THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1927, Page 2

THE ROYAL TOUR

VISIT TO HOKITIKA. WARM WELCOME EXTENDED. RAtN SPOILS PROCEEDINGS. HAPPY SEND-OFF AT STATION.

The visit of the Duke of York yesterday served the district to enable it to mark its loyalty to the Crown, the reception given being a very warm one. Hokitika and district observed a holiday for the special occasion, but there «ere two unavoidable happenings that marred the gathering. The first was the enforced absence of the Duchess of Aoi k owing to illness, and her nonappearance was much deplored, the community having looked forward eagerly to meeting the popular second lady of the land. The other was the attitude of the weather, which proved unfavourable in the midst of the Ducal reception. There was rain in the early morning, but it cleared and remained fine till 2 o’clock when a light shower fell. There was another shower at 3 p.m., hut it cleared again for a while and was fine oil the arrival of the Ducal party, but a heavy shower fell while the reception was taking place oil Cass Square, and, becoming heavier, caused the proceedings to he shortened by a quarter of an hour, shelter being taken in the cars, which wended their way hack to tlie railway station. There was a large influx from all the outlying centres by train, motor cars and lorries, and the scene on Cass ■Square was a very animated one. There were upwards of 1500 chi hire A present, a sturdy lot indeed, and the total present was in the vicinity of three thousand.

The pilot train arrived a quarter of an hour before the Duke was timed to arrive and the police guard detrained. Promptly to time the Royal train reached the station, which had been decorated with ferns and evergreens, and had been barred to the general public. The Mayor arid Mayoress (Miami Mrs G. A. Perry), the County Chairman (.dr Win. Jeffries) and the Town Clerk (Mr A. A. Andrewes) were on the platform to welcome the Duke and party to Hokitika, and they immediately afterwards entered a fleet of motor-cars provided and motored ro Cass Square, via Weld, Fitzherbert and Stafford Streets, two fine arches in .the two latter streets forming tlie main decoration. There was a largo assemblage lining the streets to obtain a view of the Royal visitor and hearty cheers were given as he was recognised in passing. On arrival at Cass Square where the main assemblage took place and a platform had been erected opposite the pavilion, was a space roped off. Here was lined up the Guard of Honor provided by a fine muster of Senior Cadets under Lieut. Bleach, Returned Soldiers, Old Identities, Girl Guides, Brownies and Boy Scouts, together with the scholars of the various schools of the district, under the charge of their several teachers, while the Town Band was also in attendance. On the platform were seated members of local bodies and their wives, and also. Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., and Hun. H. L. Michel. f The arrival of the Duke was the signal for hearty cheering, and the Guard of Honor gave the Royal Salute, Bugler Stevenson sounding tkfl salute. The Duke made an inspection of the Guard, which is understood to be the first guard formed by Senior Cadets during the tour. He complimented Lieut. Bleach on the very fine turn-out and excellent appearance of the huts, who were in strong force and veTjsteady throughout. „ The Mayor then escorted the Duke to the platform. PRESENTATION OF' ADDRESS. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) then rend and presented the following address:— TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, ’ THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK.

May it please Your Royal Highnesses, Oil behalf of the people of the Borough of Hokitika and the County of Westland, we extend to your Royal Highnesses a very hearty welcome to this district. We regret that the limited time at your disposal does not admit a longer stay here, hut short as it is, we hope that it may. be a very pleasant one. / AYe believe your visit to this Dominion and the other portions of the Empire which you are visiting, is very valuable in strengthening the bonds of sentiment and tradition which unite us and them with the Homeland, and upon the maintenance of which

tlie greatness and integrity of the British Empire depend. AA’e desire to assure you of our loyalty to His Majesty the King, and trust lie may long be spared

to carry on tlie high office to

which lie has succeeded. AYe hope that your Royal Highnesses' tour may he an enjoyable and profitable one, and that your lives may he long, and your future full of happiness. Signed on behalf of the respective communities, AA’ith dutiful loyalty,' Your verv obedient servants, G. A. PERRY. Mayor of Hokitika, AV. JEFFRTES, Chairman of AVestlaud County. Hokitika. March 11th. 1027.

Before presenting the address, after reading it. Mr Perry asked to be permitted to supplement the address briefly. to express the feelings of the people who had been deeply sorry to hear that Her Royal Highness the Duchess was suffering from an indisposition. They were all very much disappointed at her not being able to visit the district, but they trusted that slie would be very soon restored to her usual good health. THE DUKE’S REPLY.

