JAMAICAN LOYALTY

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1927, Page 5

JAMAICAN LOYALTY

ROUSING RECEPTION ACCORDED ROYAL VISITORS. WAR RECORD ACKNOWLEDGED. (Received 9 a.m.) KINGSTON (Jamaica), Jan. 20. Kingston, on the arrival of the Duke ami Duchess of York, left no doubt of enthusiastic loyalty to the Throne. A public holiday had been proclaimed, the Government even prohibiting newspapers from publishing. Everybody seemed abroad when the visitors landed after lunch in the Royal barge. Cheering commenced as soon as the barge was sighted and rose to a roar when it came alongside the jetty, where the visitors were received by the Governor and his wife, the Chief Justice; the officer commanding the troops, the mayor, members of the Legislative Council and other dignitaries.

The Duke of York, dressed in naval uniform, inspected the guard of honour furnished by the Green Howards. The Royalties followed by the Governor and others, drove through the flag-festooned streets between hat■waving, cheering crowds, while black faces with flashing teeth constra*stcd strangely with the infrequent sight of English and Americans, the cordiality of the former’s welcome being no less vocal.

I During the drive the Duke and Duchess stopped twice to be welcomed by a great gathering of 10,000 elementary school children, waving flags and shrilly singing the National Anthem. The Royal visitors acknowledgment completed of the mothers and fathers proudly watching the scene. On reaching the theatre the Duke inspected the naval guard of honour, to the accompaniment of another great,,roar, of cheering from the assembled thousands. Desponding £o addresses in the theatre which were presented by Colonel Jelf on behalf of the Island and by the Mayor on behalf of the town, in caskets of Jamaican wood, the Duke said that the loyal sentiments would be presented to his Majesty. He felt that he was not a stranger, because he would always retain the happiest memories of his first visit to the Island in. 1913 as a naval cadet, when he was shown generous hospitality. Jamacia was one of the oldest and most interesting outposts of the Empire. There existed in England a genuine desire to understand and know the needs of those dwelling overseas. The splendid part- the Jamaciana played in the' war was not forgotten. The Duke promised that upon his return hej would do everything possible to proand foster the spirit of understand- j mote the interests of the Islanders ] ing in the Mother Country. j The daughter of the Governor presented to the Duchess a bouquet of orchids harmonizing with her beautiful dress of bois de rose crepe de chine.

Their Highnesses had a rousing send-off when leaving for King’s House, the Governor’s residence, whore the Duchess inspected the Girl Guides and the Duke played tennis. Afterwards an official dinner took place, followed by the Governor’s reception, ,at which 2000 guests were presented.—A. and N.Z.