ROYAL PARTY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5330, 18 February 1947, Page 5

ROYAL PARTY IN SOUTH AFRICA

(Press a'ssti.

TUMULTUOUS WE1.COME capetown in holiday mbod for arrival

— Rec. 9.30 p.m.)

CAPETOWN, Feb. 17. The Royal party has arrived at Capetown, and a great welconie they had when they drove through the streets. Led by the King, the Royal Family stepped on to South African soil from the battleship "Vanguard at 9 p.m. New Zealand time. They were greeted with a tremendous welcome from the people of Capetown and the sound of the harbour batteries roaring out a Royal" salute. The party walked to the specially huilt pavilion for the offieial welcome. There was a most tumultuous welcome from the people themselves as the Royal EaAiily began a drive through the narrow streets of Capetown. It is estimated that at least 250,000 people were crammed into the two-mile route, and the visitors were cheered every yard of the way. There is no doubt whatever about the warmth of the Royal welcome, and, says a newspaper columnist, "there is not one of us here watehing this great welcome who d'oesn't wish that the people in Britain share some of lts warmth." Decorated Streets To-day will be a holiday in Capetown and the crowds'are in real holiday mood with the Royal visit as the number one topic -of conversation. The streets are gay with streamers and flags and carry large portraits of -the Royal Family. Their triumphal drive over, the King and Queen ,and the Prin'cesses are now at Government House where they are resting before attending the State banquet to-night at the City Hall. Both the King and General Smuts are to speak. This, the first day of the Royal party's ten weeks' stay in South Al'riea began with perfect summer weather and the prospect of high temperatures later. ^ A British correspohdent, who is cc-vering the tour. says that the people- of Capetown began their wel-' come to the Royal party early this morning. As dawn broke people had already taken up their positions onthe route of the Royal procession, many little 'groups having spent all night on the pavement. The RoyaT tour will include more ,than 50 places, including visits to British protectorates, a week in SoiAhern Rhodesia, and nine days in Pretoria. There will he a Soutti African national holiday on April 17 when Princess Elizabeth celebrates her "2 1 st birthday.