WELCOME TO DUKE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 306, 23 November 1934, Page 7

WELCOME TO DUKE.

SYDNEY’S FINE PROCESSION. DEMONSTRATION OF LOYALTY. SYDNEY, Nov. 22. In Sydney’s narrow but fascinating streets the Duke of Gloucester found himself in the “Paris of Australia,” the oldest city of Australia, and, in its situation, the most beautiful, but if Sydney has altered its skyline in the past 34 years since his father visited Australia, it has not altered its heart. In no other part of the Commonwealth was the Duke’s welcome more cordial, spontaneous and enduring. Right along the route of the procession friendliness and loyalty were fittingly demonstrated.

The Royal visitor rode in an open carriage, and frequent bursts of cheering came from' the crowded footpaths, roof tops and windows of tall buildings. Nothing finer, has been witnessed than the street pageant, which was a veritable avenue of soldiery in khaki, blue and grey, bemedalled veterans, Scouts, sea cadets, Girl Guides and every branch of military, naval and social services, and never was there a more colourful and impressive spectacle than the 20 big floats, each in its way a work of art. The scene at the landing ariiong the gaily dressed ships with groups of planes constantly droning overhead and long lines of bluejackets and! soldiers flanked by thousands of interested spectators was unforgettable. The spectacular pageant which followed the Royal progress through the city occupied an hour to pass a given point. Symbolical floats illustrated magnificently every' phase of Australian life from the pioneering days down to modern times. Brass bands played all along the route. A “Peter Pan” float represented the spirit of youth. Returned soldiers presented a tableau, “Great was the city of Sydney,” the tableau contrasting the present period with the days of early' settlement. A Chinese float was redolent' of glamorous delight and was extremely attractive. Women’s organisations symbolised the spirit of women’s public service. , Others characterised the landing of Captain Cook and the development of radio broadcasting. Some were typically rural or historical. One was entirely floral with dainty girls, but everywhere there was a riot of colour and bunting with myriads of Union Jacks. The strains of music re-echoed the cheers. The day was pleasantly warm and sunny. There was no overcrowding anywhere. Thousands remained at home and listened to broadcasts. Mounted troopers and companies of lancers and light horsemen took part in the procession. Police lined the whole route, but there was no untoward incident anywhere. Mr J. G. Coates and Mr R. Masters, the visiting New Zealand Ministers, with their wives, were presented to the Duke along with Commonwealth Ministers and Judges at the landing stage. An unrehearsW episode occurred just before the Duke landed. The band had concluded the strains of the National Anthem, when two bulldogs got into holts in front of the official stand, and fought three rounds. Everybody was convulsed with laughter, including the Jack Tars forming the guard of honour. Policemen succeeded in separating the dogs. In addition to the Randwick races this afternoon, another gala festival was held at the Showground to mark the Royal visit. A varied programme included athletic tournaments, tableaux, historical sketches and fireworks, and it was. witnessed by a huge crowd. _ • The Duke to-night dined at Government House and later attended the Lord Mayor’s ball in the Town Hall, a brilliant function. Mr Coates and Mr Masters were present at the Randwick races.