THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1927, Page 3

THE ROYAL VISIT.

[tY TELEGRAPH —rEIt PRESS AHHOCI ATIwJ.] DUNEDIN. March 19. The Duke le ft, on the last stage . of his New ■Zealand Lour this morning, the Royal train leaving at 9 a.m. fur Rnnfurly. Before leaving Fernhill Club the Duke presented to the .Manager. .Mr C. Beeerol't. a set of gold sleeve links with the Ducal crest. Along the route to the station, the Duke had an ovation from the crowds. He presented to the Mayor, for the city, large autographed photographs of the Duchess

and himself. At all crossings as the train -passed, crowds assembled. and the Duke waved a far.ewell from the It ova l coach. PEMBROKE. March 19.

lifter an interesting journey through Central Otago, and up the valley ol the Clutha, the Duke arrived at Pembroke on the shores of Lake Wanaka, shortly after li p.m. 'The journey from Cromwell to Wanaka. by motor, must have been made in a record time. The scenery of the Clutha River Gorge, with the river running down below ill

great rapids and fearsome whirlpools, interested the visitors, and the Duke from ids well-planned observation car, was enabled to have a splendid view ol it all. To-morrow being Sunday, the. .Duke, will have a rest, and if the day is fine, which it seems doubtful, ho mar go on a trip up the beautiful lake. 'Hie day lias been among the most interesting of the tour. To-night, the one hotel houses the whole party.

A QUIET SUNDAY. REM BROKE. March 29,

A quiet Sunday was spent at Pembroke. There was heavy rain during the night, with snow on the heights, and an unusually early fall of snow as morning dawned. The. scene was enchanting. The lesser mountains were crowned with snow, and the higher peaks hid their summits in a mass of heavy cloud, through which at rare intervals, came gleams of sunshine. Tho visitors were taken for a motor drive, the most popular being up the- Matuktuki Yalley, through Hell’s Gate, past the Twin Waterfall, and on to Cattle Flats Station. Glimpses of the .great snow clad buttresses of the aspiring monarch of the southern ranges were seen at intervals, but the higher precipices, glaciers, and snow clad summits were hidden in the clouds, which rolled up from the north west. 'Hie barometer is low and if there is much more rain on the lower levels, it may be impossible for tho Duke to make tho crossing over the Crown Range, ami the route may he diverted hack to Cromwell ami up to the Kniwarra Yalley. which is much longer. 11 there is a'heavy snowfall during the night, and tin' weather improves by morning, tile C'rawn Range crossing may he practicable. in which case a glorious view sh 11. Id he obtained from the summit. IN THE BNOW' -PEMBROKE, March 21. Further snow fell last night, hut the weather has now cleared and the great snow clad peaks and ridees are a glorious sight in sunshine and shadow. The Duke rose very early and went fishing at Lake Hawea and has not yet returned. There being some doubt as to whether tho Crown Range route is blocked bv snow, a car was sent out this morning and has returned with a favourable report. The journey to Queenstown will therefore he via Cardrona Yalley and over Crown Range. DUKE IN SNOW PEA [BROKE. March 21. The latest report is that cars will have to use chains to got over Crown ■Range owing to several inches of snow there. Consequently the route has | )C en diverted via Cromwell ail'd Kan warn a Gorge.

THE DUCHESS sails. WELLINGTON. March 21. Although no notice, was given of the hour of the Duchess’ departure, a surprisingly large crowd found its way to the water front. Her Highness embarked at 9.35 and was greeted with much cheering. The Alayor aiid Afay-oi-ess. mi behalf of the city formally farewelled her on hoard the Renown, and presented her with a basket of flowers. ' When expressing her thanks, the Duchess said she felt well and would be quite able to carry out the Australian part of the tour. She had been deeply touched by the concern of the people and was exceedingly disappointed at, being unable to visit the South Island. The Renown moved away at ton. just as heavy rain came. There was further cheering and spotlights from the cruiser tapped out farewell messages the waving handkerchiefs. She finally gathered wa.v hud disappeared in thunder and lightning, hut still small knots of people had hung on to see the'Terr: last of her.