THE ROYAL TOUR.

Wairarapa Age, 10 March 1927, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK IN THE SOUTH. WELCOME IN MARLBOROUGH. BLENHEIM, March 9 On a grey morning, with clouds wreathing the tops of the Fie ton hills, the Renown came into the Sound and stood off (behind Mabel Island. The passage from Wellington was a smooth one. The Renown did not venture through Tory Channel, but went round by way of Queen Charlotte Sound, passing the historic cove where Captain Cook landed to careen and water his ships. The great warship could not came up to Pieton, but stood off behind the Island. The Duke and Duchess with their suite made a passage to the landing steps at the wharf in the Royal barge, and were met by Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, representing the Government.

The landing was conspicuous only by the absence of ceremony, and the actual landing was witnessed by only a dozen people. The Royal party drove a few hundred yards from the wharf to the railway station, where the usual formal address was read by the Mayor. Here the children from the public and convent schools were drawn up, and they cheered and waved their little flags. Afterwards the Duke and Duchess descended from the platform and walked between the ranks. The Duchess took particular notice of a group of Girl Guides.

The party then embarked for Blenheim in a train consisting of the Royal car and two other carriages, a pilot engine going ahead for the short run to Blenheim. All on board the Renown were delighted with Wellington’s cheery send-off last night, and the Duke’s happy impromptu speech. When the Royal train arrived at Blenheim station there was no waiting. Their Royal Highnesses were cheered as they emerged fram the station entrance, and took their seats in their ear. The Duke bowed and the Duchess waved acknowledgment, and the car moved off, followed by the rest of thd entourage. It was a quiet entry, the welcome proper being reserved for the appearance of the Royal visitors ,at Waterlea. A great many people lined the route which traversed the town sections and returned by way of Seymour Street past the war memtrial, which is in the course of erection, across the school bridge, and thence to Waterlea. The chief impression was the quiet reception accorded the Royal visitors, but it was none the less a genuine welcome. Crowds found their way to Waterlea, where the official welcome was given and an address presented.— (P.AA NELSON EN FETE. INCIDENTS BY THE WAY. NELSON, March 9. On the way to Nelson to-day, a small girl threw a little home-made posey into the Duke’s car. It had attached a card on which -was inscribed “God bless thejluehess’s dear little baby.” Her Royal Highness, who at once took possession of the offering, sreemed very pleased.

The Duke, who has taken to making little impromptu speeches, briefly addressed the Nelson children to-day. After their hearty greeting ho said he had heard that some of them had come long distances, even as far as eighteen miles, and he and the Duchess thanked them very much for this. To-night the Nelson streets are brightly illuminated with coloured light and are thronged. For nearly two hours there has been a dense crowd in front of the hotel at which the Royal guests are staying. At nine o’clock the Duke appeared on the balcony and was greeted with a great burst of cheering, which was renewed after he made a brief speech of thanks.

At dinner on the Renown last night, His Excellency the Governor-General and Mr. Coates were presented with souvenir cigarette cases by His Royal Highness.—(P.A.) DUCHESS OF YORK INDISPOSED. NELSON, March 9. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, is suffering from a mild attack of tonsilitis, and will be unable for the next few days to fulfil any public engagements. The Duke of York will continue to carry out alone the programme that has been arranged.—(P.A.)