THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL TOUR

TbY TELECRAPIi— PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCH U RCII DJSA P 1 ’Ol XT ED CHRISTCHURCH. Mbircii M. 'J here was profound disappointment in Christchurch when it became known the Duchess has to abandon her southern tour, hut being Sunday many had not heard ol the change of plan and journeyed to Lyttelton to see the I Renown come in Lind the Duchess land. Others who intended making a similar journey he'.ird the news in time and stopped in town. Throughout yesterday there was a crowd in that part (it the Square opposite Warner's, Waiting to get a glimji.se of the Duke in 1 1 is goings and coinings and always when he did appear, ho received a most cordial greeting. In the absence of the Duchess. Christchurch has taken the Duke to its heart and he must hive boon delighted with the magnificent recepHon. lie has several times appeared on the balcony at Warners and waved a Irieiidlv greeting to the crowd below patiently waiting to see him at close quarters. (Jliiisuhiirch crowds have been remarkably well behaved and the police have had no trouble in keeping perfect order. 1 his morning the Duke was early abroad aeciinpanicd by the Mayor, in order to see something of local industries. in which he is taking llie keen-

est interest. At his hotel he saw Tommy Solomon, the last surviving member of the Moriuri race, a remnant of which was louml on Chatham Island off' the East Coast. Judging from his name, however. Tommy is noi a pure representative of Morion. Last night the Duke dined at the home of Tabu and .Mrs Rhodes. Today's important event is the children’s demonstration.

THE DUCI 1 ES.S'DISEMBARKS. WELLINGTON. .March 1-1, No one outside of the officials concerned iu-ihe police ajid traffic officers knew just when the Duchess would leave the Renown. Consequently there were lew at the head of Pipitoa M hart at JO. the hour arranged. That was as had been wished 'as the Duchess desires her stay in Wellington to lie quiet. The w harf was strictly closed to the public hut there was only a handful about. The Duchess walked down the gangway and entered a closed car at the barrier. She acknowledged greetings with the smile that lias made her so popular. (>ll the route to Government House few people recognised the Royal .car. At Government House a small crowd made a quiet demonstration of welcome.

DUKE'S PROGRAMME. CHRISTCHURCH. March 11. In dull hut warm weather, the Duke tliis morning ui.ule a tour of inspection of various factories in the city. Later he motored to the Show Grounds where a children’s demonstration was held, as well as a parade of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. It was estimated the crowd tot'.illcil twelve thousand. Earlier in the. day Tamo lloromona. last of the lull blooded .Morion's was presented to the Duke who thanked him lor his ex|>ro.s:sioiis of loyalty. The scene at the show grounds was inspiring. When the Duke arrived in state a sea of Hags appeared Irom children assembled on the outskirts of the drill squad waving them with all the exuberance of youth. The cheering which accompanied the waving of the flags rose in a crescendo. ’I he •peiTectlv disciplined drill squad remained |)crlectly motionless until, at a further signal, such a hurst of cheering as lias never before been heard in Christchurch, tilled the air. In perfect unison. RX)I.) hoys and girls in the drill squad opened their throats and waved their arms, accompanying the movement with a l ull volume of cheers. Three distinct cheers were given, then, alter -a momentary -f-uhsidenee, the children on tile outskirts maintained the crescendo, the drill squad again took im the cheering and the massed, hut uniform domunsiration, continued until His Royal Highness reached tlie platform. Then for the first time could he heard the hand-clapping and cheering of the jiiiblie.

OUT FISHING. CHRISTCHURCH. March 11. Dressed fur a day on the Waimaka-i-ii-i. the Duke left his hotel early this afternoon with road and basket. He was wearing plus fours and a rain coat, and the party carried baskets with them for lunch in the open air.