His Highness accepted the address and banded Air Perry a formal reply as follows:

-a THE MAYOR OF HOKITIKA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE AVEST-

LAND COUNTY COUNCIL. Mr Mayor and Gentlemen. The Duchess and I thank you sincerely for your address, in which on behalf of the people of the Borough of Hokitika and the County of Westland, you extend to us a welcome to the district. I will not fail to convey to His Majesty the King the expressions of loyalty which it contains. We too greatly regret that the limited time at our disposal does not admit of a longer stay. But brief though our visit has been, it has been long enough to enable us to see something of the beautiful mountain scenery tor which Hokitika is so justly famed. We rejoice to liave had this opportunity of visiting the Dominion of New Zealand. In an Empire like ours, whose various portions are separated by thousands ot miles of sea. the personal touch which such visits render possible is of the utmost value. T am glad to see the happy faces and sturdy appearance of the children and would ask that they may be given a holiday as soon as may lie convenient, in memory of my Visit,

Onc-e more, I most sincerely thank , you for your welcome and wish you all possible prosperity and happiness in the future. ALBERT.

11th March, 1927. - Those on the platform were then introduced to the Duke, who shook hands. Then the Duke proceeded, to inspect the Returned Soldiers and Old /*- Identities and then passed through the lines of school etiildren the various teachers being introduced. The Girl Guides and Brownies were then inspected, a heavy sliower’of rain falling, which necessitated overcoats and umbrellas. The rain continuing, after a number of others had been introduced caused a shortening of the proceedings, and the Guard presenting arms, the Band played the Nation:?! Anthem as the Ducal party made their way to their motor-cars and moved off, hearty cheers lieing given. The Royal party motored round the track on the Square, which was lined with the interested spectators, and very hearty cheers were given as they passed out of the gates on the return to the i ailwnv station. A

AT THE RAILWAY STATION. On arrival at the railway station the Duke made his way to his carriage. The large crowd made its way to the station and in spite of the cordon of 'police they pressed forward, eager to obtain a further view of the . Royal visitor. The Royal train had then not completed shunting operations, but a few moments later it was shunted on to the main line and came to a stop at the station platform. The large assemblage pressed forward-and the Duke watched the proceedings with evident enjoyment and then, the cordon being withdrawn the crowd swarmed-over the railway line at the back and side, in addition to the station- platform, and cheered as the Duke opened a window to give a better view. The tYain moved off a few moments later and there was a very free outburst of cheering, the Duke appearing at the end windows of tlie saloon carriage and repeatedly waving his farewell to the delighted assemblage.

THE CHILDREN. The excellent arrangements made for the attendance of the town and country children at the Ducal visit were carried out very successfully... The transport arrangements worked, out well, and all the country children were in *by 12.30, notwithstanding that the chi{dren from Wataroa district had to travel,.nearly 78 miles by motor lorry. The country children nearby all had a happy time coining in, the weather holding fine both for the inward and outward journeys. The distribution of the food was well arranged for. At nine o’clock a -number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at the pavilion and under Mr Partridge’s directions, bagging of food supplies went on rapidly. In a little over two hours gome Sono bags of food for lunch, anjflj afternoon tea were 'filled with comestibles somewhat dear to the heart of young folk. The country children were regaled with lunch , from noon onward, and supplied all through the afternoon with a plentiful supply of hot tea, which was available also for the parents and others. Several of the country teachers joined with their charges and partook of lunch under the trees, the weather at this stage being quite favourable. % The children were marshalled at 2.33 and shortly before 3 o’clock marched into the enclosed area, where some 1500 youngsters filled tlie space assigned to them. They were supplied with fronds of tree-ferns, the New Zealand emblem, in place of flags, and when held aloft and waved, later, presented „ a .most pleasing aspect, suggesting a waving forest. The effect was excellent and later was remarked on by the Duke of York. His Highness took occasion to walk among the children, itiK ■ asked specially to see the children who had come from the more remote places. He remarked, on tlie generally excellent appearance of the children who were all bright and happy and quite oblivious of the rain during the Duke’s presence. When the Duke was seated in his carriage, the children for whom His Highness was much concerned owing to the now drizzling rain, rushed to the departure gate and lined the rpute cheering the party as they departed for the railway station.

AT REEFTON. REEFTON, March 11. The weather was glorious for the Royal visit. The Duke arrived at Rcefton by train from Inatlgahua Junction at 12.29 and was met at the railway station by the County Chairman (Air A. AI. Cavroll), councillors, and leading citizens, cadets, girl guides and 603 school children. He was received with hearty cheering. The Chairman regretted the Duchess’s inability to be present, and expressed sympathy with Her Royal Highness in her indisposition'. They were pleased to hear that morning of her improved health.

An address was presented expressing the loyalty of the. residents and the welcome to the district.

His Royal Highness spoke to the old residents, and asked that the returned soldiers Is? presented. He spoke a few words to each, and then inspected the school children and congratulated the Girl Guides on their splendid muster and appearance. His Royal Highness then presented liis reply to tlie County Chairman, and embarked by train at 12.50 for Hokitika and Grevmouth, amid hearty cheering.

AT GREYMOCTH. GR.EYMOUTH, Alarch 11. There was a very large assemblage at the Greymouth railway station when the Royal .train arrived. Steady rain had lieen falling for some time. The Mayor (Air AV. H. Parfitt) welcomed the Duke and Party, who then drove to the Town Hall where the public reception took place, an address being read and presented by the Mayor and the Duke handed a formal reply.

