THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL TOUR

I [by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION RENOWN LEAVES FOR PICTON WELLINGTON, March 0. Despite the late hour, a large crow ’ gathered on the wharf at midnight t 1 see the last of the Royal Party. TT: I Duke and Duchess appeared on detain! waved a farewell as the ship hack ed out, amid great cheering, whic was renewed when the Duchess r< , appeared after the awning was remove and received another greeting an hearty cheering. The Renown the moved into the stream and left earl, this morning for Pic-ton.

AT PICTON. BLENHEIM. March 9. t On a grov morning with clouds wreathing the tops of Pic-ton hills H..M.S. Renown came into the Sound? and stood ofT behind Mabel Island, (lie passage front Wellington was u smooth one. The Renown, not venturing through Tory Channel, went round by way ol Queen Charlotte .Sound, passing the historic cove, where Captain Cook landed to clean and water bis shins. The great warship could not come up to Pic-ton, hilt stood off behind the Island. The Duke and Duchess with their suite made the passage to the landing steps at the wharf in the Royal barge and were met by Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, representing the Government. The ceremonial here v. as conspicuous only by the absence of ceremony and the actual landing was witnessed hy only a dozen people. The Royal party drove a few hundred yards from the wharf io the railway station where the usual formal address was read bv the .Mayor. Ilor.the children from the public and convent schools were drawn up and cheered and waved their little Hags. Afterwards the Duke and Duchess descended from the platform and walked between the ranks. The Duchess taking particular notice of a group of girl guides. The parly then embarked for Blenheim in the train consisting of a Royal car and two other carriages, a pilot engine going ahead, for ihe short run to Blenheim. All on hoard the Renown were delighted with Wellington’s cheery send-olf last night and tho Duke’s happy, impromtu speech.

BLENHEIM CELEBRATIONS. BLENHEIM, March 9. This morning broke dull and threatening with every prospect of rain. People early gathered at Valeric;:, and the route of the Royal procession was lined by a large crowd. Shop trouts were decorated for the occasion with hunting and evergreens. The Yorks are assured an enthusiastic welcome.

Prior to the arrival of the Royal Party at WaleHc.-i, the Guard of Honour, funned hy a detachment, from I! Company of l-t Battalion of the Nclsun-Miirlborough and West Coast Regiment, under the command ol Major W. T. Churchward. paraded with the King's Colours, which wore presented to the old Volunteers after their return from South Africa, and have the South African haitle honours on tin m. When the Colours reached the parade ground the assembly was called to attention by Lieut .-Colonel Gray, and the civilians stood hareheaded and militai'v arms came to the salute until the colour* were lowered. The ceremony was impressive and unusual.

No fewer titan .'!() motor cars will be used to transport the party to Nelson.

A licet of eight new Government ears, all of English manufacture, arrived by rite Tamnhine on Monday in charge of It. W. Simpson (Government chaffonr). These cat's include the Royal cars, an open one and tt closed one. the Duke and Duchess using which ever they prefer. The eqir which, they occupy will he distinguished hy a small royal standard flying from a silver mast mounted on the radiator, and their car will be i:i charge of E. Tolmie, otto of the Government ehafl'etirs. In addition to eight Government cars, Newman Bros., Ltd., have been called on to provide IJ cars lor officials, seven cars for the police and baggage vans, so that the Royal convoy will comprise ,'ill vehicles. AT BLENHEIM. BLENHEIM, March 0. When tlic Royal train arrived at the station there tins no waiting. Their Royal Highnesses were (heeled as they emerged from the station entrance, ami took their seals in a car. The Duke bowed and the Duchess waved acknowledgements and the car moved oil’, followed by the rest of the entourage. It was a quiet entry, the welcome proper being reserved for the appearance at Watoriea. A great many people lined the route, which traversed the town and returned hy

wav of Seymour Street past the war

memorial in the course of erection; ;i(Tu.ss the school bridge, theme to Waterlea. The chief impression was the quiet reception afforded the Royal visitors. This was none the less a genuine welcome as the waving of hats a.ud handkerchiefs and smiling faces .showed. From early morn large crowds found their way to Waterlea, where an official welcome was given and an address presented.