DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 29 October 1934, Page 8

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

3.16 P.M. EDITION

IN GIPPSLAND DISTRICT,

SURPRISE AT CHURCH SERVICE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

Received October 29, 12.45 p.m. MELBOURNE, Oct. 29. While on his tour of Gippsland on Saturday, the Duke of Gloucester was introduced at Maffra to the wombat, one of Australia’s strange native animals. The Duko was intensely interested in the curiosity and chaffingly asked Major-General Howard-Vyee: What are you going to do about it? The point of the jest was the fact that iVlajor-General Howard-Vyse, when chief-of-staff to General Sir Harry Chauvel in Palestine, was nicknamed “Wombat.” Another wombat was included in the welcoming party at Berwick later the same day, but Berwickites were horrified when they learned that their great idea had been anticipated at Maffra. The Duke, however, appeased the outraged small town’s dignity by paying special attention to Berwick’s wombat. Ercildoune, where the Duke is resting, is one of Victoria’s historic properties, dating back to the pioneer days. The homestead resembles an old English mansion. In its environs the Duke is able to enjoy shooting, ruling and fishing. On Sunday morning he paid a surprise visit to the Learmouth Church, six miles from Ercildoune. Neither the vicar nor the congregation was expecting him and they were thrilled on the arrival of the Royal party. Strangely enough the vicar’s sermon was on the influence of the Royal House on the life of the people.