Last Touches to the Renown

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3499, 7 January 1927, Page 7

Last Touches to the Renown

Final Preparations hr World Cruise

DESTROYER AND FLYING BOAT ESCORT

[By Electric Cable-Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Thursday, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 5. The Duke and Duchess of York’s cabins are completely ready. They are now sealed and will not be opened till their Royal Highnesses enter them. The Renown is still the scene of tho greatest activity. The crew are busily engaged burnishing brass and silver fittings and scrubbing decks. This afternoon was devoted to a rehearsal in which Captain Sullivan represented the Duke while a midshipman commanded tho battle cruiser. The Ceremony was executed with the customary naval precision. Hundreds of townspeople assembled on the jetty, watching the preparations and admiring the Renown, which was looking at her boat in ft coat of Mediterranean grey. Tho Duchess spent the greater part of to-day with the infant princess, Despite extraordinary demands upon her time it is known that she fuels keenly tho leaving of tho baby, which will bo largely cared for by tho Queen.

Thcro were continuous telephone calls all day at Burton Street (tho rcyal residence) and within two minutes tho butler answered tho door seven times to receive telegrams, many of which came from girl friends in tho Highlands. It waa suggested that the Renown's departure should ibo broadcasted throughout England, but this Is prevented by tho difficulty of providing linos through dockland. When the Renown steams out of Portsmouth It i a estimated that' a quarter of a million people along the coast near itho port will wave farewells to the Duke and Duchess.

The crew to-day completed the finishing touches to the ship. The Earl o£ Cavan was carried aboard. It is not expected that ho will regain tho full use of his legs till ho crosses the line. When tho Royal train arrives, the Duke and Duchess will be received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. the Mayor of Portsmouth, tho general oflicer-in-command and other high naval and military officers. As soon as thi s informal reception is over tho Royal Party will ascend tho carpeted gangway and when they reach the quarterdeck trumpeters will sound a fanfare. Tho Duko’S personal standard will bo hoisted, and Captain Sullivan and his officers will bo drawn up and presented. They will then conduct their Royalties through the Royal apartments. The Prince of Wales and his brothers will bid farewell to tho Duke and Duchess in their cabin, and when they leave tho gangway will immediately be taken up and the Renown will depart. A special area of tho Jetty alongside the Renown is reserved exclusively for tho relatives and friends of the ship’s company. When the Renown leaves her berth all the warships in tho harbour will man ship. There will bo naval guards drawn up on each side of the harbour entrance, and tho - garrison battery will fire tho Royal salute, while the warships will fire a passing salute and their crews will give three cheers. Destroyers and flying boat escorts will join the Renown in the South passage. Tho flying boats will continue as far as St. Catherine's Point, but tho destroyer s will not turn back till sundown. THE DUKE’S GREAT MISSION. THE SPIRIT OP HIS FATHER WITHIN HIM. (Received Thursday, 5.25 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 6. All indications are that the Duke and Duchess will have the heartiest send-off to-day. Newspapers give the fullest details of the arrangements for the departure and probably there will be record crowds here and at Portsmouth. The “Daily Telegraph” says editorially: "The Duke and Duchess will be followed throughout their historic voyage by the best wishes of. all classes, who have learned to appreciate tho public spirit with which their Royal Highnesses fulfil the duties devolving upon them. By reason of their nearness to the throne the ceremony at Canberra will be notable in the history of the Empire; for the Crown has become more than ever the recognised link binding together a commonwealth in which all nations are equally autonomous and free to work out their destinies. As Mr. Churchill remarked, the age of control has come to an end and the age of comprehension has beguri. The King’s Speech at Canberra will be as historic as the proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India.” The “Daily Clientele” stresses the fact that special interest in the Royal tour centres in Canberra. In both the United States and in Canada the idea of a federal capital has served to set the federal idea above and apart from State jealousies and has helped all citizens to realise that the Federation and not the State is their nation. If Australian people grow ‘eventually to their full stature then

Canberra will be one of the world's main capitals.” The ‘‘Morning Post” thinks that Canberra’s opening will in future, be marked as the opening of a greater and more prosperous era In Australia's development."

The “Times” quotes the Duke's own words; “I am one of those who hold that the main principle which should be adopted in finding the solution for the great problem of to-day, be they political or industrial, Is the principle of personal touch.” Hhe “Times” adds: “In that spirit he sets out like his father and brother before him on his Imperial mission.” KING’S FAREWELL DINNER. LONDON, Jan. 5. Their Majesties’ farewell dinner to the Duke and Duchess of York was a family affair. Covers were laid for nine, including the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, parents of the Duchess.