DUKE’S TOUR

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 95, 16 January 1935, Page 10

DUKE’S TOUR

Motor Journey Through Countryside RURAL GREETINGS Cheers From Harvesters in Fields By Telegraph.—Press Association. The Hermitage, January 15. The warmth of the South Island welcomes to the Duke of Gloucester was well maintained to-day in receptions given ills Royal Highness during his motor journey from The Hermitage to Longbeach. eleven miles south ot Ashburton. There were large gatherings of adults, exservicemen and children at Tekapo, Fairlie, and Geraldine, and bunting and Union Jacks were as usual prominent in the decorations. The fact that he was the first member of the Royal Family to visit Geraldine was commented upon by the Duke, who said he was delighted to have that distinction The wayside salutations were once more a feature of the journey, knots of settlers assembling at most remote spots to wave good luck to the Royal car and its occupant. Harvesters in the field cheered the Duke as he passed. His Royal Highness was at the wheel himself for the greater ‘ part of the journey, which was made in fine weather, although drizzling rain fell at the Hermitage most of the day. At Tekapo the Duke laid the foundation stone of the Pioneer Anglican Memorial Church. It was announced that the building, when completed, would contain a plate glass _ window facing east, which would provide a fine view of Lake Tekapo with its magnificent alpine setting, as a memento of the event. His Royal Highness accepted a kowhai mallet bearing an appropriate inscription. The next reception will not take place until Saturday, when the Duke reaches Ashburton from Longbeach. Ashburton will have the distinction of being the only place visited in the tour at which there will be a mounted escort and guard provided. Unfavourable weather conditions prevented the Duke visiting the Tasman Glacier, as had been planned. FUNDS FOR TEKAPO

CHURCH By Telegraph.—-Press Association. The Hermitage, January 15. The funds of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Tekapo, the foundation stone of which was laid to-day by the Duke of Gloucester, will benefit to the extent of £6O as a result of a collection taken up at the ceremony. Bags containing the donations, the aggregate of which indicates the number present, were placed above the stone from which the new building will arise, and the contributions were duly dedicated.