THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL TOUR

[by telegraph—per tress association.] AT HA WEB A. HAAVERA, March 3. Although light rain fell during the morning the weather was fine, though threatening. AYhen the Royal train arrived the visitors were greeted by a cheering throng of 7000, including 3000 children. They were received hy the .Mayor, Air Pacey. A loyal address was presented and the Duke handed a written reply. There was a delightful incident when Gwen Gallagher, one o( .e smallest pupils of the local school, presented a bouquet to the Duchess, who graciously accepted it and kissed the child’s cheek. She is said to he the first child to receive the honour since the arrival of the Royal visitors. The Duchess inspected the girl guides, and the Duke the returned soldiers. The crowd gave a rousing reception and surged forward as the party left to rejoin the train. AT STRATFORD. STRATFORD, .March 3. The Duke and Duchess of York arrived by train from Now Plymouth at 11 o'clock and were given a rousing welcome. After receiving the Royal address, the Royal party walked three hundred yards back to the station under floral arches headed by school children who lined the whole route. After a stay of ten minutes they left for the south. A STOP AT FEILBTNO. FETLRTNG. Alarch 3. The Royal train stopped at Feilding. The Duke in ml Duchess were welcomed by flic Mayor. Air Cai’thow. I hairman L. T. ATcLean of the Kiwitea County Council, and Alt' A. Campbell (Chairman of Oroua County Council). The Duchess was presented with a bouquet |,y the little daughter of the Alayor. Fifteen hundred school children in their respective school uniforms, one hundred Girl Guides and the same number of Boy .Scouts, with returned soldiers, and several thousands ot town and district residents gave the Duke and Duchess a rousing welcome. AY ANO A XT T I ’ S R ECFRTTON. PA LATER STO.X X.. Al arch 3. AA'aiiganui welcomed the Duke and Duchess of York in true gala style. The Avenue was bedecked with greenery and ftigs as the royal procession made its way to Cook Gardens, where the presentalinn of the citizens’ address took place. The Mayor. Air Hope Gibbons .and the local leading citizens wore on the stage, also several ATaoris holding prominent positions in native tribes. One of those. Rangi Afaruniaru. laid at the Duke’s feet a mat wherein was an unofficial welcome from the Alkioris of all the Rangitikei tribes. At tbe same time Tio Ilota fAlrs Barnes) presented to the Duchess a greenstone tiki, said Lo lie of great historic interest.

On the oval of Cook Gardens were grouped thousands of children. one special feature being a while rose ol York formed bv 2500 girls dressed in while to form petals and below, for the heart of the flower, was a score of tiny brown-skinned tots from Putiki Maori Alissi.m School, who gave a realistic lmkn to the great delight or Iho Duke and Duchess of A ork. and the whole huge assemblage. Scouts. Guides nnd veterans all dune in lor attention bv the Duke arid Duchess, who were meticulous in these matters. Then followed a walk through the ranks of delighted children, mnl the departure for St. John’s Mill, "lienee a panoramic view of the city wms obtained. The train journey was then resumed, amidst scenes of the wildest enthusiasm. WANGANUI. Alarch 3. The Duke and Duchess of A ork spent 00 minutes here to-day. being welcomed by nearly 30.(100 people, including 7000 school children. ' >io crowd was swelled by many country people hundred* of whom e'lino Iroin the outlying districts, and it was the largest crowd in the city’s history. The reception was held in perteet weat her. - the proceedings throughout being of a memorable nature.