WORTHY SETTING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 7 January 1935, Page 5

WORTHY SETTING

A BEFLAGGED TOWN COLOURFUL SCENE IN TRAFAL= GAR STREET LOYAL DEMONSTRATION Not since the last visit of Royalty in 1927 has Trafalgar street presented sucli a colourful scene. The roping off of the central area m the street helped to distribute the crowd and as a result the cheering as the Duke motored up the street to the hotel was more spasmodic than it would have been had the assemblage been confined to » smaller area, or had the children been present. However, as the Royal visitor moved' along the avenue of eager faces he was warmly and sincerely received with cheering, anolause, and the waving of arms, flags and handkerchiefs as the Royal" car brought him nearer to each new section of onlookers. It was more what was seen and felt among the spectators than what was heard that made the welcome so wonderful. The civic reception was simple, but dignified. Probably the people who composed the crowd did not realise what a colourful scene it was, but those who had a comprehensive view of the whole scene realised how worthy was the setting for the great occasion. ; ‘ Beneath the bright array of flags and patriotic bunting in Trafalgar street, people lined the sides of the roadway six deep up to the Hardy street intersection, and from there up to the foot of the Steps the crowd grew more and more densely, extending from the walls of the buildings to the rope barriers placed along on the road. On each side- of the platform from which the speeches were delivered and upon which were accommodated" the representatives of local bodies and other organisations who were to meet His Royal Highness, the hill was covered by’ a brightly clad dense mass of people, which extended-from the reserved area for pioneers ’and old "identities .immediately behind the official platform, to the top of the - - • Each unit, clad in summer clothes, unconsciously helned to make the brilliant setting which was given its finishing touch by the attractively decorated platform with its gold and black covering, and the large electric sign behind bearing the Maori word of welcome, “Haeremai.” EARLY ARRIVALS Early, in the afternoon the public began to take up positions on and near to the Church Stens. Although the arrangements made for the accommodation of the crowd and the splendid natural situation of the Church Steps made it easy for all to gain a good view of the Duke, later arrivals found all the best places of-vantage taken up by citizens determined to get the best, possible view of the historic-ceremony.'Loud speakers had been placed at convenient places along:Trafalgar street as far-its the Hardy street intersection, also on Church Hill, and the system of amplification, which worked splendidly, allowed all sections of the crowd to hear the Mayor’s speech of welcome and the Duke’s reply. In addition, for the special benefit of those unable to attend the ceremony the proceedings were broadcast by station 2ZR.. By" 2.30 o’clock steady streams ol people were to be seen making their way to Trafalgar street and the hill. All the buildings in the vicinity had the windows and balconies facing the streets filled with expectant faces. Some twenty minutes before the tiimset down for the arrival of His Royal Highness the Nelson Regimental Band came injo Trafalgar street from Bridge street, leading the Guard of Honour apd the large . parade of ex-servicemen. To the strains of a march the Guard approached and took up its position on the eastern side of the street, while the es-servicemen, and ex-service nurses, over 200 strong—an impressive gathering—formed two lines down the western side. The band, under the conductorship of Lieut. T. H. Hughes, was placed in the roadway between the Guard and the Church Steps. As the appointed. time • (3.4 E p.m.) for the arrival of the Duke drew near, most faces were turned in the direction of the Bridge street corner in order to catch the first glimpse of the Royal car as it turned into the main street. There was a little anxiety as the minutes went by up to 4 p.m., and the Royal party did not make an appearance. However, fears of anj untoward occurrence en route from Havelock were set at rest when the open touring ear carrying the Prince came into view at 4.5 p.m. ENTRANCE TO CITY FRIENDLY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GREETINGS As the Royal visitor approached the town he was greeted by groups of peo pie at various points along the road People scattered in Milton street were the first to welcome the Duke when he crossed the boundary at 4 p.m. Severa

