NR BRUCE AT HOME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19967, 8 December 1926, Page 9

NR BRUCE AT HOME

AMSD HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS. A FREEMAN OP EXETER. (Frets Association—By Telegraph-Copyright.) LONDON, December 6. Mr Bruce wound up his provincial tour in glorious sunshine at Exeter, where he turned the first sod of the New University College. He was then entertained at luncheon, and became a Freeman of the City in the historic Guildhall, which is lined with beautiful panelling with the Mayor’s coat of arms, going back to the thirteenth century. The visit and the functions were markedly contrasted with the rest of the tour among the industrial centres, for every corner of this quaint, quiet, old city is teeming with historical associations. Mr Bruce, when turning the sod, faced a semicircle of gowned and capped studdents of both sexes, who, after the ceremoney, with full lungs, obeyed the professors’ appeal as they shouted the college jery of “Let it rip. Let them hear it in Australia.” Even the room where the luncheon was served was a distinguished apartment in one of the most dignified hotel buildings in Britain. Mr and Mrs Bruce then drove through the beflagged narrow, old-world streets •with ancient buildings holding the eye at every few yards. He was cheered by large crowds. It was not surprising that he was emotionally affected when he took the oath at the Guildhall to “defend the ancient customs and privileges of this jeity in every just and lawful cause.” Mr and Mrs Bruce remain in London tan til they embark for New York on hoard the Majestic on December 21.—A. land N.Z. Cable.