THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1927, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

CLOSE UP VIEW. [ ’EY TELFfiRAPH —PER PUESB ASSOC] ATK-.'J SYDNEY. -March 20. Driving slowly to the Town Hall and with the restraining barriers down, the Duke and Duchess today afforded the city all opportunity of which they were robbed on Saturday, namely, of having a good view ol the Royal visitors at close quarters. An immense crowd all along the route surged in close to the Royal ear. barely leaving it room to pass, and cheered

and Hag-waved to their hearts’ ronf<ti' v . Apparently they were determined to prove the official procession, which wtts so hasty, fell short of the public's intention. A Press Association representative heard a working man give homely expression of the general public opinion o ft he. Duchess. \ iz. “She’s a pretty lass, and wears her gowns well.” Tlie female portion of the spectators expressed itself with an almost unanimous—“lsn't she nice, and she looks as well in blue as in pink.’’ FLYAI.K of SYDNEY WKECOAIE. SYDNEY, -March 29. The people's reception ttL the I own linJl to-day was the finale to a demonstrative welcome to the Duke and Duclu'“s. All along the route to the building and the streets in the vicinity wore packed, and the whole function was a line, free, whole-hearted expression ul loyally, rising to enthusiasm. It was similar at the schoolchildren's display at the Cricket Ground, in which many thousands purticimited. forming a huge lettered "Welcome” to the Royal visitors: and at tli!'. University, where a honorary degree was conferred on the Duke, ami equal warmth of sentiment was w denccd. The Royalties expressed t hcmselve' as highlv pleased with tlio generous and spontaneous tributes. The weather was dull, but the threatened rail luckih held off. The Duchess repeated lief New /calami experience, winning till he-"" while the Duke’s quiet. nnas-umiug manner popularised him. THE H FURLED PROCESSION. SYDNEY. .March 29. Alemhers of the public eonlimn/ to express their feelings through the press over the hurried Royal prosum. One writer says: “There was just the flash of the ear and a glimpse of a couple of figures; but no d and no memories, except of blunder-

Another states: “The effect of the hurried procession has been i> lose the object of tile- Royal visit." A third declares: “The mounted police passed at a strong canter, and the Royal car sprinted past as it trying to overtake them. One was led to think they were passing through a hostile country, or escaping from Shanghai.*’

DEMOCRATIC SALUTATIONS. SYDNEY. March 29. While at the reception at the Town Hall, the Duke to-day presented Mr Stanley Gibbs with the Albert Medal. It is estimhated that forty-five thousand people passed the Royal dais. The visitors were greatly amused at the number of democratic salutations .shouted hy Sydneyites to them, including—,;Good old Albv !’’ “Alby !” “Good on you, hoy!” “There’s no doubt about you, Bert!” Hundreds of people attempted to shake hands with the Duke and Duchess, hut this was not permitted by the authorities.

The Duchess was so impressed with the display at Hie cricket grounds, "here twclvo thousand school children formed a white rose, that she asked tho Hon Mr Mutch, Minister of Education, to grant- the children an extra week's holiday at Easter. Hon Mr Mutch granted the Royal request. M-hen the Duke and Duchess walked slowly through lane ways amidst the huge flower, the children greeted them with deafening cheers. It was probably the most shattering noise, so far, of the tour. Tho enormous, crowd o 1 ’ children then broke the lines, and formed round the Royal pair, cheering frantically. It. was it remarkable demonstration. and the Duke and Duchess seemed overwhelmed. DUKE A “DIGGER.” SYDNEY, March 29.

Speaking at a luncheon tendered him by the Upturned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League, the Duke of York said that there was a new time of prosperity coming for the Old Country. She was not finished yet, and lie was sure that Australia and the other parts <;f the Empire would lienefit from prosperity at Home. He concluded by saving lie would become the Patron of the League, and therefore considered himself a “digger.”