:hundred had congregated at’ the corner of-. Milton and Bridge streets, and as the Royal car passed each group the Prince, smilingly and in a very friendly manner acknowledged the cheers by waving his hand. As the Duke proceeded up Trafalgar street he was followed by a wave of demonstration by the onlookers who raised flags and handkerchiefs and cheered. As the fleet of cars left the main street and turned to stop at the Commercial Hotel the crowd moved in behind the last vehicle and filled the street in a. bright, moving mass. As the Duke alighted from his car at the entrance to the hotel the crowd which had assembled there gave him an ovation with hand dapping and cheering which could be heard' from' the Church Steps. Awaiting His Royal Highness at the hotel were the Mayor of Nelson (Mr W. J. Moffatt) in his flowing robes of office, and the Town Clerk (Mr F. Mitchell). DUKE WALKS FROM HOTEL In a few minutes His Royal Highness, accompanied by the Mayor, left the hotel and walked along the street

to the Church Hill—an unexpected and much appreciated action. The Duke was dressed in a dark grey suit and a brown hat, tlie brim of which was turned down all round. In the lapel of Ins coat was a pale pink carnation. INSPECTION OF GUARD The appearance of His Royah Highness for tlie reception was the signal for "another demonstration, this time acknowledged by the Duke by raising his hat, until he reached the point for the' inspection of the Guard of. Honour. As the Duke approached, the whole assemblage stood. The band played six bars of. the National Anthem and the Guard gave ihe Royal salute. On his inspection of the Guard, which was well turned out and very steady, His ■'■Royal Highness was accompanied by the officer in command. Captain W. V. Fletcher, Col. S. C. P. Nicholls, D. 5.0., O.C, Southern Command, and Capt. C. V. Sugden. The guard was drawn from D (Machine Gun) Coy., A Coy. (Stoke) and G Covl (Takaka). of the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regiment. With Capt. Fletcher was Lieut. M. A. Nightingale, while Lieut. R. B. Fell was the colour officer bearing the Royal Colours. The Mayor then conducted His Royal Highness up the Steps to the platform for the official speech of welcome, amidst cheers and applause from the people on the Hill. RED LETTER DAY IN HISTOR Y . OF CITY The Mayor of Nelson (Mr W. J. Moffatt) in welcoming His Royal Highness, said that the occasion was a Red Lettey Day in the history of the city, and Nelsonians were delighted at the opportunity of bidding their Royal visitor welcome. The city was also pleased to note the wonderful reception given the Duke during his tour of the North, Island, and the speaker felt sure that Nelson’s welcome was quite as hearty and spontaneous as any that had gone before. The people had watched His Royal, Highness’s progress throughout Australia and the North Island with eager anticipation of having the Duke here. The Mayor said he wished to extend a full degree of sympathy to His Royal Highness in the strenuous demands made upon him, but it would ,be deemed a great favour if he would consent to say a few words later to the children of the district who were awaiting his coming in another portion of the city. ROYAL ADDRESS The Mayor then said that he was commissioned to read to His Royal Highness an address from the citizens and district of Nelson in which their sentiments were expressed. Mr Moffatt then * read the loyal address as follows - To His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester. May it please Your Royal Highness. “It is with the greatest pleasure and tlie most loyal feelings that we, tlie Mayor, Councillors and citizens of Nelson, welcome you to our city. We do so not only on our own behalf but also on behalf of the neighbouring districts, comprising the Counties of Waimea, Takaka and Collingwood, the Boroughs of Richmond and Motueka, and the Town Districts of Tahunanui and Takaka, representatives of which are with us to-day. “During recent years, we' liave bad the great pleasure and* privilege of welcoming to our City Their Royal Highnesses the Prinoe of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York, and we are prfiud to say that such were tlie impressions made upon us by their visits that our loyalty to His Majesty tlie King and our affection for the Royal Family have become, if such were possible, even more sincere and deeply rooted. "The City of Nelson claims not only that it takes its name from that illustrious sailor, the immortal Nelson, but that the spirit which actuated him in bis service to King and Country still inspires the citizens of the city which bears his name. “We trust that you will enjoy your stay in these distant parts of His Ma.