As soon as the formal ceremony was over the Duke enquired where the Returned Soldiers were, as he particularly wished to see them. On being told that they were assembled in the street, he descended from the platform and was conducted 'by General Aleidrum f (President of the 11.5. A.) and Air H. *" Troulnnd. down the ranks of the returned men. The Duke shook 'hands with every man, and had a smile for each. *

The Conductor of the Municipal Band (Air AV. AlcAlasters) was the next to be presented. Noticing the medals on the breast of the Conductor’s tunic, the Duke said : “011, I see, you have been winning honours with your Band!” On being told of the Band’s successes, he replied: “I congratulate you. It must lie a very good Band to have attained such success.”

Returning to the Town Hall, the Duke had the 1 ' leading citizens of the town, and members of public bodies’ presented to him, meeting each with a smile and a friendly hand clasp. At length the ceremony was over, and he entered his car once more. There was a sudden surge in the crowd, and then the cordon round the platform gave way, and the people surrounded tlie car, while tlie Duke acknowledged their cheers with l>ows to right and left. As the car moved off, a girl in the crowd threw a large flower, and the Duke laughed as the heavy blossom struck him on the shoulder. The Duke then motored to the resident of Mr T. E, V, Seddon Fhero

they made their headquarters. Ou arrival he was received by Mrs Seddon.. Thoughts of his own daughter in England must have leaped into the Duke’s mind, when' little Mary Seddon was presented to him. The Royal visitor remained in converse with the goldenhaired little tot for some minutes, the assembly outside the gates being delighted with this personal touch. Mr and Mrs Seddon were the guests of His Highness at dinner.

RECEPTION BALL. The first ball in Greyniouth honoured by the presence of royalty was held at the Town Hall Inst night "hen the local bodies of the district entertained

a large gathering. The Hall was charmingly decorated in the Ducal colours, amber and green. Large mirrors framed in lycopodium brightened the walls and the lights were softly shaded in scalloped amber shades. Over the centre of the dancing floor a large basket of lycopodium and gigi was suspended from festoons of azure lights.

The stage was arranged as a lounge with large arm chairs and couches. A tall standard lamp glowed softly in the background, while the Trout of the stage was banked with flowers and pot plants. Another lounge was arranged in a room on the first floor.

Supper was laid in the museum, which had been cleared and tastefully decorated Avith lycopodium and evergreens. The tables were set with tall vases of asters and maiden hair fern. A private supper room for the royal party was■ arranged in .the opposite wing.

During the interval between, the 4th. and fifth dances there was a sudden stir about the door and the Duke appeared attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Air T. E. Y. Seddon and members of his suite. llis Highness was greeted with sustained applause, which was repented when he went into supper.

The dance floor was well filled, hut not over-crowded.

CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION WESTPORT, March 11. After torrential rain in the early hours of the morning the weather cleared for the children’s demonstration. For the tour of the Royal visit the Municipal Band and Denniston Pipe Band 'headed the procession of J ,200 children from all parts of the Duller district to Victoria Square. 'lhero was a large gathering of the public. His Highness’ arrival was the ■scene for tremendous enthusiasm. The Duke inspected the Girl Guides who formed a guard of honour and the school children. At 9.30 the Duke left amidst great cheering and (lag waving for Reef ton.

THE DUCHESS. YESTERDAY’S BU LLETIN. NELSON, March 11. Tt is understood that the Duchess is progressing very satisfactorily, and that in view of the happy state of affairs, no further bulletins will be issued until this evening. The regulation of traffic near the Commercial Hotel, by cutting off part of thp street and prohibiting sounding of motor horns at the street intersection, has been most eagerly complied with. Gifts of fruit and flowers, and messages of condolence continue to in. EXPECTED TO SAIL TO-DAY. NELSON. March 11. An official bulletin was issued at 6 p.m. stating that the Duchess of York had passed a very comfortable day. The throat affection has not yet subsided, but it is still hoped that her condition will bo so much improved by to-morrow mornng that she will be able to embark in the Renown during the course of tlw day.

INTERESTING CO [XCII)ENCE. /• WELLINGTON. March 11

€)ii the day tliOt the Duke and Duchess of York arrived in Wellington, Mr P. A. Lnwlor, when digging in his garden, unearthed a bronze medal that was struck to commemorate the visit to New Zealand in 1901, of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, the parents of the present Duke. On one "side is the picture of the t/pliir, and on the other are portraits of the Royal couple. The inscription is “Children’s Souvenir of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to New Zealand, 1901.” THE DUCHESS. NELSON, March 12. Tins morning’s bulletin stated: “The Duchess of York had a very-good, night and her general condition is completely satisfactory. The inflammation of the throat, however, has not yet entirely subsided nnd it is not thought advisable that her Royal Highness should travel to-day.;’’ The Renown left Picton at eight this jnorning for Nelson.