RENOWN AT SUVA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 57, 18 February 1927, Page 6

RENOWN AT SUVA

GREAT WELCOME TO ROYALTY. PRESENTATION OF ADDRESSES. Suva, Feb. J. 7. Punctual, as esual, the Renown anchored in the picturesque harbour of Suva at two this afternoon escorted thereto by three or four typical Sydney dinghies, motor boats and the whole fleet of native catamarans, then brown mat sails swelling to a favouring breeze and the crews waving and cheering in emulation of the Europeans aboard more civilised craft From the sea Suva was looking most attractive rising from the harbour, with red roofs peeping above tropical foliage. In the harbour ships were dressed for the occasion, but the Renown neither dressed ship nor salutefl moving to the anchorage with the same effortless expedition as ever. As soon as she anchored the Governor, Sir Eyre Hutson, and the Colonial Secretary. Mr. Seymour, went on board and were received with a full guard and all due formality, the Earl of Cavan welcoming them on behalf of the Duke of York.

The Duke and Duchess of York landed at three o’clock and received a tumultuous welcome from crowds gathered on the wharf where the landing stage was placed The Royal visitors were received by the Governor, Mayor, Chief Justice, members of the Executive Council and the! dignitaries, and proceeded to Government House to inspect school children and . thereafter to a civic reception at the Town Hall, afternoon tea. a native reception and the presentation of addresses at Albert Park. A NATIVE ADDRESS. The native address expressed thanks tor the visit of a Royal representative of a mighty nation. They were especially grateful to the visitors tor turning aside to view the small islands. The visit would remain a living memory, as were the visits >f the King and the Prince of Wales. They were grut<>ul fot the presence of the Duchess as a representative of Scotland, which had given Fiji many sons to govern and lead Thev were pleased to see the Renown again, as a symbol of the invincible neet guard ing the Empire and ensuring peace They gave an assurance that the form of Government established by Britain after the cession of the islands was deeply appreciated, the benign rule preserving their interests and privileges and. increasing their knowledge and wealth They prayed the Duke of York to convey to the King their assurance of unswerving loyalty and thanks for his sympathetic government. They prayer fot the prosperity, happiness and long life of the Duke and Duchess of York . .The Duke of York expressed thanks on behalf of the Duchess and himself, and said tie would uot fail to convey to his father the message of loyalty and gratitude. The Duchess had Been especially touched by the reference to Scotland, He rejoiced to hear that memories of’the visits of the King and the -Prince of Wales were still fresh. They had told oi happy riin-s spent in Fiji Snd the loyal rec< >i. The welfare of native subjects in all the dominions was evei near the heart of the King and all the King's house. • '‘Continue to work with hose the King sets ovei you guard your interests and all will be well for von and youi descendants. I pray you will continue to flourish and prosper. The municipality tendered a welcome to the Duke and Duchess at York, with an assurance of loyalty It referred tp the King’s visit in 1881 and the Prince of Wales in 1920. and acknowledged the further honour of the Duke and Duchess of Y’ork's isit to the colony, of which they hoped they would carry awav happy recol lections.

DUKE’S APPRECIATION

The Duke of York, replying, sincerely thanked the municipality for its expressions of loyalty. He deeply appreciated the welcome and said it was a pleasure to renew personal ues of friendship established in the past by his fathei and brother, who retain the happiest memories of the times spent in Fiji. “We are looking for ward to repeating the delightful experiences and feel that such a visit will hot fail to knit closer the oonds between the Mother Country and distant portions of the Empire, which are not forgotten at Home. fVe realise to the full that the Empire is our greatest heritage, infinitely precious, which we hold in trust from our forefathers for oui children. We know, too, if we are to keep that heritage it is our duty to learn and understand and help each other Then, united under one flag owing to allegiance to one sovereign, we may, by co-operating prove worthy of the great trust handed down to us.” He concluded by cordially wishing happiness and prosperity to all—(A. and S.Z.)