THE DUKE'S TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22476, 22 January 1935, Page 8

THE DUKE'S TOUR

OFFICIAL VISIT ENDED* A MEMORABLE FAREWELL THOUSANDS ASSEMBLE ON WHARF ■ *'" . (Pra United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, January 2L Amid scenes of intense enthusiasm, H.M.A.S. Australia, with th*- Duke of Gloucester aboard, left Lyttelton for . Russell at 750 to-night. Seven thousand pin flags fluttering over 7000 juvenile - heads at Lancaster Park this morniiig communicated to the Duke of Gloucester the warmest message of affection from the children of Christchurch and environs. The demonstration was in every respect inspiring, and tha enthusiasm broke its bounds when the ' Duke, wearing the colourful uniform of a colonel of the 10th Hussars, walked slowly down the ranks of the youngsters. The cheering did not come from the children alone, since the adult population Had attended the function in full force, and the acclamation was deafening when his Royal Highness, remembering the presence of the older people, circled the "ground in his car in order that all should gain a good view of him 'From the hotel entrance to the park where the demonstration was held, I sightseers lined the route, and the Duke's arm was incessantly on the wave acknowledging salutations. -.'One enthusiastic " .group threw streamers into the passing car and received a glowing smile from the royal visitor. The Duke was about early this morning, and paid an informal visit to; the Riccarton racecourse, where he had a gallop on the tracks being in the saddle on three different horses. • The Duke had spent this afternoon at Christchurch. His engagements, apart from visits to public and private hospitals, included the ceremony of laying ! the foundation stone of the Sandiland returned soldiers' settlement administration block. ', The progress of the royal car from Christchurch to Lyttelton was followed with intense public interest",; groups of people lining the route. The^demonstra- ■ ~'tion at Lyttelton wharf was inspiring. Thousands packed the approaches and the wharf and railway platform and gave - Ms Royal Highness a memorable f arewell. ../ . • •' r ■ "X" I am very/sorry my visit to New Zealand has come to an end," said the Duke, replying to the farewell of |tho chairman of the Harbour Board. "I have enjoyed myself very much indeed.'.' VISIT A GREAT PLEASURE ;: PrtlME MINISTER'S STATEMENT ■'■■'. (Pw United Pbess Association) CHRISTCHURCH, January 21. The following statement was made by the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) this evening:—"It has been a great honour and pleasure to the people «f New Zealand to have had this visit of his -Royal.. Highness, the Duke of Gloucester. Spontaneous enthusiasm and warm and sincere expressions of loyalty have been/ the keynotes of the welcome which has been accorded to his Royal • Highness from-one end of the Dominion to the other. We fully realise the ' strain which must have been imposed upon his Royal Highness in carrying out his duties and in the continuous travelling which the tour entailed. - "The civic and local authorities have earned the highest commendation for the "part they have played in receiving and entertaining our royal, guest/and I take this opportunity of acknowledging the Valuable Assistance thus rendered. The • officials connected with the arrangements of the tour have performed their work well, and are to~be complimented upon their efficiency. The Minister in attendance (Sir James Young) has reason to feel gratified with the manner in which his responsibilities have been discharged. In a sentence, remarkable success in every way has attended the tour. The people of New Zealand will retain lasting impressions of this royal visit, which has afforded them further opportunity -of showing their intense loyalty and devotion to the Thrbne."

THE OFFICIAL STAFF APPRECIATION OF SERVICES (Per United Press Association-) CHRISTCBURCH, January 21. With the conclusion to-day of the official section of the New Zealand tour of the Duke of Gloucester opportunity was taken by the Minister in attendance (Sir James Young) to express the thanks of the Government to the members of the New Zealand official party who accompanied his Royal Highness. Addressing a parade.of special police and the detective attachment under the Commissioner (Mr W. G. Wohlmann), the Minister said that the work of all ranks had been magnificent, and ba<T won the warm-hearted appreciation of the Government. The duties of some men had been particularly arduous, especially those who were responsible for motor cycle work. The detective branch, too, required special mention, because its members had been on duty without let up in order to provide the necessary service throughout the 24 hours in the protection of the person of his Royal Highness. The general rank and file, Mr Young added, had discharged their duties with skill and tact, their work in controlling the crowds and regulating all forms of traffic being particularly commendable. " New Zealand is to be congratulated," he said, "on having such a fine force imbued with the right sense of duty to the community." The Minister communicated to the official chauffeurs the Government's thanks for their.loyal and efficient ser-