DUKE CUTS FOOT

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1934, Page 5

DUKE CUTS FOOT

SURF-BATHING INJURY ENGAGEMENTS CANCELLED [PEE PBESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, December 26. It is officially intimated that the Duke of Gloucester is suffering slightly from an injured foot, as the result of a cut sustained whilst bathing. He hopes to carry out his engagements, but, on medical advice he is resting his foot as much as possible for the next few days. He is unable to wear a boot or to remain standing during his public appearances. He did not attend the Government House ball to-night at the risk of having to disappoint the children at the Domain demonstration to-morrow. CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION. AUCKLAND, December 27. Drawn from all over the Auckland Province, several thousand children assembled at the Domain to-day, and extended a Royal’ welcome to the Duke of Gloucester. Although the ceremony was impressive, it lacked the inspiration of the memorable Wellington juvenile demonstration, mainly because of the impression that the youngsters were kept under too rigid control by the authorities, and had been warned against breaking the ranks. Nevertheless, the Domain is still reverberating with the thunder of the cheering called for b$ the marshall at the termination qf the demonstration. Wide public interest was manifested in the event, there being fully ten thousand adults in attendance. The lawns of the Domain were as a colourful human mantle, from the folds of which tiny Union Jacks waved and fluttered, gloves a nd sticks twisted and turned, and hands rose high, all in acclamation and to express again Auckland’s affection for the King’s third son.

A picturesque touch -was added by the gaily uniformed members of the Auckland Girls’ Athletic Association, who in a series of perfectly timed movements, gave an outstanding exhibition of physical exercises. With his foot encased in a large slipper, and limping noticeably, His Highness slowly ascended the steps to the dais, and there, with the injured foot resting on a raised cushion, watched with smiling interest, the flag-waving of the tiny tots and acknowledged the greetings of Auckland’s citizens of to-morrow. In his open car and travelling at a snail’s pace, he passed through the ranks, much to the delight of the children, who clearly at the word of command wo*’ld have broken ranks on the return journey, while their enthusiasm had reached the controlled limit. In view of his foot injury, the Duke did not address the children.

NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE. AUCKLAND, December 27. Although to-day there was a slight improvement in the Duke’s injured foot, His Highness is taking no risks, and is giving it. the maximum of rest. In compliance with medical advice to rest the foot as much as possible, the Duke reluctantly cancelled his visit to the meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club at Epsom this afternoon. After attending the children’s rally at the Domain, he returned to Government House, having no other engagements to fulfill till a garden party late in the afternoon. His Highness remained seated in a chair on the lawn, where the guests were presented to him. To-night he attends a private dinner at tho Northern Club, but it is unlikely he will make a speech to the members.

A special New Year’s message to the children of New Zealand is being written by the Duke of Gloucester, and arrangements are being made for its publication in newspapers on Monday next. The message will be signed by the Duke, and duplicated copies of the document, as autographed, will be available for presentation to schools. This souvenir remembrance for the children of the Dominion is typical of the Duke’s unfeigned interest in the juvenile population.