HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS REPLIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1927, Page 10

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS REPLIES.

AMIDST THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE. When His Royal Highness the Duke of "iork rose to reply, the great hall resounded with tumultuous applause, together with loud cheering, which lasted tor quite a time. I u a fine resonant voice, which could be heard bv everyone in that huge assemblage, His Rval Highness said:— 'Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen.— I desire to tlianK your Worship, and councillors and citizens of Auckland and the representatives of the various relh gions denominations for the addresses which have just been presented. I assure you that I will not fail to convev to His Majesty the King the expressions 01. loyalty which they contain. "The Duchess and I are much touched oy the wonderful kindness of th° welcome which we have received. We are delighted to be with you to-dav, and to nave this opportunity of meeting the citizens of Auckland. My brother, the Prince of Wales (applause), has told me of the fine streets and buildings of vour city of the generosity of its inhabitants, and of the beautiful scenery f&r which it is so justly renowned. We are looking forward to seeing for ourselves something of the city and its surroundings this afternoon."

"As your address Mr. Mayor, has recalled, tine Khipire -rests not upon constitutions and legal documents, but upon men and personal contact and human sympathy. And therefore it is that we welcome the opportunity of this visit to the Oversea Dominions, and wo prajr that it may result iu developing ever more closely that spirit of mutual iinderstandiug and co-operation, on which the whole future welfare of the Empire depends. "To the religious bodies I would saythat we have heard much of the devoted efforts you are making to meet the spiritual needs of the community, and it -is our earnest prnyer that success may attend your labours. "We wish Auckland and its inhabitants all possible prosperity and success." Their First Day. His Royal Highness turning to those assembled in tho body of the Town Hall, said:—"And now I should like, if I may, on this our first day in New Zealand, to address a few words not only to the citizens of Auckland, but to the people of the Dominion generally. '"On my arrival iu Xew Zealand, the King wishes me to assure the people what proud recollections he and the Queen preserve of their visit to Xew Zealand 2(5 years ago as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. (Cheers.) They will never forget those happy days and the loyal and affectionate welcome accorded them in all parts of New Zealand which they visited. (Applaiise.) "It is a source of pride to the Duchess and myself to be following in their footsteps. The Throne is the great bond of union between all parts of the Empire, and I know that there are no more loyal people anywhere than those of New Zealand, as so nobly shown by their trallant services and heroic devotion in the War. (Clioors.) "When T recall the King's visit it is impossible not to think of the wonderful strides which the Dominion has made in the last quarter of a century. New Zealand has cause to he proud of its rapid advancement, which affords sure proof that the foundations were truly laid by the early pioneers. (Applause.) "The Duchess and I are looking forward to our visit more than we can say. We are glad that in the limited time available we are going to soe so many parts of the country. We desire not only to see the wonderful natural beauties of the Dominion, but also to see as much as possible of its industries and of the industrial conditions, so that when we return we may be able to tell the people at home something about the way in which their fellow subjects oversea live and work. (Cheers.)

"We are especially glad that opportunities will lie afforded lis of seeing the rising generation, for it is on them that tlie futun* prosperity of the country depends. The Duchess and I want to see ns much as possible of the children, and we have a request to make for them—that they may everywhere be granted a holiday some time during our visit. (Loud applause.) "Once again I desire on behalf of the Duchess and myself to express our thanks for, the wonderful reception accorded us to-day. We shall not soon forget the scene when we entered the harbour this morning, and we thank you with all onr hearts. (Cheers and thunderous applause.)