THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL TOUR

[liY TELEGRAPH —PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AT WOODVILLE. WOODY! 1.1. F, March 5. Tbe Royal train arrived slightly late on the schedule time, tbe weather being glorious. Mis Royal Highness was met by the Mayor (Mr H. P. Ilorne) and Mrs John Horne and escorted to the dais on the station platform. A rousing reception was given by the largest crowd ever assembled in WoodvUle. Pnmiatun and Woodvilio bad combined. After an address was presented and the reply given, Councillors and their wives, clergy and prominent citizens of both towns, were presented. The duke shook bands with the veterans, and returned soldiers. The Duchess inspected the girl guides and brownies, walked through rows of children amid

tremendous cheering. They stayed longer than arranged. The proceedings were somewhat informal. Tho Royal train pulled out to tumultuous cheering. An interesting incident was that among the returned men was Sergt. David Bennett, D.C.M.. of tho Eighth Black Watch. Ho was at Loos when the Duchess’s brother Captain Bowes Lyon, o 1 the same battalion, was killed in 1915. fighting in Hoherzollern redoubt. Bennett was presented to the Duchess and a bouquet was presented by the act ing-Mayorcss, Mr* Ilorne, and two brownies. WELLINGTON’S WELCOME. WELLINGTON, March 0 The Duke and Duchess arrived at Wellington last evening via the Wairarnpafnuving warm welcomes accorded them at efich stop .The ascent of the Rimutaka Incline afforded them great interest and they enquired closely into tho working of the Fell Locomotives. Tn Wellington the streets all the way from Lamhton Station to Government House were packed with great crowds of people, whose frequent outbursts ol enthusiastic welcoming cheers and acclamation were repeatedly acknowlcdg ed by the Duke and Duchess. To-dav they attended church at St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, the afternoon being free for their personal enjoyment of the beautiful weather. later. Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York, nttented St. Haul’s Pro-Cathedral this morning, when the Bishop of Wellington (Dr Sprott) preached. The remainder of tinday was spent quietly at Government House. Tho church was crowded, although no public intimation of Their Royal Highnesses’ intention to attend was made. The presence of Royalty in church had a most peculiar effect on some female members of the congregation, and curiosity got tho better of them and they stood up in their places to examine' the Duke and Duchess after the latter had entered their pew. RAILWAY COLLISION. DELAYS ROYAL TRAIN. During shunting operations this morning one empty train ran into an empty stationary train, with tho result- that one carriage was telescoped and another was put off the line. This will necessitate 'at least two hours work and may delay matters some in connection with the royal visit, which is timed for 1.10 p.m. Wrecking gangs were quickly at work, and by 12.45 the line was cleared. It is intended that tbe royal party shall 1 crave the train at Opaki, a few miles north of Mastcrton and motor to Masterton.

AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Marh 7. Tho weather is glorious for to-day’s functions in connection with the A oiks visit-, including an investiture at Government House, civic reception at the Town Hall and military tattoo and living flag display in tbe afternoon in Newtown Park. Large crowds are gathering to witness the procession to and from the Town Hall.