ARRIVAL TO-DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21991, 24 December 1934, Page 11

ARRIVAL TO-DAY

DUKE IN AUCKLAND RECEPTION AT STATION DRIVE THROUGH THE CITY DENSE CROWD EXPECTED A COLOURFUL SCENE Auckland will welcome the Dominion's Royal visitor, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, this morning. Scenes of enthusiasm equal only to those witnessed on the occasion of previous Royal visits, are expected, and the city is gay with bunting and decorations. All Auckland is anxious to greet His Royal Highness, and his arrival in the city will be an occasion long and keenly anticipated. The Royal train is due from Rotorua at 9.50 a.m. and will draw up at the main arrival platform. As thn train comes to a standstill. Royal salutes will be fired by a battery stationed on the reclaimed land at Mechanics' Bay, near the Dcvonport vehicular ferry landing;, and by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy at the Devon port Naval Base. His Royal Highness will be met by the Mayor, Mr. G. AY. Hutchison, and the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, and will inspect the guard of honour, provided by the Navy and Air Force, before he leaves the station by car to drive through the city on his way to the civic reception at the Town Hall. Queen Street Beflagged

A phenomenally large crowd is expected in the city this inorninu and special arrangements have been made for people to witness the Royal progress through the city. By far the largest crowds will naturally congregate in Queen Street, already beflagged in honour of the occasion, but spectators eager to welcome the Royal visitor are expected to line other portions of the route as well. The Prince will drive by way of Beacji Road and Britomart Place to Quay Street and will see the Harbour Board's welcome in code flags before his car turns for the triumphal drive up the city's main thoroughfare. "While the Prince is arriving all other vehicular traffic will be excluded from Queen Street. The roadway will be roped off at the eastern kerb and at the western set of tramway rails, so that ample space will be left for sightseers. From the windows of shop and office buildings smiling faces are certain to look down on the gay scene below.

In addition to the flags strung across Queen Street, special displays havo been arranged by many business houses, while other buildings are to be festooned with bunting early this morning. Young pine trees in tubs will line the street and, with a continuation of fine weather, the scene should be one of colour and gaiety. Large Crowds Expected

Owing to the nearness of the holidays and for other reasons, the procession through Queen Street to-day will be the only opportunity for many citizens to join in the welcome to His Royal Highness. Another factor is that the arrival of the Prince coincides with the peak period of Christmas shopping—the inevitable last-minute rush of Christmas Eve —although it seems almost certain that when the Royal car passes up Queen Street the large stores will be temporarily bereft of their crowds of shoppers. The incidentals of Auckland's welcome have been well and thoroughly planned. The one remaining factor is the personal element. Judging by similar occasions in the past, the greeting to the Prince this morning should be among the most loyal, enthusiastic and sincere that he has experienced during his tour.

QUIET CHRISTMAS DAY

RESPITE FROM DUTIES SERVICE IN CATHEDRAL As a contrast to the busy days which will mark the greater part of His Royal Highness' tour, Prince Henry will spend a quiet Christmas Day in Auckland, and will thus gain a brief rest from the strenuous official round. His only engagement is attendance at divine service in St. Mary's Cathedral at 10,45 o'clock on Christmas morning. Archbishop Averill will preach. Approximately 500 seats have been reserved in the cathedral for the official party, the Mayor, city councillors and parishioners. The rest of the seating accommodation will be open to the public. The doors of the cathedral will be opened at 10.15 a.m., and the congregation is expected to be seated by 10.40.

POINTS OF VANTAGE SHOP VERANDAHS BARRED An urgent request has been made by the authorities that the people should refrain from attempting to take up positions on the top of shop verandahs while the Duke of Gloucester drives through the city this morning. The police have been instructed to deal with people who offend in this respect. Not only is standing on shop verandahs contrary to the city by-laws, but it also involves a grave risk. Many of these structures are not particularly strongly built, and were certainly not designed to withstand the weight of a crowd. The collapse of a verandah would imperil not only those standing on the structure, but also those in the street beneath.