DUKE AT AUCKLAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 December 1934, Page 3

DUKE AT AUCKLAND

RAPTUROUS RECEPTION. [per press association.] AUCKLAND, December 25. Rarely have Auckland citizens assembled in such vast number on any occasion, as they did for the reception to the Duke of Gloucester. Auckland’s welcome was wildly enthusiastic and placed the seal, almost, on the triumph of the Royal tour. The weather conditions were again dazzlingly brilliant, and there were remarkable demonstrations of spontaneous acclamation as the Royal procession passed through the streets, blackened witn people. It was Auckland at its unrestrained best. The inspection of the Royal guard of honour was one of the outstanding spectacles of the tour. The civic reception itself, was an impressive gathering, harmonising with the universal homage which has so unreservedly been offered to the Prince.

On the rail route from Morrinsvil’.e onwards a grey dawn provided a background for evidences of loyalty and interest in the movement of the Royal visitor. Members of the official party awake at -that hour, saw between Morrinsville and Hamilton little groups of people at every place passed, all hands leaving milking sheds to see the train slip through. Responding to the civic address of welcome delivered by the Mayor (Mr Hutchison), His Royal Highness said: “I receive with gratitude your declaration of continued loyalty to the King of the citizens of Auckland, proof which they have given on many occasions and notably in the Great War. Common attachment to the throne and ties of race and language form the basis on which the Empire depends for its continued existence. I deep’y appreciate .the enthusiasm with which you have welcomed me to Auckland. I assure you I feel great pleasure in visiting this beautiful and historic city, and in meeting its people. I take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the pioneers, whose courage and persistence overcame the many difficulties that confronted them, and madepossible the remarkable achievements of their descendants in later years. I sincerely hope the recent depression may now be passed, and that you may rest secure and enjoy the promising heritage which has been handed down. I wish all the people and children of Auckland, A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.” A collective reply was made to the addresses of welcome, presented by Church and other organisations. It acknowledged references to the services of Their Majesties to the Empire and previous Royal visits to New Zealand. “I thank you for your cordial welcome and good wishes to myself,” added His Highness, “and sincerely hope you will be long blessed to continue your labours for the welfare of the people whom you serve.” Through thronged thoroughfares, the procession, after the civic reception, proceeded lo Government House, where inmates of the Blind Institute were presented to the Duke. An inspiring scene was enacted before the Cenotaph War Memorial Museum. Here, with the solemnity of a great, sacred occasion, His Highness standing before immobile ranks of returned soldiers and- veterans, placed a wreat of remembrance, accompanied by a card In his own handwriting.

The Duke had Monday afternoon at his own disposal, and in the evening attended a dinner at Government House. On Tuesday morning, he was present at divine service at the Cathedral church of St. Mary’s, and in the afternoon and evening, was free. It is estimated by authorities that 50.000 people participated in the street reception to the Duke, which is believed to be a record for such events. This was in addition to 3000 who packed the Town Hall, and thousands who assembled in Karangahape Road, Symonds Street and the Domain. Packed four deep on each side for the entire length of Queen Street, and crowded on balconies, shop roofs and upstair windows, the citizens, many of whom waved flags, cheered the Duke to the echo in a stream of cordiality which rippled from Quay Street to the steps of the Town Hall. The soul of a. great city spoke, and its message was : “Empire ambassador, with one accord, we hail you.” There was a touching scene at Government House when the blind inmates cheered His Highness after he had spoken with them. An informal visit was made to the Auckland Club before the Cenotaph ceremony.

SURF AND BUSH HOLIDAY. AUCKLAND, December 25. Christmas Day was spent, by the Duke of. Gloucester largely in the open air. After attending the cathedral for Divine service, and participating in Ho'y Communion, Iho Duke motored himself to west coast bathing resort, Piha. Ho spent an hour in the surf with other bathers. There, was a most informal atmosphere. Instead of dinner, a picnic lunch was taken in tho bush, and tea was also had in the open air in scenic surroundings that were described by His Highness as some of tho most beautiful he had seen in New Zealand. He was delighted when he heard a tui burst its throat in beautiful song. Although the air mail from England has not arrived at. Auckland, the Duke of Gloucester’s despatch from Brisbane reached Croydon yesterday, and was delivered to Their Majesties at Sandringham to-day. The Duke is staying up till a late hour to hear his father’s voice in the Empire broadcast from Sandringham.

ATTENDING THE RACES. AUCKLAND, December 26. To-day for the first time since his arrival in New Zealand, the Duke of Gloucester is wearing a bdwler hat. He is attending the opening of the summer races of the Auckland Club, and weather conditions for the event are ideal. There is a record attendance, and on arrival of the Royal party at the racecourse, there was much cheering and hand-clapping. Tho Duke wore a hard hat and double-breasted lounge suit. At every available opportunity, as breaks between items on the official programme, the Duke takes a swim. This morning he bathed in company of members of tho staff of Government House on the open water at the historic Mission Bay, which is the city's only beach. He drove a car to the beach and back..