THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL TOUR

fBY TELEGRAPH —I’ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] T<4-DA YbS CKLEBRATIONSWELLINGTON, -March 8. The weather this morning was blustery and drizzly at first, hut later showed signs of (fearing. 'I lie sun struggled through the murk overhead and there i.s every promise of the children's display in Parliament Grounds being favoured with conditions fine enough not to mar the event for the youug-UT.s, girl guides, and hnv scouts, who will he on parade. At one o'clock the Government luncheon to the Yorks will he held in the Town Hall ami a garden party at Government House in the afternoon will conclude Wellington functions in honour of the lloval visitors.

DUKE LUNCHEON ED. WELLINGTON. Alarch 8. in proposing Die toast ol the Duke and Duchess ar the Government luncheon to-day, Hon J. G. Coates spoke of the warm welcome they had received in the North Island, and assured thefti it would he no less cordial and hearty in Die south. He dwelt on the loyalty of Xew Zealand, and how this visit gave a personal touch to it. and helped to strengthen the hands of loyalty to the Crown, and create a spirit of mutual good-will and understanding. He recalled former visits and contrasted the pn-ifon of the Dominion jo-day with that in. 18(19. when the Duke of Edinburgh was here At the recent Imperial Conference, many questions of the highest constii ut ional importance were discussed. It was commonly agreed that the Empire was a partnership of free nations, united under one King, hut there is need for constant communication and consultation, and this can he. largelv helped by personal intercourse lie therefore welcomed the \i--it of our Royal guests and hoped it would he a peivursor of malty ot hers.

The Duke in Die course of his reply, expressed thanks for the loyally and warn, Hi of the receptions accorded members of Ihe Royal Family. Ho conveyed a message from the King. :recalTtug pleasant- recollections of the visit of 1931. The Duke said lie and the Duchess had seen soiik-I.liing of the life of the people, both Pakeha and Maori, which had created a lasting impressjoa He congratulated the Iwo races on their friendly relationship. The Duke said the wonderful resources of the country were a revelation to him. and the eountry ji-i—es-ed a priceless a-sef in t Ip. healthy happy children to he -ceil everywhere. Tie and the Duchess could give them the old proverb in a new form: "Take care of the children, and the country will take care of Itself.” A.M HER LEY VISIT CANCELLED. CHRISTCHURCH. .March 8. The Mayor of Christchurch last night it reived the following telegram, from Sir R. Heaton Rhode.-: " I regret haring to inform you that their Rovai 11 iglincs-c- will not he abb? to visit Amhcrlcy They are finding their tour very fatiguing. They will he glad for the Amber,'ey children to he brought to Christchurch by train.”