THE EMPIRE TOUR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 8

THE EMPIRE TOUR

VISIT TO ASHBURTON. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. DOMAIN FUNCTION RECALLED. . The residents of Ashburton “aid' a striking tribute to King and Throne I by their vigorous demonstration andj expressions of affection on tiro occasion| of the Prince’s visit to this town on I May 17. The incident is described in “The Guardian” of that date as follows: —“Precisely at 11.55 tho prince’s! train, after a long warning whistle, steamed slowly into the station. *Thej Prince’s carriage was situated at the end of the train, and presented n pretty picture with its luxurious furnishings and autumn floral decorations. There were preliminary cheers as the train was seen approaching, and a most enthusiastic - welcome was given the Royal visitor as the Boyal carriage came to a stop exactly level wjtli the exit. Tho Prince was neatly d'ressed in a grey suit, with overcoat, and felt hat to match. Carrying a stick and gloves, Ills was a most aristocratic figure, yet tho modest grace with which lie .cam© forward to meet his subjects had a reassuring effect, which was reflected in the broad smiles and hearty handshakes. Hats were doffed as the future King stooped out of the train. Tiro Hon. W. Noswortliy (Minister for Agriculture) and Mr F. Z. D. Ferriman officially welcomed the Prince, the latter shaking hands and chatting pleasantly for a few moments. The Mayor (Mr B. Galbraith) was in charge of affairs at tiro Domain. . Accompanied by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey and liis staff, the Prince walked out of the station, A large cheering crowd had gathered outside the enclosure and his Boyal Hisdmess was accorded a magnificent ovation as his car proceeded to the Domain via East, Havelock and West Streets, through] the lodge gates and thence to tiro dais in front of the pavilion. The barricading of the railway station prevented the people gathered there from seeing the Prince at close quarters, hut the whole of the Boyal route was lined with very enthusiastic crowds, and the cheering made a most inspiring scene. The Boyal visitor stood up in his car and waved cheerily to the delighted public, the members of the Prince’s staff 'following the Boyal car and making a procession of 18 ears.

At the Domain, enthusiasm broke all hotrods. The Prince was received by the Mavbr and the Comity Chairman (Mr A. Drummond), and was introduced to several County and Town Councilors on the platform, and also to Lieutenant-Colonel J. Findlav. After the Guard of Honour had been inspected the Prince returned to the dais, where an appropriate address front town and country was read by the Mayor, the Prince suitably replying.

“The next procedure was not included in the proerraniTne, ami was carried through at the sneeial request of his Boval Highness. Tiro returned soldiers, headed bv Sisters Barr and Gill, were received bv the Prince on tiro dais. He shook every one by the hand, using his left hand for the purpose. .He frermently rmused to speak to soldiers with a string of decorations. This privilege was much npnreciated bv the returned men, especially as the handshaking was carried out at the Prince’s own initiative. A pathetic moment canie when the Prince received Mrs Blackburn, of Dromoro. who was wearing fhe medals—the Military Medal and Croix-d'P-G'uprre—won by her son, who- was killed in action. Tho school childrcn’si glorious five minutes' came next, when the Prince marched up and down their ranks, sneaking here and there to a little child. The youngsters rose to the oecasron with the greatest spirit, and the Prince’s path through the crowded up-turned, bright and smiling faces was triumphal. He walked up an avenue of flags Haid ioallv waved while the children and the crowd bevond vented their 1 oval tv in cheer on cheer. Once more the Prince returned to Ibe dais amid never-muling cheers which voce in a crescendo to a great volume of soroul as the Prince finally -Lore off to the station.”