THE ROYAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1935, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR

IN THE FAR NORTH

EXTRA HOLIDAY FOR CHILDREN.'.

(Per Press Association, Copyright)

RUSSELL, January 23. Making a leisurely cruise from Lyttelton to Russell, the cruiser. Australia, with the Duke of Gloucester aboard, now reaches her destination at six o’clock to-morrow . morning, an hour ahead of scheduled . time. According to a wireless message received from the Captain to-night, the Australia has been travelling at a cruising speed of twelve knots, and the weather throughout has been fine.

On her arrival at the Russell anchorage, the cruiser lands mails for the early morning southern mail connection, and then proceeds to the big game fish" ing grounds off. Cape Brett. The ship anchors there during the day, while His 'Highness goes in search of swordfish and mako shark. Three deep-sea fishing launches go alongside the Australia at nine o’clock for the use of the P'l'ince and those accompanying him on the expedition. It is expected that the cruiser and its royal guest will not return to the Russell anchorage until eary in the evening.

The fishing in the game areas is reported to be better this y e ar than last, and parties out last week say the swordfish are of quality and a r e fairly plentiful. Their weight is estimated to average three hundred and fifty pounds. The shark fishing, too, is stated to 'be good thi s year. One marlin was landed last week, and it was not well conditioned, hut the fish tipped the scales at six hundred and seventy lbs.

Sir Alex. Young and a handful of officials, who remain at Russell during the Duke’s inland visit, and until his departure for Fiji on Tuesday, arrived by car from Auckland to-night.

The Duke of Gloucester has been pleased to grant an v additional day’s holiday to th P children of ' New Zealand. The Minister of Education, Hon Mr Smith, has announced that it has been decided to add this to the midsummer vacation, and the schools will, therefore, open one day later. In the case of primary and native schools, the opening day will he February 6, but the secondary and technical schooils open one day later than the date decided upon by the respective boards.