THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1927, Page 1

THE ROYAL VISIT.

[IY TELEGBAPII PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.} DUCHESS LEAVES ON SUNDAY. WELLINGTON. Alardi 10. It was announced this afternoon that the Renown with the Duchess of A'ork and party on board will leave Wellington on Sunday direct for Bluff where the Duke will go aboinrd. Tho Governor-General and Hon. J. G. Coates are proceeding south to bid farewell to the Royal visitors. AT TIM All El. TIAIARU, March IG. The visit of the Duke of A’ork proved a brilliant success, everything passing off without a hitch. After a showery morning the train reached 1 iinaru on schedule, tho weather being perfect in every way, and there was a record attendance of the general public, there not being a village o r hamlet in South Canterbury, hut contributed its quota to the cheering throng which acclaimed the Duke. The Duke left the train, at Caroline Ray where the Prince of Wales detrained 7 years ago, and was informally received by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Airs G. J. Wallace), tho ,-hicf function being at the Gardens, in proximity to the Soldiers’ Memorial. Leaving the Bay the Duke motored lo the Gardens, via Stafford St., which was lined by cheering throngs, the journey to the rendezvous being something in the nature of a triumphal march. The whole town, but more particularly Stafford Street, was gaily bedecked with bunting of all descriptions and presented a brilliant appearance. Indeed, seldom lias Timaru presented a more animated scene during the daytine. At the Gardens there was an enormous crowd to welcome the Duke who was received with deafening cheers which were repeated again and again during the progress of all too brief a stay of the Royal Party. At the Gardens ihe Mayor read an address of welcome signed by the A layer and Chairmen of the various local bodies in South Canterbury. At is conclusion tho Duke tended to tho Mayor his written reply expressing appreciation of the warm welcome accorded him and regretting the unavoidable absence of the Duchess. After a few l introductions the Duke inspected the girl guides and hoy j scouts and children who sang a song composed for the occasion. By the time this was all done, the time allotted for Timaru had almost expired, and consequently it was necessary to got back to the waiting train with as I lit/tie delay as possible. After a few j farewells, the Duke entered his ear and the last part of the journey was undertaken. Final farewells were taken at the station amidst cheer after cheer, anil as tho train drew out of the station the Duke came to the window of his carriage and waved his hand to the cheering throng, it being evident that the Royal visitor was highly pleased with the cordiality of his reception.

TRIBUTES TO NELSON. NELSON, March 10. The Alayor of Nelson. Air AY. Lock, has receiiod the following letter from ihe Private Secretary of the Duke of A’ork:— ’’ His Royal Highness the Duke of York has been told by the Duchess of t!ie great kindness and courtesy extended to her h.v the Mayoress, yourself and the . citizens of Nelson, and ihe presents of flowers and fruit that you have sent her. lam to ask you to accept his most sincere gratitude fur all you have done, and to convey an expression of this sentiment to tho citizens. He would also he glad if you would inform the Traffic Inspector and Borough Engineer how deeply lie appreciates the efficient arrangements which were carried out under their supervision to ensure the comfort and quiet of Her Royal Highness. I am to ask the Mayoress and yourself to accept personally the accompanying photograph as a small token ol their regard.”

The accompanying photograph is a fine, autographed copy of the Duke and Duchess. ft is hold in a solid leather frame, and at the top is a device in gold, consisting ol a crown above a monogram ol the letters “ A and “ R.”

While the Renown was at the outer anchorage on Sunday, the Iron Duke Sea Scouts, under command of Lieut. A. Tv. Griffiths, R.N.V.R., put off in their cutter. As the royal barge containing the Duchess went out of the entrance, the Scouts' crew came to the salute, and later as the Renown sailed for Wellington, the Scouts gave hearty cheers. The Scouts were really the last to farewell the Royal visitor. To-day, the Secretary of the Nelson Navy League, received the following appreciative letter from Captain-Com-mander W. Sullivan, of the Renown:— “We were very much impressed on board the Renown with the holiness and smartness of the boat s crew ol Sea Scouts who pulled off u. the ship while she was lying off Nelson yesterday morning (Sunday), and especially with the smart and sea manlike way m which the salute of tossing the. oars to the Royal barge was carried out Our only regret was that it was not possible, owing to unavoidable circumstances. to invite the boat’s crew to inspect the ship. 1 should ho glad i von will bring this to the notice ol those concerned.

THE. STAY AT O AMARU. OAMARU, March 16. His Highness left the Royal train at the Waitaki Boys’ High School and proceeded to the new Hall of Memories at Hie School, a magnificent structure, which lie officially opened. He then entered the hall, and was presented by Mr E. P. Leo, ALP.. Chairman of Ihe Board of Governors, with an address. Then the Duke a beautifully stained glass memorial window, erected in memory of the Waitaki boys who fell in the Great War. The party proceeded to town by ear, and were welcomed hv the' Mayor, the local body members, a guard of honour from the'Territorials, and a large eoncourse of people, including the Returned Soldiers. Girl Guides, Waitaki Girls’ High School pupils, and hundreds from town and country. After the presentation of an address, the Duke and party proceeded down Thames St. between an avenue lined each side by about 2000 school children, who gave a vociferous welcome. The Duke rejoined the train at- Thames St. crossing, where he was accorded rousing cheers.