jesty’s Dominions, and carry away with you not only happy recollections of an enjoyable visit, but also the firm conviction that no portion of our great Empire is prouder of its British blood and none more loyalto the Crown than the one upon whose shores you are now a welcome visitor. “We look forward to further visits from members of the' Royal Family, and assure'you- that- .they, will over •receive the same ■ ‘sincere' and loyal welcome as W are now privileged' t 6 .; extend to Your‘Royal Highness.”' After reading tlie address, Mr Moffatt, continuing, said that since -its drafting, the people’••of the -Empire had received a most inspiring message from Ilis Majesty the King l at Christmas, in which the note was struck of the King acting as the' head- of one big family. The speaker trusted that-the.principles

enunciated by the King would guide our statesmen in dealing with Empire aifairs, and be the basis of all their actions. “We tender our sincere.thanks to-you for your splendid New Year message to tlie children of the Dominion,” concluded Mr Moffatt. “and we hope that to-day you will address a few further words to our children. We stand here conscious that we are part and parcel of the Empire, vividly represented by this gathering in your -presence. We are glad to welcome you amongst us, and hope that your impressions of-this, one of tlie oldest cities of tlie Dominion, will be such that you will have happy recollections of the time you spent in Nelson.” Tlie Mayor’s welcome was frequently punctuated with rounds of applause.'from the onlookers.

REPLY BY DUKE acknowledgment of loyal ASSURANCES The Duke, on rising to reply, was ' greeted with a burst of applause. His Royal Higlmess in a ..clear .voice, wonderfully unassuming but expressive of a deep, simple sincerity, made- the. following reply:— His Worship the Mayor of Nelson. Mr Mayor, I gratefully acknowledge your assurances of loyalty oh the part or the citizens of Nelson and the. people of the surrounding counties aiid dis> tricts, whose representatives I am glad to meet to=day. I appreciate your kindly reference to previous visits by members of my

family and to possible visits in the future. I am glad to learn that you welcome our coming among you as a personal touch, which helps to bring even closer together the peoples of New Zealand and the Motherland. I have to-day passed through towns and districts which commemorate in their names the heroes of our race, and I pay tribute to the stock which draws inspiration from this source and lias proved its worth in Peace and War alike. I thank you for the warmth with which you greet me, and I wish you all every happiness in this New Year. After the Duke had resumed his seat Mr H, Atmore, M/P-, • rose and called “Tln'ee cheers for His RoyoJ Highness.” and the cheers were heartily given, tlie

Duke smilingly acknowledging them. The official ceremony was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem, led by the Regimental Band. PLATFORM PARTY The following was the list of those allotted positions on the official platform: 'Oh His Royal Highness’s left was tlie Mayor and on his right the Mayoress (Mrs Moffatt); Major-General R. G. 11. Howard Vyse, C.M.G., D. 5.0., the Hon. J./'A. Young (Minister of Internal Affairs), Mr Malcolm Fraser (Under-Secre- • Cary for Internal Affairs), Col. S. C. P. ' Ni'cliolls. D. 5.0., Mr H. Atmore, M.P. for -Nelson;- Miss- Norma Cannons the Bishop of Nelson (the Rt ’ Rev.’ W. G. Hilliard), Mrs Hilliard, the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.G., Mrs Snodgrass, Mr 11. Sterling

