THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

THE ARRIVAL. [llY TELEGRATO —PEII PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND. Fell. 22. Auckland was early astir to find leaden skies and rain changed clouds over the city, hut between seven and eight the sun made some show through the haze. Before nine, however, when the Renown came round North Head Laburnum, the rain was falling in heavy showers. Fort Caiitlev battery fired a salute as the battlecruiser came to anchorage in the stream opposite Central and Queen's Wharf.

The Governor-General immediately went out to pay an official call, the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet followed a little after and after formal introductions. Mr Coatu, read the Government address, to which the Duke replied as follows: - "Prime Minister and gentlemen, the Duchess and I sincerely thank you for your address and I will not fail to convey to His Mapesty the King, Ihe sentiments of loyalty to the Throne, which you have just expressed. The day to which we have long been looking forward to has at last arrived, and we shall very soon find ourselves, for the first time, in our lives, on the soil of New Zealand, and able to meet your people in their own country. Nothing could give us more pleasure than, to make the acquaintance of those of whose hospitality and friendship we have heard

si much. For our part we are anxious to learn something of the conditions umler which they live, and the problems they have to face, so that, if any any time, we should he given the opportunity of furthering their interests. we shall he found ready and willing to play our part, ami thus unite still more closely the ties which bind together New' Zealand and the Mother Country We deeply appreciate your welcome and good wishes for the success of our visit to the Dominion, and we feel sure that when we have to leave this beautiful country we shall carry away the- happiest memories of our stay among you."

After a few minutes conversation, the Ministerial party left for the shore and a quarter of an hour later their Highnesses put off in the Royal barge, Roval salutes being paid by tbo ship and saluting buttery in Albert Park. The scene was a very animated one. At tin’s moment the rain had lifted and great numbers of yachts, launches and other small craft were manoeuvring around the warship. On her arrival at the wharf, where a naval guard of honour waited, the party proceeded io a dais inside the main gates, and here an address ol welcome from the Harbour Board was read by the Chairman (Mr 11. R. M"K'

to which the Duke replied hrielly. ’I hen followed the formal presentation of the Mayor and members of the City Council. The Royal party motored to Government House for a brief rest and then proceeded by way<of Anz.ae Avenue. Custom St. and Queen St. to the Tow n I Kill, where a civic reception took place.

Tlie scene in the streets was an animated one. huge crowds cheering the visitors very warmly. The returned soldiers .about live hundred) lined Ihe street from the Harbour gates to Custom Street and the naval party furnished a guard at the Town Hall, intervening portions of the route was roped off. hut no troops were employed in this task. On the arrival of the Duke and Duchess at the Town Hall, the huge crowd which had filled the building for

a long time, rose as Ihe organ pealed forth the National Anthem. The

stage was occupied by the members ol the Cabinet and of Parliament, leading officials and citizens. Samoan ami Conic Islands delegation occupied the front seats in the audience. While the .Ministerial party were on the Renown a light shower fell hut it cleared and .as Their Royalties were going ashore the suit came through the clouds in fitful gleams and the weather gradually improved. THE DI KE’S REPLY. The Duke in reply to the civic address said the Duchess and himself were much touched by the wonder!ul kindness of the welcome received, and were delighted to have the opportunity of meeting the citizens ol Auckland. Continuing, the Duke said he would like on this, his first day in New Zealand. to address a few words not only to the citizens of Auckland, but to tinpeople of the Dominion. The King wished him to assure the people of the proud recollections he and the Queen had of their visit 2(5 years ago. They would never forget those happy days and the loyalty and affectionate welcome accorded them in all ports ol New Zealand they had visited. It was a source of pride, the Duke said, that the Duchess and himself, were following in their footsteps. “ The throne is a great bond of union between till parts of the Empire and I know there are no more loyal people niiywhcic than those of New Zealand, as so nobly shown liv their gallant services and heroic devotion to the war. The Duke added that- lie and the Duchess especially desired to see as mueli as nossihle ol the (-litldre)L in the course ol their tour. His remarks several times evoke-! warm outbursts of applause, especially when earlv in his speech, he made a reference to the visit of the Prince of (Vales. SPECIAL X.Z. NUMBER OF LONDON TIMES” [“ Sydney Sun ” Cables.] (■Received tin's clnv at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, Fell. 21. Li connection with the Duke and Duchess of York visit, the "Times" has published an attractive 32-page number maintaining an admirable standard, literally and nictciriallv. and an exhaustive panorama of every aspect ot New Zealand's activities. Hon .7. G. Coates, in an article, deals with migration and trade. Other contributors are Lord Jellieoe- and General I Godley. Kir Andrew Russell, members of Cabinet, public servants and journalists.

Lord Jellicoe says: ‘‘While New Zealand naval recruits are not as plentiful as desirable, and the percentage of desertions is over large, tbe men are highly intelligent and disciplined and compare favourably with their British comrades. Dominion ■people realise the importance that Singapore should possess a sea base.” General God ley pays a tribute to tbe citzens' forces and war time heroism of New Zealanders and Maoris. He pays a compliment to Sir .T. Allen’s work and praises Mr Coates' war record. He adds: “Tf the military spirit is dormant it is by no means dead.’’