THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL TOUR

[-BY TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHILDREN’S DISPLAY. CHRISTCHURCH, March 14. .\ wonderful display was given by the children on Addington Show Grounds this morning, and it attracted a crowd of many thousand, and was one of the features of tho tour. There were engaged in it altogether about nine thousand children, of whom 1500 or 1600 specially selected school children gave a most interesting and graceful exhibition of physical exercises, to tho music of a band. VISITS TO FACTORIES. The Duke, who was early astir this morning, made an inspection of Christchurch industries, paid his first visit to a brushmaking factory, where he was presented with a pair of brushes. He was interested in the Kaiapoi Woollen .mils, where in each department, as he entered, the workers rose and cheered. The Duke was presented with a travelling rug for himself and another for the Duchess, and also a pair of snowwhite blankets. A wool store and Aulsebrook’s were also visited. Tin's afternoon lie went fishing. This evening the Duke is attending tlie Citizens’ Ball. AUSTRALIAN CONCERN. OVER ILLNESS OF DUCHESS. MELBOURNE. March 14. Senator Pearce states that the Federal authorities are watching developments of the Duke and Duchess o' York’s tour through New Zealand, before deciding upon any changes in the Australian tour. The illness of the Duchess, he says, has given them food for reflection about the strenuous nature of the royal journey. THE DUKE’S DECISION. CHRISTCHURCH. March 15. The Duke of York was emphatic in refusing to agree to a suggestion that came to him from the Government, through Sir Heaton Rhodes, that he r should curtail the tour to permit his ( making a run up to Wellington leav- i ing the ferry steamer lat night and . returning about thirty-six hours later. While much appreciating the kindly thought of the Government and anxious for a reunion with the Duchess, f ho directed that a. reply be sent declining the offer in view of the great i improvement in the Duchess’ condition. He recognised also the great number of people who would bo bitterly disappointed in the several centres where time ‘and money had been spent on preparations for a welcome.