THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1927, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

[SY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

DUKE AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, March IS. in beautiful sunshine of a perfect autumn day, the Duke commenced a heavy programme. He first visited the early Settlers’ Hall, where he amused himself turning an old barrel organ, the first brought to Otago for the Church. Many early residents were presented, including Mrs Woolsley, who with an Invercargill resident is the sole survivor of the ship Magnet, arriving in ISIO. Also'piescntcd net, arriving in IS4O. Also presented was Mrs Elizabeth Maenssey, the first white girl born in Dunedin. Later through cheering crowds-, tfio Duke visited Logan Park tn open a : new art gallery presented to the city by P. R. Sargood. Part of the ceremony was tin* presentation by the Duke on behalf of the British Government of a statue of St. George to commemorate Britain’s association with the recent exhibition.

There were 14.000 present at the children’s pageant on the sports ground nine thousand children taking part. It was on similar lines to other centres. The Duke later paraded among wildly cheering youngsters. The Duke stated it was the finest demonstration seen on tour. During the ceremony a try of mottled kauri with a Maori carving of the Duke’s crest and coat of arms was presented by picked children from the school. An ’extraordinary feature was the number of children who were overcome by ibo occasion and had to be removed lrotn tbe ranks, sonic in a fainting condition. Many had travelled from the outlying districts.

FAREWELL SPEECH. DUNEDIN. March 18. Fully (1000 people gathered in the Australian Court at Logan' Park tonight to attend a public reception which formed the final event in tlio Duke’s Dunedin visit. The programme took the form of a popular concert by a special choir, orchestral and philharmonic societies. On arrival with bis party tbe Duke received a tremendous ovation. He created an admirable’ impression with a lengthy and thoughtful farewell speech, expressing his keen appreciation of all the kindness shown him. His expression of a hope that this visit would not' be the last to New Zealand was received with great applause. INVESTITUR E CEREMONY. DUNEDIN, March 18. This afternoon the Duke of York held a private investiture ceremony at the Fernhill Club, when the following gentlemen were invested:—Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, K.C., V.O. ; Mr ,T. S. IJislop. C.Y.0.. Capt. Boyle, M.Y.0., 4th class; Mr K. J. Jones (Railways) M.Y.0.. 4tli class; Commissioner Mc--11 veiiev (Police) M.\ .0.. Ith class, Superintendent Hroberv, M.\ .0., oth class; Mr Lander, R.Y.M.; Mr Tolmio (Chauffeur to the Duke). R7Y .M. : MrStrong (head waiter on the royal cat), R.Y.M. DUNEDIN. March 10. The weather is now fine and the people arc already assembling to see tbe Duke’s departure for Central Otago at 0 a.in.