AUCKLAND'S FAREWELL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1927, Page 10

AUCKLAND'S FAREWELL

UNDER WEEPING SKIES .. OVERLAND - TRIP/BEGUN (By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post") AUCKLAND, This Day. H.M.S. Eenown returned to Auckland from Eussell at.6.15 o'clock this morning, and at 9.30 the Eoyal Party entrained for Bbtorua. The train will make frief stops at Pukekohe, Ngaruawahia, and Hamilton.' The weather at Auckland this nior-idng was thick and drizzly, but improving. At Eotorua great preparations have been made, and- Their Eoyal Highnesses should find a characteristically hearty welcome awaiting them to-night. - • Bent on waving, a farewell to the Duke and Duchess as they passed along the streets to the station from the Eenown, which berthed at the- Princes Wharf, on, arrival from Eussell at 6.30, people began to gather at the foot of Queen street soon, after 8 o'clock this morning. With the arrival of every ferry, tram, and train, the gathering swelled, till the space in front of the Post Office was densely packed.'Fifty policemen lined the ioped-off route, but it was a peaceful crowd, content to endure the discomfort of the steady rain, and the constables were not requird to exert themselves. The, crowd was reinforced by a large contingent of office and shop employees, granted leave to see the last of the Eoyal visitors. The windows on the upper floors of the office buildings in Lower Queen street framed/groups of heads, and the i postal employees, in their anxiety to see the official cars go by, were at" every vantage point on the front of the big decorated building. • Many vehicles were parked and utilised for improvised grandstands. : . When the Eoyal car appeared, their Highnesses were given an enthusiastit reception, which they graciously acknowledged. ■'" - :