ROYAL TOUR

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 March 1927, Page 9

ROYAL TOUR

DUKE AT CHRISTCHURCH MUCH DISAPPOINTMENT. AT ABSENCE OF THE DUCHESS. (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 14. There was profound disappointment in 'Christchurch when it became known that the Duchess of York had to abandon her southern tour. The day being Sunday, many had not heard of the change of plan, and they journeyed to Lyttelton to see the Renown come in and the Duchess land. Throughout yesterday there wa© a crowd in that part of the Square opposite Warner's Hotel, waiting to get a glimpse of the Duke on his goings and comings, and always when he did appear he received the most cordial greetings. In the absence of the Duchess, Christchurch has taken the Duke to it© heart, and he must have been delighted with the magnificent reception. He appeared several times on the- balcony at Warner’s and waved a friendly greeting to the crowd below, which was patiently waiting to see him at close quarters. Christchurch crowds have been remarkably well behaved; and the police have had no difficulty in keeping perfect order.

This morning the Duke was early abroad, accompanied by the Mayor, in order to see something of the local industries, in which he is taking the keenest interest. At his hotel he saw Tommy Soloman, the last -surviving member of the Moriori race, the remnant of which was found on the Chatham Islands. Judging from his name, however, Tommy i© not a pure representative of the. Moriori.

Last night the Duke dined at the heme of Captain Tabu and Mrs. Rhodes. To-day tlie important event wa s the children’s demonstration. The scene at the kshowgipunds w,a-s in,spiring when the Duke arrived. In an instant -a sea of flag® -appeared. Children assembled on the outskirts of drill squad waving flag© with -all the exuberance of youth. The, cheering which accompanied the waving of the flags rose- in -a oresendo. TThe perfectly disciplined drill isquad remained motionless, until at another -signal, such a- bust of cheering as never before hiad been heard -in Christ church filled the air. In perfect unison the 1600 boys -and girls in the- drill squad opened their throats -and waved their, arms, accompanying the movement with a full volume of cheers. Three distinct cheers were -given, then, after a- momentary subsidence, the children on the outskirts maintained the cresendo till the -sauad again took up the cheering and the -mass lent uniform- demonstration , continued until H,is Roya l Hig-hness reached the platform. Then for the- first time could be heard the ha-ndclapping -and the cheering of the public. DUKE GOES FISHING. CHRISTCHURCH, March 14. Dressed for a day on the Waimakariri, the Duke '’eft his hotel early this afternoon with rod and basket. The party carried baskets with them for a lunch in the open air.