DUCAL TOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 March 1927, Page 7

DUCAL TOUR.

RUN TO NEW PLYMOUTH. By Telegraph—Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, March 3. The Royal train made a smooth, leisurely run from Waimnrino. Rain fell during the earlier part, but witii tbe morning came line weather. As the train reached Taranaki territory Hgmont stood revealed in all the majesty of his 8000 feet, tho rising sun lighting up an almost perfect cone, rrom gently rising slopes to within a few hundred feet of the summit, which was veiled in cloud. Almost every wayside station and crossing showed groups of early risers waiting for a signt of the Royal ear. Eltiiam people had a special opportunity, as the train stopped a few minutes to permit of the engine to slake her thirst. The Stratford station, with its trappings oi flags anil greenery, forecasting tile.- formal welcome later in the day, was now deserted, but quite a number of people were round about the precincts, and at every street crossing hailed tho ducal car, and cheered and waved good wishes. On leaving Stratford the train ran into misty rain, and the mountain was suddenly blotted completely from view. A stop of ’sl) minutes was made at Waiongonn, where breakfast was partaken of in a typical Taranaki rural spot. Approaching New Plymouth a drizzle came down again, making the prospect a dready one. HALT AT STRATFORD. By Telegraph—Press Association. STRATFORD, March 3. The Duke and Utßfftess of York arrived by train from Hew Plymouth at i 1 o’clock, and were given a rousing reception. Alter receiving the Royal addre.'.s, the Royal party walked 300 yards backf to the station under floral arches, held by school children, who lined the whole route. Alter a stay of 1U minutes they left foi the south. HOUR AT NEW PLYMOUTH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH. March 3. The Duke and Duchess arrived at 8 55, and were received at the station by the Mayor and Mayoress. They drove through streets lined with cheering crowds, to the Pukekura Park, where 10,000 people gave a rousing welcome. he Duke inspected the guard, and then proceeded to the dais where an addre-s was read, and officials anil prominent citizens presented. Tile Duke then inspected and chatted with Maori war veterans, and also South African veterans, and returned soldiers, and afterwards the Boy Scouts who had erected a bridge which iie crossed, and the territorials.

The Duchess inspected the Girl Guidos, Brownies and Girl Citizens. The pair then moved round among 3000 school children, huirshallcd on the cricket ground, to the continuous accompaniment of cheers, waving of flags, anil caps thrown in the air.

It was a scene of immense enthusiasm with a wonderfully beautiful setting ot tbe park grounds, marred only by a slight drizzle which fell during part of tbe proceedings, which otherwise were without tile slightest hitch. Cheers ngain resounded when the party drove away to rejoin the train at i 0 o’clock. Much regret was expressed that Mount Kgmont was in coy mood, and concealed by clouds. THE FIRST KISS. By Telegraph—Press Association. HA AVER A, March 3. Although light ruin fell during the morning, the weather tv as fine though threatening, when the Royal train arrived.

The visitors were greeted by a cheering throng of 7000, which, included 3000 children.

The Mayor (Mr Pacey), presented a loyal address, and the .Duke handed, a written reply. A' delightful incident occurred, when Gwen Gallagher, one of the smallest pupils of rhe local school, presented a bouquet toi the Duchess, who graciously accepted it. and kissed the child’s cheek. This was the first child to receive the honour since the arrival of the Royal visiters. The Duchess inspected the Girl Guides, and the Duke the Returned Soldiers. Together they inspected the Girl Guides. The crowd gave the Royal visitors a musing reception, and surged forward as the party left to rejoin their train. EEILDfNG APPEASED.

By Telegrauh—Press Association. FELL DING, March 3., The Royal train stopped at Feilding, and the Duke and Duchess were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr Carthew), Mr L T. McLean (Kiwitea County Council), and A. Campbell (Orowa County Council). The Duchess was presented with a bouquet by tho little daughter of the! Mayor. Fifteen hundred school children in school uniforms, one hundred Girl Guides, and the same number of Roy Scouts, with Returned Soldiers, were on parade, and several thousands of own and district residents gave the Royal party a rousing welcome. ‘ .WELCOME AT WANGANUI. •

By Telegraph—Press AiseeUtioa. WANGANUI, March 3. A crowd of close bn 3000, the greatest in City history, welcomed the Duke and Duchess of York to .Wanganui to-day. _ •• • The streets werel strikingly decorated for the occasion, and were lined by ai crowd, which greeted the visitors with enthusiasm. . At Cook’s. Gardens, a crowdi of 2500, including 700 school children and many hundreds from outlying country districts, had gathered to witness the presentation of an address of welcome. After i Ins, further formalities were undertaken, and then their Royal Highnesses inspected the school children, 2000 of whom were grouped into five huge sections to form a white Rose of Yor.t. It was an impressive spectacle. Maori ma*s and a tiki were presented to the Duke and Duchess, and a dance of welcome was performed.' by _ thirty Maori children. This was possibly the most interesting phase of the procoed-. nigs. ARRIVAL AT PALMERSTON. END OF LONG DAY’S JOURNEY. Br Tel.eraph—Pr««s A.ioclntlon PALMERSTON N., March 3. r rbe pa«t 24 hours have been Mrenuous for Ihe Royal tourists, carfy-

ing them 400 miles of railway journey, sleeping and having their meals in the train, on top ol" a morning's fishing, anil a long drive across upland ami ■plain to Waimnrino to join the train. Just before tix, the train arrived at Palmerston North, where the Mayor and oilier leading men were formally ini rodm rd to I heir Rural Highnesses, who afterwards drove round the Squareamidst crouds of cheering people. In fore going t;o iho Grand Hotel, where they Hay the night. Earl Cavan to-day, staled that the Duke was extremely pleased at the manner in which the several' towns visited, had laid themselves out to make ids brief visit interesting and enjoyable. Nothing could be better than tho care taken. and the enthusiasm of 1 ho spectators for ihe Duke and Duchess. THE RENOWN. Bv Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND. March 3 The Renown left lor Gisborne at. 8.30 this morning with a inTfiinmm ot fuss. Tltoi sailors of the- Philomel assisted to cast off the lines. A crowd on Die wharf cheered as the warship moved olf. »i. 111 mi injg; -iro»w*