DUKE LANDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21935, 19 October 1934, Page 11

DUKE LANDS

MELBOURNE VISIT REMARKABLE RECEPTION / CROWDS THRONG CITY / CENTENARY OF STATE FESTIVITIES OPENED By Prp?.! Association—Copvrieht (7V-r : rod OctnWr is 1115 p ) MELBOURNE. Oct. IS In the earlv the cruiser Sussex, conveying the Puke of Gloucester to / perform the <^enf<'il task of bis mission • —to onen the Melbourne Centenary celebration —mailed through the mist at Pert Phillip TTends and hccan the 46-mile voya<re up the bay to the city. She was escorted by ships of the Australian squadron and the Dioniede and Punedm. of New Zealand. Gailv befincged steamers, launches and 100 yachts had set out early to take part in the gay sail past, and*7s nero- / planes reared overhead. A salute of 21 guns was fired by warships as the Sussex slowly glided to her berth at Port Melbourne. Although the Duke arrived at 1D..M0 b.tr- he did not land until the afternoon. First he received official calls from the Governor-General, Sir Isaac Isaacs, the Governor of Victoria, Lord Huntine.field, the Prime Minister. Mr. A. .T. Lyons and the Premier of Victoria. Sir Stanley Argyle. Welcomed by Excited Multitude The weather, which had been uncertain all the week, abandoned its vagaries to-day and the sun blazed out a welcome, to the Royal visitor as ha landed. Wearing the full dress uniform of his Regiment-—the 10th Hussars—the Duke entered a State carriage at 2 p.m. and, between lines of half a million people, thousands of whom had assembled early in the morning, entered Melbourne. His Royal Highness was given the greatest welcome ever received by a Royal visitor. He passed along the seafront leading to St. Kilda beside, tho sparkling water of the bay and tho cheering multitude excitedly waved flags as the Duke bowed his acknowledgments. /Melbourne's famous boulevard, St. Kilda Road, never looked more beautiful as it did when the procession passed between its miles of trees, their spring foliage bursting into leaf. Drive to Parliament House In the city the streets glowed with colour above the densely packed crowds. Plumes, braid and bayonets could be seen passing in an impressive array as the Duke in the state carriage, drawn by sprightly, prancing horses, passed in triumphal progress to Parliament House after stopping briefly at the Town Hall, where an address of welcome was presented by the Lord Mayor, Mr. H. Gengoult Smith. The Duke in replying paid a tribute 1 to the dignity and beauty of Melbourne which, he said, bore comparison with the fairest cities abroad. On arrival at Parliament House His Royal Highness was greeted by the Gov-ernor-General and members of the Centenary Celebrations Council. Message Prom His Majesty There was an impressive scene as the Duke declared the Centenary proceedings open and read the following message from King George:— This occasion must stir the hearts ol all who are versed in Empire history. When we consider the magnitude of the changes and the rapid progress made the people of the State of Victoria may be justly proud of : the results achieved. The pioneers have created for 4 my subjects in Victoria a great heritage which it is the duty of the present generation to conserve and develop for the benefit of thbse to follow. It Is my earnest prayer that Victoria may continue to enjoy the blessings of lasting peace and everr increasing prosperity. As darkness fell crowds again Swarmed into the city streets awaiting ' the hour for the snatching on of the Special illuminations. Promptly on time Venetian poles, pylons and festoons on ./ the facades ,of buildings flared into a blaze of light. The effect was far greater and more beautiful even than the expectant people had anticipated. Later a fireworks display followed. This was on a more ambitious scale than tvas ever before attempted. A feature tvas a great map of Victoria across the 6ky and the emblazoned word "welcome." Truly to-night Melbourne is a City of light. Shadow of the Tramway Strike While regretting that the Duke had to perform the opening ceremony tader the shadow cast by the Unfortunate tramway trouble, the people of Melbourne hope that the warmth of their welcome will dispel any unfavourable impression on the mind of their Royal guest. Even late last night it was hoped that Jasttainute efforts would succeed in having the trams running to-day. The men, however, remained firm notwithstanding the Tramway Board's threat to recruit volunteer labour and /•': bian the trams Four hundred New Zealanders arrived by the Wanganella to attend the celebrations. Ships and trains from other fitates are also crowded with visitors I to-day. ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON / Programme of functions ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED [BY TELE.'.RATH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday « The plans for the Duke of Gloucester's .visit to Wellington have been finalised. He will disembark from H.M.A.S. Australia on Saturday morning. December 15, and will be welcomed first by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and then by the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes. He will then proceed to the Town Hall, where he will be accorded a civic reception. In the afternoon His Royal Highness sk, will be the guest of the Wellington Racing Club at the special meeting at p Trem.ham in his honour. On Sunday |r morning he will attend divine service •J at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral. '?c The programme for Monday, December 17, provides for the laying of the foundation-stone of the new railway station and for a ball in the evening. There will be a children's demonstration Hf ton Tuesday and the Royal visitor will gjv"- leave that evening for Hastings.