THE WOMBAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 256, 29 October 1934, Page 7

THE WOMBAT.

» DUKE'S LITTLE JOKE. Royal Party Springs Surprise at Country Church. A FEW DAYS' REST. (United P.A.--Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 1 p.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. While on his tour of Gippsland on Saturday the Duke of Gloucester was introduced at Maffra to the wombat, one of Australia's strange native animals. The Duke was intensely interested in the curiosity, and chaffingly asked Major-General Howard Vyse: "What are you going to do about it?" The point of the jest was the fact that the equerry, when Chief of Staff to General Sir John Harry Chauvel in Palestine, was nicknamed "Wombat." Another wombat was included in the welcoming party at Berwick later the same day, but the people of Berwick vere horrified when they learned that t'leir great idea had been anticipated at Maffra. , The Duke, however, appeased the outraged dignity of the small town by paying special attention to Berwick's wombat.

Ercildoune, where the Duke is resting, is one of Victoria's historic properties, dating back to the pioneer days. The homestead resembles an old English mansion, and in its environs the Duke will bo able to enjoy shooting, riding, and fishing. On Sunday morning he paid a surprise visit to Learmonth Church, six miles from Ercildoune. Neither the vicar nor the congregation were expecting His Royal Highness, and were thrilled on the arrival of the Royal party. Strangely enough, the vicar's sermon was on the influence of the Royal House on the life of the people. The Duke had returned to Melbourne on Saturday night, and left again immediately for a few days' rest in the country at the home of Major Allan Currie. The Prince thoroughly enjoyed his tour of Gippsland, the silence of the forest being a welcome change from the pomp and pageantry of Canberra. The Royal Standard pilot flag which was stolen from the Duke's motor car in Canberra has been returned to the police, with an anonymous letter of apology for taking it.