Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 1934. THE DUKE’S VISIT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 252, 21 September 1934, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 1934. THE DUKE’S VISIT.

Now that the itinerary for the Duke of Gloucester’s visit has been announced, there is certain to be disappointment in towns that have been omitted. His Royal Highness will be in New Zealand from December 15 to January 27, but officially the tour will conclude on the evening of January 21, the Royal visitor leaving next day for the Bay of Islands with its historic associations and deep sea fishing. In framing the itinerary the authorities had several considerations in view—to arrange the tour without imposing undue strain upon our guest, as desired by His Majesty, who also urged the avoidance of lavish expenditures; to give him the opportunity to see as many people as possible, including school children, and the scenic beauties of the Dominion. Even the observance of all these considerations, it would appear from the itinerary, cannot but make the tour a rather arduous one. It should be readily conceded by towns that have been omitted, and which will feel disappointment, that their inclusion would add considerably to the fatigue of the Royal visitor. The Duke will reach Palmerston North on the evening of January 3, after having inspected Elock House and the young farmers undergoing training, thereby fulfilling a personal desire to see the institution that has become widely known at Home and in other parts of the Empire for its magnificent training of Britain’s young manhood for a land career in a new country. The official reception to His Royal Highness no doubt will take place the following morning before departure is taken for Woodville and Wairarapa towns. It is rather unfortunate for school children that the visit to . this centre takes place immediately after the New Year when many are generally absent on holiday, but it will be readily recognised that this was unavoidable. The Hawke’s Bay and East Coast are more fortunate as the Duke will travel through those areas prior to the conclusion of the school year. Application was made by the authorities at Eeilding, through its member of Parliament, for inclusion in the itinerary, and it is to be regretted that this could not be arranged. Eeilding is the centre of an important rural district with a considerable population that would have entered wholeheartedly into the local rejoicings.. In the circumstances now existing it is to be hoped that arrangements will be made to bring'school children to this centre. The city has been pleased on prior occasions to welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, and the spontaneity of public feeling shown then will be exhibited again next January.