(Chairman of the Railways Board), the Commissioner of Police (Mr W. G. Wohlmann), Captain A. Curtis, Captain 11. Kerr, Captain E-. Schreiber, Captain J. W. Tweedie, the Town Clerk' (Mr F.' Mitchell), Councillor S. A. Gibbs. Mrs Gibbs, Councillor W. Black. Mrs Black, Councillor E, R.. Neale, Mrs Neale, Councillor 11. E. A. Wash bourn, Mrs Washbourn. Councillor F. W. Huggins, Mrs R. Watson, Miss Page. Mr M. O’Sullivan (Tahunanui Town Board), Mrs O’Sullivan, Mr A. 11. Fletcher (Collingwood County Council). Mr A. 11. Barnett (Takaka County Council), Mrs Barnett, Mr E. A. Polgla.se (Takaka Town Board). Mrs Polglase. Mrs F. Milchell, Mrs Moncriel'f, Councillor S. 11. Moynagh. Mr ,T. Corder (VVaimca County Council' Mrs Corder, Mr R. J. ■York (Motueka Borough Council), Mrs

York, the Hon. W. 11. Mclntyre, Mr A. Gould (Nelson Harbour Board). Miss B. Gould, Major R. Dagger (Nelson Hospital Board), Mrs Dagger. Mr T. A. *ll. Field (ex-Mayor), Mrs Field, Mr W, Lock (ex- Mayor), Mrs Lock. Mr C. 11. Fei (Nelson College Council of Governors), Mrs Fell. Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M.. Mrs Maunsell, Father Cullen. Mr M. Watt (Richmond Borough Council), Mrs Watt, Mr Edmonds (ck)Toivri Clerk), Mrs Ednionds, Mr B. Tratheh (Chamber of Commerce), Maior C. M. Rout, Mrs Rout, the Rev, J. Hav. Mrs Hay. Cantain C. V. Sugden.'Mrs Sugden, Mr K. Ilolyoake, M.P. for Motueka; and Miss Ingram. ' As the Ideal people - retired from tlve platform- they were introduced hv the Mayor to Hi's Royal Highness, who shook each by tlie hand. The Duke on descending the steps made his way to the parade of nurses

. and ex-servicemen with whom he spent 20 minutes as he was conducted along tlie lines by Mr C. R-. Duke, President of the Returned Soldiers’ Associa- ’ tion. His Royal Highness displayed a keen interest in the returned men. to many of whom lie spoke. As soon as the nroeeedings were over tlie crowd commenced to cross to the Botanical Reserve in time for the coming of the Duke, for the children’s reception. The process was only gradual, however, and the main part of the spectators remained with all eyes focussed on tlie Duke 1 as he slowly passed in the returned soldiers’ ranks. Then as the Duke stepped into his ear and was driven away down Trafalgar street followed by the remainder of the cars comprising tlie party, tlie Regimental Band and the Guard of Honour, moved off,

and the crowd surged across the width of the street making a colourful sight when viewed from the now almost deserted platform on the Steps. The crowd swiftly melted from the site of the reception in orderly fashion. There were only a few people present to witness the Duke’s arrival at the hotel from the Botanical Reserve, and doffing his hat to those present, who gave him a warm cheer, he stepped inside. OFFICIAL PARTY . The following are the members of the ! official party accompanying the Duke ; on his tour: Maior-General R. G. T 1 Howard-Vyse, C.M.G.. D.S.O. (Chief of Staff), Captain Arthur Curtis, C.M.G., ; C.V.0., M.C.; Equerries Captain Howard Kerr, M.V.0., 0.8. E., Captain

Derek Schreiber and Captain J. W. Tweedie; the Hon. J. A. Young (Minister in attendance on the Duke); Colonel S. C. P. Nicholls (O.C. Southern Commane!), Mr Malcolm Fraser. 0.8. E. (Manager of the tour), Mr H. H. Sterling C.M.G. (Chairman New Zealand Railways Board), Mr W. G. Wohlmann (Commissioner of Police). Detective-In-spector W. Reilly (special service officer), Mr 11. M. Patrick (motor trans- ; port), Mr J. G. Young (Telegraph Department), Mr C. G. Nicol (official historian), and Mr K. L. Usmar (official N.Z. Press Association representative).