THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL TOUR

\T THE TROTTING .MEETING

(■-jy XELF.OBAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

CHRISTCHURCH. March 15

The Duke fraternised with some old migrants who came out ill the early ships, among them one picturesque old chap 'who was dressed in a very blue shirt, white trousers and a hat on which was worked, in red, the word ‘‘Randolph” evidently the name of the ship he came out in. Ho approached th c Duke with a large stockwhip in his hand, and apropos of his costume, said: “I am using this shirt because my old lady took my white, one for a M)or doth!” Holding up the stockwhip lie said: “I finished this for you last night, and, if you put a bottle of Ix-cr in the ring, you can draw the cork with it,” The Duke, greatly tickled with the old man’s friendly nnconvontionnlity, laughed heartily, and said: “I would like to sec you use it. I don’t know anything about a stockwhip. 1 don’t know how it works !” The old man seemed only too pleased lo give H.R.H. a lesson, hut first of all ho said: “Wo want a ring—and it must lie a very hig one!” Immediately the Duke motioned to form a ring, and the old man, altogether in the limelight, cracked his whip with unexpected vigor and great delight in the presence of Royalty. Ho was Elija Smart, who came out in the early sixties. Even though the bottle of boor was not forthcoming, Elija was a very happy man. TTe seemed as pleased as Punch. After a hurried luncheon, the Duke arrived at the Trotting Ground in time for' the York Handicap in which the Famous horse / Great Bingen, starting LOS yards behind scratch was engaged. When lie arrived in front, of the stand, the patrons of this popular Canterbury snort were assembled in their thousands and gave the Duke a tumultuous welcome. .For the moment all interest in the racing, was suspended. The Duke acknowledged round after round of cheering. In compliment to him, all the officials were wearing a white rose—the rose of York. Immediately he began to take the keenest interest in his surroundings. Dressed in a grey suit and smoking a cigarette, ho went with some officials to the judge’s hex, from which he. witnessed a thrilling race in which Great Ringen won hy a neck, the excited crowd shouting “Bingen ! Bingen 1” as the great horse came along inch hy inch to the lead. Ho was so late in making up the few final inches of leeway- that many thought he had lost the race.

In. the next race the Duke mounted the starter’s stand, and amidst cheering, sent the field away successfully at the first attempt. Ho did not liet.

EULOGY ON THE DUCHESS LONDON, March 15.

Sir James Parr, Now Zealand High Commissioner, in. an article in the “Daily News,” writes:—“f feelingly sympathise with the intense disappointment at the South Island’s deprivation of personal contact with the Duchess of York.” He says that he never met a more charming personality. New Zealand will deplore that she did not experieneo the Duller Gorge, and the Lakes of Otago. She would luivo had an especially' warm welcome from her own Scottish Dunedin countrvmerl. It, was a consolation that- she was recuperating in. wonderful Wellington, which lias the most bracing climate in flic world.

SYMPATHY WITH DUCHESS. . WELLINGTON, March 14. Mayor Norwood sent the following message, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, to the official secretary to the Duchess:

“Will you please convey to her Royal Highness this message of love and a (Foot ion from the people of Wellington, over whom a wave of sympathy has passed since the news oi the indisposition of her Royal Highness has been known it is a source of gratification to all that she has now returned safely to Wellington, and is in the thoughtful care of their Excellencies at Government House May I also express the sincere hope that her Royal Highness will soon he restored to health and l>e able to rejoin His Royal Highness on their great mission to the Commonwealth of Australia.” SYDNEY PREP AR A TIONS. SYDNEY, March 15. The city is steadily preparing itself for the Royal visit. Streets along the route are already lined with rows of white standards. Platforms are being erected, and citizens are organising elaborate decorations. There is every prospect that Canberra will he a very crowded place during the Duke, and Duchess of York’s sojourn there, and except for official visitors, accommodation will he very scarce and high-priced.