THE ROYAL TOUR.

Wairarapa Age, 14 March 1927, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

DUCHESS OF YORK RETURNS TO WELLINGTON.

NELSON CITY’S FAREWELL.

DUKE AT CHRISTCHURCH. Acting under medical advice, the , Duchess of York has decided that she must forego the remaining part of her tour in New Zealand. Her Royal Highness was conveyed yesterday in the Renown to Wellington. The Duke of York, who reached Christchurch on Saturday evening, will complete the tour alone. CHRISTCHURCH, March 13. The following official bulletin regarding Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, was issued to-day:— “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, acting under medical advice, has decided with the deepest regret that she must forego the remainder of her tour in New Zealand. She has been ordered a period of complete rest and will embark on H.M.S. Renown for Wellington, where she will stay at Government House. His Royal Highness the Duke of York will carry out alone the. remainder of the programme that has •been arranged in New Zealand.”— (PA.)

A QUIET DEPARTURE.

NELSON, March 13.

The departure of the. Duchess of York shortly after nine o’clock on Sunday morning was witnessed only by a few people. Nelson would have accorded its Royal visitor a great send-off had such been possible, for the Duchess won all hearts immediately on her arrival on Wednesday last, and the indisposition from which she has-been suffering and her enforced separation from the Duke of York served only to intensify the love which all felt for her, but anything ia the nature of a big demonstration would have been unkindness itself. This was -the last thing desired by the people and at any rate those in charge arranged matters so that whatever was done would be in accordance with what was in thexbest interests of Her Highness. The gathering of the public at the Commercial Hotel wis composed mostly of those who happened to be passing by, and noticed the preparations for departure. As the Duchess crossed the footpath to the waiting motor car she was accorded a quiet but very sincere farewell. This took the form of hand-clapping, concluding in cheers as the cars moved away. The Duchess charmingly acknowledged the farewell. At Port Nelson, the presence of the Royal pinnace and preparations at the steps by the Harbour Board indicated the impending departure' of Her Highness, and here also a number of'people collected. As the Royal pinnace swiing round and headed for the harbour entrance, the Duchess waved farewell to the Nelson people. Her’Highness carried a bouquet presented by the Mayor and Mayoress. The day was beautifully fine, but a fairly heavy swell was coming Howe the bay from the storm outside. This caused the pinnace to .toss about a good deal) especially in the rip at the harbour entrance. The Renown was swung round affording smooth water at the gangway and the Duchess and her party boarded the ship without difficulty, none the- worse for the slight tossing about on the journey out to the warship. Considerable numbers of people watched the Renown’s departure from the surrounding hill tops. Arrangements had been made to use the Anchor Company’s Arahura to convey the Duchess to the Renown, both vessels proceeding to shelter in the bay, bat her services were not required. All the official party, with the exception of Mr. Ardell (Government representative) who' is proceeding overland to Christchurch, accompanied the Duchess to Wellington. It is understood that some of these will go south to rejoin the Duke on Monday evening. f ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON. DUCHESS NQW CONVALESCENT. WELLINGTON, March 13. The Renown returned to Wellington to-day at 6 p.m. with the Duchess of York on board. The following bulletin was issued: “Her ifcoyal Highness the Duchess of York, has stood the journey well and her condition'is quite satisfactory. The tonsilitis from which she has been suffering has nearly subsided* and complete rest is essential to re-es-tablish her health. She may now be regarded as convalescent and no further bulletins will be issued.” The Duchess remains on board overnight, proceeding to Government House to-moriow, where it is probable she will stay until the completion of the tour by the Duke of York.—(P.A. Extraordinary.)