THE DUKE AND DUCHESS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5053, 17 November 1926, Page 2

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS

INVITATION TO VISIT PAEROA, borough council discussion. An unusual topic discussion was introduced at the recent Paeroa Borough Council meeting by Cr. G. P. de Castro. Prefacing his suggestion with the remark that he did not desire the councillors to treat the subject lightly, Cr. de Castro referred to the pending visit to the Dominion of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. He was of the opinion that representations should be made to the Minister of Internal Affairs respectfully suggesting that the Duke and Duchess be invited ,to travel from Auckland to Thames by steamer, and then from Thames to Rotorua, by •rail, instead of proceeding by rail frjom Auckland, through Hamilton, to Rotorua. The return trip could be made .that way if desirable. In support of the suggestion Cr. de Castro said that if the Government would agree to the arrangement it would enable hundreds of children from the Bay of Plenty, Katika,ti, Waihi, and all parts of the district to assemble say, at Paeroa, which was the natural centre, to see the Royal visitors. A determined effort should be made to allow children toi see the Duke and Duchess, and he was of the opinion that it could be done without any great inconvenience. So far as the younger generation was concerned it would inculcate loyalty and quicken the interest and veneration for Royalty and the Motherland. He would like to hear what other members thought of the suggestion before moving the resolution.

The Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) showed clearly that hedid not approve of the suggestion. He said that Paeroa had no more claim to a visit than Cambridge, Otorohanga, or Te Awamutu. It would be very nice to see the Duke and Duchess, but the suggestion was wide of practical results. If children desired to see the Royal visitors no doubt they could go to Hamilton for the purpose. Cr. de Castro reminded the Mayor that when the Prince of Wales was in the Dominion children were; taken from Katikati and Waihi to Hamilton, and the train was delayed .toi such an extent that the Prince had left for Rotorua and the kiddies- missed him altogether. Some of those children had got up at 4 a.m. s,o as to catch the train at Katikati.

Several members thought .the suggestion a good one, and considered that representations should be made at once. If necessary probably the assistance of adjacent, local bodies could be'obtained.

The Mayor remarked that the suggestion wns too ambitious a one.

Cr. Bre,nan said it would certainly be advantageous for the younger generation if a visit could be arranged, but he was, inclined to think that the Department pf Internal Affairs would not agree .to the alteration. After further discussion, in the course of which the speakers evidenced a desire to see that the suggestion was given effect to, Cr. de Castro moved that representations be made to the Government asking that the Royal tour be altered so as to include Paerola.

In seconding the resolution Or. J. W. Silcock said that the council could lose nothing by making an effort. The Mayor replied that the council was likely to gain a reputation of having members with-“swelled heads.” The resolution was carried, and no doubt the reply from the Government will be awaited with interest.