THE ROYAL TOUR.

Wairarapa Age, 3 March 1927, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

THROUGH THE NATIONAL PARK ON THE WAY TO NEW PLYMOUTH NATIONAL PARK, March 2. School children lining the roadside, with a gathering of adults from Tokaanu and from various little hamlets within reach by motor, gave the Duke and Duchess of York and. their party a rousing send-off from Kawhia Camp at 5.50 p.m. The weather was fine but dull and cool, and the roads were in good condition. Across the shoulder of Tongariro, the travellers entered? on a plateau over two thousand feet above sea level. The little village of Waiehu had its inhabitants (nearly

all Maoris) at the roadside to wave a greeting and farewell to the Royal visitors. As dusk fell so did the rain, and Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu were invisible. The National Park was veiled in misty rain practically all the way, but in the west the travellers saw Egmont’s cone-shaped peak making a wondrous picture with the last rays of the departed sun printing it in bold relief. Heavy rain now fell for a time and had only eased a little as Wainiarino station was reached. Here quite a crowd collected to see the Royalties arrive. At ten o’clock the train moved off on the long run to New Plymouth td the accompaniment of cheers from the crowded station platform.—(P.A.).