ROYAL VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1935, Page 5

ROYAL VISIT

DUKE AMONG CHILDREN

(Per Press Association. —Copyright.)

DUNEDIN, January 12

At the Dunedin reception the Duke eixpiessed gratitude to the children. l)>r t.hev'a attendance, stating ‘.he knew some of them had been up since 4 a.m. “At that time you know,” he said, “I was sound asleep.” Laughter gave piace to thunderous cheering when His Highness announced that an extra day’s leave to compensate for the holiday ■ broken into, would he given at the end of the vacation.

Then came an effect which admirably completed this inspiring demonstration. As V lf> Duke rose to leave the hall, concealed handkerchiefs were hidden under a monster rolling wave of red, white and blue. >A visit was paid subsequently to the Soldiers’ Convalescent Honie at Montecillo, where the Duke inpected wards and spoke to bed-ridden patients. Convalescents were seated on the lawn and His Highness spent 3 considerable time chatting to the men and shaking hand s with them. Before his departure he had his photograph taken for the first time in New Zea;;,.nd, .with “diggers’’ seated round him.

This afternoon is at the Duke’s own disposal. Many people were .abroad in the city streets during the morning, ready to cheer the Duke whenever he appeared.

WATCHING FOR THE DUKE DUNEDIN, January 11

A keen desire 'to see as much as possible of the Duke of Gloucester is manifested by the Dunedin people. They have kept a close vigil on his hotel headquarters, and, as though they were advised by some telepathetic means, the waiting crowd is always largest when His Highness makes an appearance.

One thousand people assembled outside a photograph studio when the Duke’ s driver was collecting the results of his own camera work on the West Coast, while large numbers waited outside both the hotel and the Town Hall this evening. The Duke had another series of sanies of squash rackets before dining privately at the Fernhill Club, and atttnding a performance of massed choirs and orchestras at the Town Hall. To-morrow the Duke lays the foundation stone of the Dunedin Post Office. He accepts as a souvenir of the event .;v gold model of the building.

The royal train is scheduled to depart at noon to-morrow for Gore and Invercargill.

FOUNDATION jfiTONE

OF POST OFFICE.

DUNEDIN, January 12.

The foundation stone of the new Dunedin Post. Office w T as opened by the Duke of Gloueesfer, with impressive ceremony.

His Highness said he welcomed the opportunity of expressing appreciation of t,he admirable service which had hern eiven him by the Dominion postal authorities regarding both communications and road transport.