DUKE IN “RED STATE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 62, 4 June 1927, Page 8

DUKE IN “RED STATE”

THE LOYALTY OF LABOUR ENGLISH CORRESPONDENT SURPRISED The correspondent of the London “Observer” was apparently astonished at the reception accorded 1 to the Duke and Duchess of York in Queensland. His account of the welcome to their Royal Highnesses, as cabled to his paper, was highly interesting. It was as follows: The visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Queensland, “the Red State of the Commonwealth,” turned out a pleasant surprise to all concerned, and leaves no doubt that, whatever may be the political colour of the people in their hour of ease, they are whole-heartedly loyal to the Crown. Queensland has always led in advanced legislation. Labour rules with persistent monotony, but the hearty welcome all along the line from the border to Brisbane, and the passionate demonstrations of affection in the State capital itself, have surprised and delighted everyone. The Duke found it uncomfort; hie on the night of his arrival when crowds were packed so tightly round his car on his arrival at the Winter Garden Theatre to meet returned soldiers and nurses that he was unable to alight. The scene was best described by Lord Cavan, who was in the Duke’s car: “It was a marvellous exhibition of undisciplined loyalty. Even in that surging mass of humanity the Duke wanted to get out. I told him it was impossible. He replied: T must get there, whatever happens,’ and we did by the back way. I fell in going to the stage door, but only wSlit my trousers. Lieut.-Commander Buist has a hole in his leg. But it was a great show.’ The acting-Premier, Mr. Forgan Smith, has badly bruised ribs, Sir Brudenell White had the studs in his shirt front squashed flat, Commander Buist was jammed against a plateglass window with a mounted policeman’s horse pressed against his leg. Eventually Major Northcott impersonated the Duke and drove off -in a police-guarded car and the crowd followed. To-day the Duke and Duchess left for Beaudesert, where, after visiting the show, they went into the country for a quiet week-end.