IMPRESSIVE SCENES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 58, 30 October 1931, Page 3

IMPRESSIVE SCENES

(Press Assn.

ROYALTY AGCLAIMED KING AND QUEEN ARE GIVEN WONDERFUL RECEPTION AT THEATRE SPECIAL "TABLEAU AND TOAST

— By Telegraph — Copyright).

LONDON, Wednesday. Wild enthusiasm marked Their Majesties' visit to the Theatre. Crowds0 waiting in the Mall in the bitter cold cheered them. As the Royal car passed in the Strand the crowd rushed the roadway cheering and waving and special police were called in to restrain the excited people from breaking down the cordons outside the theatre. Their Majesties were obviously touched hy the warmth of the reception. The scenes inside th.e theatre were unparalleled for many years. The entire house rose and cheered madly when Their Majesties, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duehess of York, and Prince George entered the Royal box. The King, who was wearing a white gardenia, repeatedly bowed and the Queen waved a white-gloved hand. After the National Anthem there was a mornent's silence as the orchestra struck up "Soldiers of the Queen." The cheering was renewed and the house joined in the chorus. When the play ended an impressionistic seene was staged depicting "The hectic days of 1931," with which was blended the toast "May this country of ours that we love so truly, find dignity and peaec- again." Every face in the audience turned to the Royal box. There was a moment of tense silence before the lights went up, and the players stood on the stage before a huge Union Jack singing the National Anthem. The audience did not join in'the chorus. It seemed over-awed with emotion and many eyes glistened with tears. Their Majesties were actually leaving the box before a great cheer came. The Queen turned bowing and smiling and beckoned the King to her side, and they stood together acknowiedging the ovation. Outside the theatre the enthusiasm was unbounded and thousands cheered as the Royal car disappeared.