THE DUKE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3614, 17 March 1927, Page 3

THE DUKE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

MILES OF SIGHTSEERS LINE STREETS. Christchurch, March 15. The Duke’s popularity increases as the days go by. Hi scharm of manner, his interest in all that comes under his eye, his love of children, and his sincerity, are beginning to appeal to an ever-in-creasing circle in this most English of the New Zealand towns. In but a scant space of time the Duke is already being idolised, and this afternoon the fact that he had firmly, 'but graciously, turned down the Government’s proposal to shorten his tour in New Zealand, even by a day or an hour, has increased the high estimation in which he was already held by the Christchurch people. Night and day there they crowd in Cathedral Square, waiting to see him go out or come into his hotel, and always there is a hearty cheer for him. Last night’s enthusiastic demonstration was really wonderful, the more so because of its spontaniety and its unexpectedness. To-day lie seemed to live in a whirlwind of engagements, and his lightning changes from mufti to uniform and from uniform to mufti were somewhat remarkable. When he went out this morning there were sightseers over miles and miles of the city and suburbs. They cheered and waved flags, men mending the tramway doffed their hats, and a traction engine saluted him with a blast of the whistle. In one place his path was strewn with roses, and nearing Soekhurn Aerodrome two girls in breeches and blouses acted as an escort and galloped their ponies for half a mile beside his car. They repeated the performance when he left the aerodrome. The Duke spent a very busy day, during which he had, apart from meals scarcely a minute to himself. SUCCESS OF TOUR. London, March 14. In the House of Commons, the First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. W. C. Bridgeman) sail that he was sure the House would not grudge the very limited sum of money being spent on the Renown’s voyage. The could congratulate themselves on the success hitherto attending the Duke and Duchess of York’s tour in the Renown. Ho was sorry to learn of the Duchess’s slight indisposition. SYDNEY’S PREPARATIONS FOR VISIT. Sydney, March 15. The city is steadily preparing itself for the Royal visitr The streets along the route are already lined with rows of white standards. Platforms are being erected and citizens are organising elaborate decorations. There is every prospect that Canberra will he a very crowded place during the Duke and Duchess of York's sojourn there, and except for official visitors accommodation will be very scarce and high priced. DUKE ARRIVES AT DUNEDIN. The train drew into the Dunedin station precisely at C. 30, according to time-table, and in a small enclosure formed by decorations, foliage and pot plants, stood the Mayor of Dunedin and his colleagues. The Mayor welcomed the Duke and presented his councillors.