CHILDREN'S HOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21999, 4 January 1935, Page 10

CHILDREN'S HOUR

WANGANUT GATHERING

REMARKABLE ENTHUSIASM UNRESTRAINED CHEERING PRINCE PROMISES HOLIDAY [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER 1 WANGANUI, Thursday On account of tho rain that had fallen in the forenoon, Wanganui's welcomes to Prince Henry took place indoors, although the sky at the time was clear. Tho first, the civic welcome, was held in tho Town Hall, and tho crowded audience was particularly fervent. From tho Town Hall tho Duke went to tho Majestic Theatre, outside which a large parade of returned soldiers was inspected. Then he went into tho theatre to a function so far uniquo in the tour. The building was completely filled by children, only a few adult officials being among them. The great gathering of youth was on a wave of high excitement when tho Duke walked in and tho cheering and flag waving was something to remember. The same atmosphere could not have developed in an open-air parade. Hero the children had the Duko to themselves and close to them. Led by Mr. E. F. Hemingway, chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, they cheered and cheered again and were in a delirium of excitement. They thundered on the floor with their feet when their throats became tired, and were overjoyed when tho smiling Duke, who seemed a little overcome with tho demonstration, walked through the aisles.

It was one of tho high-lights of tho tour and about the only occasion when no speeches were read. Mr. Hemingway simply expressed their pleasure at meeting the Duke, declared tho children to be among the finest and most loyal in the Empire, and then set the cheering going.

The Duke, replying extempore, said he regretted that tho rain had prevented the outdoor function, but felt tho greatest pleasure in having this opportunity of seeing the children who, he promised, would receivo an extra day's holiday to make up for the day they had given to him. At the civic reception His Royal Highness wished the district continued progress and prosperity. He said he welcomed the city's expressed confidence and bvnefit to the Empire resulting from his visits to Australia and New Zealand. THE ROYAL TRAIN JOURNEY ON NEW LINE PATROL THROUGHOUT NIGHT [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] PALMERSTON NORTH, Thursday The danger of slips and washouts occurring on the line covered by the Royal train, en route to New Plymouth, last night, gave rise to anxiety as to whether the time-table could be adhered to, but there was no risk whatever as to the" .safety of the train. With the arrival of the train at Waionjjona this niornine a period of some anxiety for the railway authorities ended. Torrential rain fell from the time the train left Huntersville until Stratford was passed this morning, and tlidre was some apprehension as to whether the train would be able to negotiate the new trunk line between Okahukura and Stratford, on account of the excessive overflows of water.

The line was closely patrolled ahead of the train throughout the night and no cause of delay occurred, though two had to be negotiated at reduced speod. Two hours after the train had passed one point on the new link between Okahukura and Stratford a slip between Kohuratahi and Whangamomona brought down about 200 yds of material, and it was considered that a clearance could not be made before 3.30 this afternoon. Two washouts also took placo in the same locality.

STOP AT FLOCK HOUSE INSPECTION OF STOCK PALMERSTON NORTH REACHED ["BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTERI WANGANUI, Thursday On his way from Wanganui to Palmerston North by car this afternoon the. Duke «f Gloucester made a stop of about an hour at Flock House where, in bright sunshine, he saw the trainees, who wore their smart khaki uniform. A number of them on horseback, with the cracking of whips, drove up a mob of Black Poll for his inspection, others brought along a mob of sheep, others held the fine Jersey herd in a ring. The Duke leaned on a fence like a farmer at a saleyard when he was studying the sheep, had a glance at the pigs and seemed loth to leave. On the lawn he heard the history of Flock House from Mr. E. Newman and briefly addressed the well-drilled boys, telling them that he could see by their faces that thev were happy there and wishing them prosperity. Six tiny Boy Scouts, two of them Maoris, also paraded and the smallest Maori gravely presented the Duke with a document that he drew from his belt. There was a touch of pathos about this little parade of very serious youngsters not connected with the farm. Palmerston North was reached an hour ahead of time and the streets were practically empty when the Duke arrived at the Grand Hotel. At 7.30 p.m., the announced time of his arrival, a considerable number of people were in the Square, and so that they should not be disappointed he entered an open car again and, followed by several others, drove round the Square. He received an ovation all along the route, the people appreciating the tlionghtfulness of his action. To-night ho has no engagements.

The Duke leaves Palmerston North to-day for Wellington, via the Wuirarapa. On arrival at Wellington in the evening he will embark on H.M.A.S. Australia and leave at daybreak to-morrow for Pic-ton, later transferring to H.M.S. Lcith for disembarkation at Picton. From Picton the Duke will motor to Blenheim and thence to Nelson. He will attend a Cathedral service on Sunday morning and will have the afternoon and evening free. He will depart at 9 a.m. on Monday by road for Mnrehison, where he will arrive at noon; thence to Jnangahua, arriving at 2.1-5 p.m., and from there to Westport. arriving at 3.45 p.m. He is due at Grevmouth at 7.30 p.m. The Duke will entrain for Hokitika, arriving there at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.