ARDUOUS DAY

Evening Post, Issue 6, 8 January 1935, Page 8

ARDUOUS DAY

DUKE ON WEST COAST

TYPICAL1 WELCOMES f

IMPRESSIVE SCENERY

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, January 7. . Easily the most arduous phase of his tour was completed today by the Duke of Gloucester, who, between 9.15 ihis morning and 8 o'clock tonight/ visited Murchison, Inangahua, Westport, and Greymouth.. The receptions at-each township were stimulating, and typical of the hospitality of _ West Coasters, but even more inspiring, if possible, were the welcomes his Royal Highnessi received en route. ' As has been the experience throughout, wayside salutations today- were conspicuous. The peal significance of 'them was reflected when heavy rain set in late in the afternoon, and hundreds of adults and children on the coastal roads between Westport and Greymouth Sacrificed dry clothing for the-sight ofand a cheer for the Prince. There were on this, magnificent marine scenic drive many touching evidences of loyalty, and thoso playing the leading part in the majo'rUy of instances were working folk. Miniature Union Jacks, bedraggled but flying, were a common «ght, and at some places bunting was stretched across the road on wire. ■' Westport's welcome, which was Tousing, was not completed when rain, •which had been errant for several weeks, fell, but all of the proceedings ?it Greymouth, which was distinctively decorated for the event, had to be carried out in continuous rain. Notwithstanding the unfavourable conditions, thousands of residents were present at the official ceremony, where umbrellas acted as a canopy for but not a brake on the acclamation accorded the Royal -Visitor. Greymouth's effort was admirable and capped the demonstrations of the other West Coast and centre island areas at each of which the children ha»l been transported long distances inland. DUKE AN EXPERT DBIVEB. The Duke of Gloucester again proved himself an expert driver, being at the wheel for a considerable portion of the journey, including the Buller Go^rgo and marine drive from Westport tb Grey; mouth, -At one of the stops in the gorge he cinematographed the peculiar mountain formation known as the "Old Man of the Mountains." "I have greatly enjoyed my drive along the .splendid Buller: Gorge," he told the people of Inangahua.. "I shall -not easily forget this part of New Zealand ■nor the warm-hearted greetings of its jpeople." , ' , y ".. In his leplies at Westport and Greyznouth the- Duke made particular, mention of the industries in which those districts were interested, and expressed th^ hope '■ that coal production and mitring would long continue to be of vattpe to New Zealand and contribute to the- prosperity, of the people concerned in them. The Duke joined the RoyalT train at Greymouth and spent the night aboard at South Beach, a few miles distant. Tomorrow he proceeds to Hokitika and Rcfss, en route to Waiho,- where the parity is expected; to arrive "for lunch. They stay overnight at " the Glacieir [Hotel. , Up to va, late hour tonight heavy rain was still*, falling and the conditions of the roads tomorrow may slow down travel. His Royal Highness may in the.afteitnoon visit the Fox as well as the Franz Josef Glacier.