DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21911, 21 September 1934, Page 11

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

VOYAGE TO ATISTEALIA ARRIVAL AT COLOMBO ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME CHEERING STREET CROWDS By Teleernph—Press Association—Coprricht (Received September '2O, 10.15 p.m.) COLOMBO. Sept. 20 Escorted by dozens of small yachts of the Colombo Harbour Club, the cruiser Sussex steamed into the harbour this morning. The guns of the flagship Hawkins and the Italian warship Armando Diaz, which were fully dressed, fired Royal salutes. Every ship was befiagged. The jetty was crowded with civilians and natives in multi-coloured costumes, representing many races and creeds.

The Duke of Gloucester landed at 10.30 a.m. and was given a vociferous welcome. He was received by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Reginald Stubbs, and notable people. He drove in an open motor-car seven miles through the city streets, which were brilliantly decorated and lined with cheering crowds. Later His Royal Highness lunched on board the Hawkins. He played polo in the afternoon.

A wireless message from the Sussex, at sea, yesterday, .slated; —The Duke of Gloucester is particularly well. He lias escaped the prickly heat, although many of the others on board have been affected. The weather conditions are perfect. INCIDENTS OF TRIP FUN IN THE RED SEA DUCKING ON CRUISER LONDON. Sept. 13 In a despatch from the cruiser Sussex in the Red Sea, the special correspondent of the Sun news service says:— After the Duke of Gloucester had made a flat plunge and splash in the ship's swimming tank to-day» "rough house" followed, the Duke being ducked and thoroughly enjoying the fun. Australia will like the Duke, who is unassuming, full of fun and laughter, but as keen as mustard over his job and has plenty of dignity when necessary.

His Royal Highness is hugely interested in everything concerning his Australian tour. The sailors have voted him a great shipmate. The heat to-day was again oppressive and the sea calm under brilliant sunshine.

The Orama passed the Sussex at midnight, the cruiser playing its searchlight on the Royal standard to enable the passengers on the liner to view it. The Orama signalled a good-luck message.

At midday to-day, off Zebayir Island, the Sussex passed close to the BritishIndia steamer Malda, outward bound to Africa. The passengers lined the decks and gave three cheers for the Duke, who stood on the quarter-deck of the cruiser waving his hands. Efforts to catch a shark have proved fruitless.

The Sussex is due off Aden to-morrow morning. A seaplane will take off a limited homeward mail, each rating being permitted to send one letter.