DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

Northern Advocate, 27 December 1934, Page 5

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

UNFORTUNATE MISHAP FOOT CUT WHILE BATHING CANNOT REMAIN STANDING. PROGRAMME DISORGANISED. UNABLE TO ATTEND BALL OR TROTS. • (Per Press Association.—Copyright.} AUCKLAND, This Day. It was officially announced last evening that H.R.H. Prince Hem'y, Duke of Gloucester,, is suffering from a slightly injured foot as a result of a cut sustained while bathing on Tuesday. The statement continued:—

It is hoped that the Prince will be able, to carry out his public engagements, but acting on medical advice he must rest his foot as much as possible. Consequently, for the next few days, he will be unable to wear a boot or to remain standing during his public appearances.

It was for that reason that the Prince, at the Auckland races yesterday, motored down the course at Ellerslie instead of walking among the people in the enclosure.

At the children’s demonstration in the Domain today it is expected His Royal Highness will be obliged to remain seated in his car.

The Prince did not attend the ball at Government House last night, it being inadvisable that he should be present at the risk of having to disappoint the children by not attending the rally today at the Domain,

Immediately upon entering the ballroom, His Excellency, the GovernorGeneral, expressed the keen regret of His Highness 4hat he was unable to be present at the function, for the reason stated. It was a source of extreme disappointment to the Prince. It was announced that His Royal •Highness would not attend the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting this afternoon.

SPARKLING DISPLAY FIREWORKS ENTERTAINMENT. STAGED BY HARBOUR BOARD. CROWS OF AUCKLANDERS TURN OUT. [Special to "Northern Advocate."! AUCKLAND, This, Day. The display of fireworks given by the. Auckland Harbour Board off Point Resolution last evening attracted so many spectators that the worst traffic jam ever experienced in Auckland resulted.

The exhibition was staged’ as an attraction to coincide with the Duke of Gloucester’s visit.

Long before darkness had come all roads leading to that part of the foreshore off which the display was to be given became thronged with traffic and when the first rocket was sent skyward all the best vantage points had: been, occupied. : Thousands of people watched the fireworks from motor cars, while pedestrians gathered in force on footwalks, reclamation and cliff tops. Across on the northern shore of the harbour large crowds formed, while there were a number of pleasure craft anchored off the shore to provide miniature grandstands.

Starting at 8.30, the display continued for nearly an hour and a half. It began 'with a bombardment of rockets, which shot skyward before bursting with a shower of multi-col-oured sparks, which floated gently downwards. Some of • the fireworks lighted up the surrounding area as they burst, while others exploded with the noise of guns. Star shells which burst into spangles of various colours drew murmurs of appreciation from the crowds as they lit up the unusual setting. Spectacular geysers, which played from the deck of the barge, gave way to rockets releasing triple globes of light, which hung together as they floated away into the night. Giant Catherine wheels brought delight to the hearts of thousands' of youngsters watching the exhibition, and the finale in which the letters “A.H.8.” enclosed in a frame and the words “Goodnight” were written in coloured lights were voted the most spectacular items on the programme. A strong breeze created considerable difficulty for those letting off the fireworks, and, at one time, the barge caught fire. While watching the firework display, two young people, sitting on the steep hillside of Mount Victoria, Devonport, were struck on the head by a stone which rolled from above. Apparently someone above dislodged a number of stones which rolled past the couple; then came a large one which struqk the young man, G L. Griffin, knocking him unconscious, and then struck his lady companion, Miss Connor. Both were sent home, Griffin quickly recovered consciousness and was at work today, but Miss Connor, whose ‘ head was severely gashed, may be in bed for a week.

Whether the stones were rolled down the cliff deliberately or not is unknown.

IMMEDIATE PROGRAMME TODAY. 3,45 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.—Garden party, Government House. 8 p.m. —Dinner, Northern Club. TOMORROW. 2 p.m.—Leave by train for Hamilton.