THE ROYAL TOUR

Otago Witness, Issue 3806, 22 February 1927, Page 26

THE ROYAL TOUR

GLOOM DESCENDS ON WARSHIP. DEATH OF BANDMASTER. MELBOURNE, February 16. A wireless message from the Renown states that gloom descended upon the warship when the Marines’ bandmaster, Mr J. E. Burnett, conductor of the jazz orchestra, died during the night of pneumonia and pleurisy. The burial service was impressive. The body was brought to the quarterdeck, on which the whole ship’s company - had assembled, to the strains of . Chopin’s “Funeral March.” The Marine Guards presented arms as the cortege passed, and then reversed arms as the body, covered with a Union Jack, rested on the guard rails preparatory to being committed to the deep. There was a touching moment when the hammocked sb%pe slid quietly from the shin and plunged into the depths. The Renown, whose course was deflected slightly at the •.B-pest of the Duke and Duchess of Turk for the purpose of viewing the is”-id<s, passed along the southern coast. of Upclu, in the Samoan Group, wnence ca.’tne a wireless message from tne 'Administratin' wishing Their Royal Highnesses good luck and a pleasant voyage to New Zealand, where a hearty welcome awaited them from the Samoan representatives, who were anxious to express personally the loyalty of the people of the islands to the King. The Duke of York replied by wireless: “Thanks,” and informed the Administrator that the Renown’s route would take her close in to the land. The officers and crew are at present interested in the New Zealand pamphlets, folders, books, and facts about the country, thousands of which have been distributed throughout the ship.

PICTURESQUE SCENES AT SUVA. SUVA, February 17. Punctual, as usual, the Renown anchored In the picturesque harbour of Suva at 2 o’clock this afternoon. She was escorted to her anchorage by three of four typical Sydney dinghies, motor boats, and a whole fleet of native catamarans, their brown mat sails swelling to a favouring breeze, and the crews waving and cheering in emulation of the Europeans oir board the. more civilised craft. From the sea Suva looked most attractive, rising from its harbour with the red roofs peeping above the tropical foliage. In the harbour, the ships were dressed for the occasion, but the Renown neither dressed nor saluted, moving to her anchorage with the same effortless expedition as ever. As soon as she had anchored, the Governor (Sir Eyre Hutson) and the Colonial Secretarv went on . board, and Were received with a full guard and all due formalitv •’ — Earl of Cavan welcoming them on I/. of the Duke of York.

The Duke and Duchess landed at 3 o’clock, and received a tumultous welcome from the crowds gathered on the wharf, where a landing stage had been placed. They were received by the Governor, the mayor, chief justice, members of the Executive Council, and other dignitaries, and proceeded to Government House to inspect the school children. They then attended the civic reception at the Town Hall,"afternoon tea, a native reception, and the'presentation of addresses at Albert Park. The native address expressed thanks for the visit of the Royal representative of a mighty nation. . * The natives were specially _ grateful to the visitors for turning aside to view their small islands, and the visit would remain a living memory, as were the visits of the King and the Prince of Wales. They were grateful for the presence of the Duchess, as a representative of Scotland, which had given Fiji many sons to govern and lead. They were pleased to see the Renown again, as the symbol of the invincible fleet guarding the Empire and ensuring peace. They gave an assurance that the form of Government established by Britain after the cession of the islands was deeply appreciated. A benign rule had preserved their interests and privileges, and increased their knowledge and wealth. They prayed that his Royal Highness would convey to the King their assurance of unswerving loyalty and their thanks for his sympathetic government. They prayed for the prosperity, happiness, and long life of the Duke and Duchess of York.

