DUKE ENTERTAINED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 197, 2 June 1934, Page 5

DUKE ENTERTAINED

ANTICIPATION OF HIS TOUR.

THE PROGRESS OF NEW ZEALAND KEEN INTEREST IN ITINERARY. / (United Press Association—Copyright). (Deceived This Day, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 1. The Union Jac-k and the New Zealand flag behind the chairman typified the unity and sentiment exemplified in'the speeches at the New Zealand Society's luncheon to the Duke of Gloucester.

Mrs Stevens, Sir James Parr’s daughter, was one of the successes, being the right-hand neighbour of the Duke of Gloucester, who gave her almost his undivided attention in lively conversation throughout the meal.

Sir lan, Hamilton nodded appreciatively as the Scottish origin of many New Zealanders was emphasised. “If this is the advance guard of the great hospitality to come, I only hope that my constitution is strong enough to carry me through the attack of the main body,” said the Duke of Gloucester, responding to the toast of his health. He added: “I have already heard members of the Royal family extol the grandeur of the scenery and the outstanding kindness and generosity of New Zealand people. 1 am already convinced that they have not exaggerated. New Zealand’s progress in 90 years has been wonderful. Her farmers are amongst the world’s most progressive. I am sorry to hear that the dairying industry is haying a hard time. I am particularly anticipating meeting the Maoris in their own picturesque surroundings and to expeuence the thrill of a real liaka. I personally know all about the All Blacks, although I am not prepared to play football. I intend to participate in any form of sport in New Zealand.” The Duke added: “Perhaps when i return I will tell one or two fishing stories without exaggeration. (Laughter.) I have been warned early to hold my hat when negotiating the street corners’ at Wellington to prevent my hat from blowing away, but from what my friends say about my hats, perhaps it would be no loss. Sir James Parr, proposing the loyal toast, said there was no sentiment m New Zealand in favour of a Governor being chosen from New Zealanders. Un the contrary, there were incontrovertible advantages in having a GovernorGeneral with aiv open mind, free from political bias. He assured the Duke of Gloucester of the Heartiest welcome which would live in his memory It would not be a tourist picnic, but it would take hard work to cover the itinerary. MacDona ] d > s speech in proposing the toast,’ of “New Zealand” exemplified his tenacious memory of his New Zealand visit 30 ycai* a<ro. He reassured the Duke of Gloucester, declaring that the roads bad improved, and he asserted that the white settlers’ admission of the Maons to equality with themselves had redounded to their credit, He warned the Duke that the. tasks ahead m lus tour had been understated rather than overstated. He paid a giowmg tnbute to Maori legends, wine n hesa were as well worthy of a pia.e in a ■library alongside the, greatest Giecian jC Sir James Parr read the Hon. G. W Forbes’ message of greeting on be1, 'if 0 f New Zealanders, who eie tU ****** f. es&EZ Those present included E. Mr Walter Runeiman, Mr J- «■ , " ’ mas Mr W. Elliot, Sir William B.rd'Tlw guests were delighted with the humour of the intimate touches c - the hS SP '£’Dr anitopics and Showed an eager mtciest every detail of his tour.