The Duke's Tea Party

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21990, 22 December 1934, Page 7 (Supplement)

The Duke's Tea Party

By KEITH CASKIE fArre 10), Eltham.

FIRST Ff!S Z E It was half-past five, anfl many boys were hurrying toward the Town Hall, for the Dnko ol Gloucester was inviting the boys of Auckland to a tea party. in the ball was a large table, at which a great number of boys were seated. Suddenly, the waiting boys heard a car stopping outside. The swing doors opened and the Duke entered. Everyone immediately sprang to attention, while tiie band played " God Save the King," after which the Duko was conducted to his seat. Re fore sitting down on his chair at the head of the table, lie made this short speech: " Well, boys of Auckland, J am glad that so many of you have come along, and I hope that you will enjoy yourselves." Then someone cried, " Three cheers for the Duke," and three hearty cheerH rang out, after which they sat down and the waiters brought in the eatables. There were tasty sandwiches, fruit salads, jellies and a great variety of delicious cakes. Soon the table was cleared of eatables, and two men came in bearing a large Christmas tree. The younger boys clapped their hands and shouted with delight. Suddenly, the Duke roso to bis feet and strode out of the hall. A few minutes later the door opened and Santa Clans appeared. Someone laughed, and said, " It's the Duke dressed up." Then Santa started to take the toys off the tree and hand them to the boys. After this Santa Clans went away, and the Duke came back. Then one of the boys roso and went over to the Duke and presented him with a beautifully carved ship, of New Zealand greenstone, on behalf of the boys of Auckland. The Prince graciously accepted the gift, saying, " I will hang the beautiful ship on the wall of my room, and when I look at this wonderful ship J will always remember the lovely time I spent with the boys of Auckland." A man came round giving out paper hats, and the Duke's was a crown. The Duke then joined in the games with the boys, and shouts of laughter echoed through the room. After this the Duke made a speech, saying that ho had enjoyed himself and hoped that they had. When the Duko had finished, the boys gave him three cheers, after which they sang " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Then the Duke said. " Now, boys, I think that it is time for us to go back to our homes."

The boys went out of the hall, while the Duke pot into his ear. A minute later the lights were switched oft' and the hall was left in darkness.