RETURNS TO CITY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 61, 14 March 1927, Page 10

RETURNS TO CITY

PERIOD OF REST

ENGAGEMENTS CANGELLED

The sight of H.M.S. Benown, berthed at Pipitea Wharf this morning, was unexpected, and aroused the liveliest interest, as well aa concern for the health of Her Eoyal Highness the Duchess of York, -when her presence aboard became known. Apprehension in this respect is fortunately removed by bulletins float she may now be regarded as so definitely convalescent that no further statements regarding her health 'Will be made. Her Boyal Highness will remain at Government House for a complete rest during the remainder of His Highness's top of the South Island, which will be carried out as arranged. The Benown arrived from Nelson late yesterday afternoon. *

The first intimation of Her Highness's cancellation of her Southern tour was contained in an official bulletin issued at Nelson yesterday, as follows:— .

Her Boyal Highness the Duchess of York, acting under medical ad . vice, has decided ■with the deepest ■ regret that she must forego the re- : mainder of her tour in New Zealand. She has been ordered a period of complete rest and will embark on H.M.S. Renown for Wellington, where she will stay at' Government House. His Boyal Highness the Duke of York will carry out alone the re- - mainder of the programme that has been arranged in New Zealand. . A further bulletin, issued last night, •tated:—

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York has stood the journey well, and her condition is quite satisfactory. The tonsilitis from which she has been suffering has nearly subsided, but complete rest is essential to reestablish her health. She may now be regarded as convalescent, and no further bulletins will be issued.

There was wisely no large formal demonstration as the Duchess left Nelson yesterday, much ,as the public would have desired to make one, but it was impossible to prevent the people from gathering, and Her Highness waved them her farewell, carrying a bouquet presented by the Mayor and Mayoress. A PLEASANT TBIP. . The day was fine, and in spite of the. heavy swell rolling in, the Duchess and her party in. the pinnace found no difficulty in boarding ou the lee of the waiting warship. The trip across Cook Strait was pleasant. The impending return of H.M.S. Reinowa, became known yesterday afternoon, and there were crowds on the wharf and on vantage points round the bays, to see the vessel come in. The big^ Ship was berthed at Pipitea Wharf, ■which*' was barricaded to /pedestrians. Her Highness remained on board overBight. ■ As no one outside the officials concerned, police, and traffic officers, knew just when the Duchess would leave the Renown this morning there were very few at the head of Pipitea "Wharf at 10 o'clock, which was the hour arranged. That was as had been, wished, for the Duchess naturally desires that Her stay in Wellington shall be quiet. Pipitea Wharf was this morning strictly closed against the *üblic, a barricade being thrown across tv-harf decking inside the g_ates. TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. ■„■■ The Duchess walked down the gangway, and immediately entered a closed ear. Preceded by tho police escort, tho car at once moved away and at the wharf barrier the Duchess, with the smile that has made her so wonderfully popular, acknowledged the wavings and greetings of those few who had waited. A burst of cheering at the corner of the wharf approach and Waterloo quay •was acknowledged by another smile, bnt from that point, along Waterloo and Jervois quays and Kent terrace to Government House, few people recognised the Koyal car. ■