness rejoined the Royal train at Ohaupo at 5.30 p.m. and dined aboard. Running to the minute, the train reached National Park shortly before 11 p.m. The party proceeded to the Chateau Tongariro. The passage of the Royal train from Auckland to Hamilton, and from Ohaupo to National Park aroused considerable interest, each station along the route having a quota of people, some with flags and others with their hands waving greetings to the Duke PALMERSTON VISIT Arrangements Complete Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, December 30. Arrangements have been completed at file band rotunda in the Square for the reception of the Duke of Gloucester next Friday. .Steps have been constructed on the south-eastern side of the rotunda and additional seating accommodation will be provided on the day of the Duke’s visit. Several members of Parliament and Ministers of the Crown will be present. WILL PLANT TREE Ceremony For Masterton Dominion Special Service. Masterton,. December 30. During his visit to Masterton on January 4, the Duke of Gloucester will plant an English oak in the park. For this purpose he will be presented with a silver trowel, suitably inscribed. The trowel will be encased in a handsome casket of New Zealand woods, made by Mr. H. 11. Hollow, woodwork instructor at the Masterton Technical School. The casket is an excellent piece of work embodying several beautiful New Zealand woods. The handle of the trowel has. been made by Mr. A. J. Drew, also of the Technical School, and it too is a fine bit of workmanship, the wood used being honeysuckle. It is noteworthy that two English oak trees have previously been planted in the park by Royal visitors, one by the Prince of Waite and the other by the Duke of York. NOT SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS By Telegraph.—Press Association Tlie Chateau, December 30. The public arc reminded that the Duke of Gloucester is not accepting invitations to autograph during his New Zealand tour. Before the tour was undertaken it was realised that compliance with the wishes of autograpl hunters was practically a physical impossibility, since the invitations would soar into hundreds. Accordingly it was decided at the outset that it was not practicable to consider any autograph applications.