ROYAL VISITOR

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 91, 11 January 1935, Page 10

ROYAL VISITOR

’ Enthusiastic Welcome to Dunedin

WAYSIDE TRIBUTES Treat For Children at Health Camp By Telegraph—Press Association. Hunedin,' January 10. All the magnificent receptions given the Duke of Gloucester tln-oughout his triumphal tour ot New Zealand were proved to-night to lie but a footstool to the throne of welcome accorded his Royal Highness by Dunedin. In a soul-stir-ring spectacle the Edinburgh of the south greeted its Royal visitor with widely open arms and an acclamation which will leave its imprint on the city’s history. thousands upon thousands of people lined the city streets, and round the Octagon little was visible beyond a tightly-packed mass of human figures, cheering without restraint between the folds of a mammoth curtain made by hundreds of small fluttering Union Jacks. The scene was a remarkable one of concentrated humanity, divided only by sections of the Octagon, but united in a tumultuous expression of cordiality to the King’s third son. The general effect was enhanced by the arrangement whereby the bands were stationed at intervals along the processional ~ route, so that the instrumental as well as the vocal,welcome was preserved in an unbroken chain from the station exit to the central dais. ' The Duke was given a memorable ovation which was repeated when he rose t/> reply to the civic address and express his gratitude for the city’s solicitous references to his Royal father’s illness, and to say howpleased he was to come to Dunedin, where, to use his own words, the Scottish race, with its great traditions, is happily so prominent. Presbyterian Greetings. In .addition to a civic address the Duke received written greetings from the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. “Their Majesties and I are well aware of, and gratefully appreciate, the leadership and guidance given by your church,” he said in reply. “We fully realise the prominent part it has taken from fhe / earliest days in the spiritual direction' of this city, and devoutly hope the church will be blessed in its continued efforts for the welfare of its people in New Zealand.” Harmonising with the city’s vast assemblage was a record parade of exservicemen, between 1500 and 2000 of whom were in attendance. Memories of darker days were revived as former soldiers in formation marched to the Queen’s Gardens, where there was to be ' enacted a spectacle as inspiring as it was significant. Moving slowly through an avenue of cheering adults and children the Duke of Gloucester, who was in the uniform of a colonel of the Tenth Hussars, left his open car to place a wreath at the base of the war memorial. Inspection of Band. A full trumpet and drum band played the Royal salute, and while his Royal Highness stood at the salute after depositing his wreath, it played ' the “Last Post” with timed drumbeats resembling the sound of sharp gunfire. The playing of the reveille was equally as impressive. For the first time during his tour the Duke inspected the band, an honour which, on this occasion, was 11’011 merited. He then commenced an inspection of the returned soldiers whose double ranks made a complete circle of the gardens, in which the memorial stands. Typical Digger cheers wera given for the Prince as saluting he re- . entered the car and rode to his hotel, in front of which another huge crowd had assembled. It remained patiently for the Duke’s reappearance half an hour later for a visit to the squash rackets club. The train journey .from Oamaru to Dunedin was notable for innumerable wayside greetings. At the direction of his Royal. Highness the train slowed down passing Waikouaiti station s» he could show himself to the members of the children’s health camp, to the great delight of the youngsters. Large quantities of nuts and oranges were distributed from the windows of the Royal kitchen. Before dinner the Duke visited the

Fernhill Club, and had an hour on the squash racket course, playing expertly, * and showing excellent knowledge of courtcraft. He officially opened the Club’s new court, and called at the Otago Officers’ Club and chatted with members. From nine to eleven lie was present at a civic At Home at the Town Hall, and before retiring took Digger and Sally for a quiet walk. CORDIAL RECEPTIONS Timaru and Oamaru Visits By ’Telegraph.—Press Association. Timaru, January 10. After an uneventful train journey across the island through the Otira tunnel, the Duke of Gloucester arrived at Timaru at 16 a.m., and received another warm-hearted welcome. Fully 8000 people lined the main streets through which the Royal procession made a circular ' tour, and several thousands more narticipated in a reception at Timaru Park. Amid an impressive silence his Royal Highness deposited a wreath of remembrance at the base of the South Canterbury war memorial, and after inspecting a big parade of ex-service-men, opened, to the accompaniment of deafening cheering, the new entrance gates of the park which bear the name Gloucester Gates in honour of the occasion. The Duke accepted a silver key with which the opening ceremony was performed. rt l have been received everywhere with the same cordiality,” said the Prince, in acknowledging Timaru’s welcome. “I am pleased to think that my visit will help to bring the peoples of New Zealand and the Homeland even closer together.” The weather is still flue, and Timaru, with its crowded, gaily-decorated streets and park, presented an attractive picture.

The Royal train left at 11.15 a.m. for Oamaru. The welcome given to the Duke of Gloucester on his arrival in Oamaru was held in the beautiful gardens. adults vying with the juvenile population in enthusiasm and flagw awing. “1 am glad to follow members of my family who have visited New Zealand, and I have pleasure in meeting its people in such charming surround-

lugs.” said the Duke, replying to the civic address. “I welcome your belief that my visit will inspire greater devotion to the Empire.” The Duke left later for Dunedin.