ROAR OF CHEERING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1939, Page 5

ROAR OF CHEERING

LONDON FAREWELLSJKING AND QUEEN Departure for Canada and United States ROYAL SALUTES AT PORTSMOUTH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 6. A warm-hearted send-off:' to the King and Queen on their i visit to Canada and the United States was given by large crowds today who lined the streets through which their Majesties drove from Buckingham Palace to Waterloo Station where the Royal partv entrained for Portsmouth. Long before the procession started, many thousands of people had taken up positions along the route. Added popular interest was given to this first stage of an unprecedented Roj-al progress by the fact that the two Princesses, who are to be parted from their parents till June 22, were in an open State landau with their Majesties. The Royal carriage passed along the route to the accompaniment of a continuous roar of cheering. Waterloo Station was gaily hung with flags and the roadway to. the platform was flanked by growing Canadian maple trees. There was a family atmosphere at Waterloo,Station despite the presence of a glittering throng of notables, including Mr Chamberlain, members of the Cabinet, the American Ambassador, Mr Kennedy, and the Canadian High Commissioner in London, Mr Massey. Their Majesties received an affectionate welcome on the platform from’ Queen Mary, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and the Earl of Harewood and Princess Alary.

Portsmouth extended an enthusiastic welcome to the King and Queen and the members of the Royal Family who travelled with them from London. At towns and villages along the rail route from London people gathered in small groups and. waved as the train sped by. After a formal welcome at Portsmouth station, their Majesties walked to the Guildhail, on the steps of which the officer commanding the garrison presented the King the keys of the fortress of Portsmouth in the presence of a vast concourse of people, including 2000 school children. The good wishes of the people of Portsmouth were showered upon their Majesties later when they were received by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cork and Orrery, Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, and other senior officers of the services; As the King stepped aboard the liner Empress of Australia, there were hoisted on her the White. Ensign and the Royal Standard at her main, the Admiralty flag at her fore and the Union Jack at her peak. The final farewells having been taken, first with officials and others and later with members of the Royal Family, the liner left to the accompaniment of Royal Salutes. Her progress was watched by crowds assembled at every vantage point on the shore. She was met and escorted as far as the Needles by aircraft of the Royal Air Force, and was joined at Spithead by H.M.S. Southampton and H.M.S. Glasgow, the escorting cruisers which are to accompany her across the Atlantic to Quebec. The battleship H.M.S. Repulse formed an extra escort for a short .distance. PALACE FAREWELL FAMILY DINNER PARTY. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 6. The last of the farewell parties in London attended by their Majesties took place last night, when a family dinner party was given at Buckingham Palace. SUNDAY AT SEA VOYAGING IN SUNSHINE. CHURCH SERVICE & BOAT DRILL. (•Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON. May 7. Their Majesties spent an active Sunday morning as the Empress of Australia was navigated in a moderate sea in bright sunshine. They attended Divine service, at which the Queen chose the hymns. Their Majesties and their suite later donned lifebelts and participated in boat drill. They spent the afternoon reading. The first day’s run was 282 miles. The vessel passed the French liner Normandie and exchanged greetings.