The Duke of York expressed thanks on behalf of the Duchess and himself, and said he would not fail to convey to his father their message of loyalty and gratitude. The Duchess had been especially touched by their reference to Scotland. He rejoiced to hear that their memory of the visits of the King and the Prince of _Wales was still fresh. They had told of happy times spent in Fiji, and their loyal reception there. The welfare of his native subjects in all the dominions was ever near to the heart of the King and all the members of the King’s house. “Continue to work with those whom the King sets over you. Guard your interests, and all will be well for you and your descendants. I-pray that you will continue to flourisfi and prosper,” his Royal Highness concluded. The address of the municipality tendered a welcome to Duke and Duchess with an assurance of loyalty. It referred to the King’s visit in 1901, and that of the Prince of Wales in 1920, and acknowledged the further honour Ofthe present visit to the Colony, of which it was hoped the visitors would carry away happy recollections. His Royal Highness, replying, sincerely thanked the municipality for its expressions of loyalty. He deeply appreciated the welcome, and was pleased to renew the personal ties of friendship established in the past by his father and brother, who retained the happiest memories 7 of the times they had spent in Fiji. The Duchess and himself were looking forward

to repeating those delightful experiences, and felt that such a visit would not fail to knit closer the bonds between the Mother Country and the distant portions of the Empire, which, he assured them, were not forgotten at Home. “We realise to the full that the Empire is .pur greatest heritage, something infinitely precious-, which we hold in' trust from our forefathers for our children. We know, too, that if. we are to keep that heritage it is our duty to learn and understand and help each other. Then, united under one flag, and owing allegiance to one sovereign, we may by co-operating prove worthy of the great trust handed down to us.” He concluded by cordially wishing hapincss and prosperity to all. NATIVE CEREMONIALS. SUVA, February 17. Many picturesque incidents happened during the visit ashore of the Duke and Duchess of York this afternoon. The ex-service men were presented before a Guard of Honour furnished by sturdy Fijians, who moved with the precision of a line regiment, and who, after being inspected, marched through the streets accompanied by admiring crowds of gailyclad natives and Indians. The school children assembled in the grounds of Government House made a brave show of colours, ranging from deep black to the white of the Europeans, but all displaying the same enthusiasm in their cheers in honour of the Royal visitors, who begged a whole holiday for them. The Duchess was presented with flaming bouquets of ixora from both native and white tots, who were duly impressed by the gravity of the occasion.

The native ceremonial was most interesting. The Fijians attach the greatest importance to their various rites, and treat all with the most becoming solemnity. A colourful scene greeted the Royal party quits arrival at the recreation ground, where there was a large gathering of-chiefs and chieftainesses clad in all the pagan finery of tappa cloth, whales’ teeth, and garlands and girdles of leaves and flowers. All were seated on this ground. Tire first ceremony was the presentation of a whale’s tooth (tambua) to the Duke as a symbol of homage and affection. The announcement of its acceptance was received -with a low-voiced chant from the seated chieftains. Then the women approaching slowly in two long lines poured water from the prow of a canoe, indicating the arrival of the Duchess from the sea, and placed the tambua on the canoe. This ceremony is seldom performed. The presentation of yaquona or kava root and the long imposing ceremony of kava-mak-ing followed. The Duke and Duchess and several members of. the staff had to partake of the drink, evidently not always with unmixed satisfaction. This was . the culminating ceremony in the acts of hornage. The • people clustered around the bowl in which the liquor was made, and maintained a chant throughout.

i At the termination of this solemn cere- • mony, ..which was punctuated by many cries of. appreciation and soft hand-clap-ping, the address of welcome was read by the oldest chief, after which another presented a whale’s tooth and expressed the pleasure which the visit had given the people. The presentation of many splendid examples of native craftsmanship concluded the ceremonial. The Duke and Duchess of York dined with the Governor in the evening, and afterwards attended a reception and ball in the Grand Pacific Hotel. February 18. Last night’s reception was rendered picturesque by an escort of 24 Fijians from several islands carrying flaming torches. They accompanied the Duke and Duchess of York from Government House to the hotel, where a guard of four lusty spearmen awaited them and marched through the ballroom with the Royal party, and mounted guard during the reception. Afterwards the torchbearers and spearmen accompanied the Royal pair to the ship. The Duke and Duchess spent this morning on a barge exploring the rivers flowing into the harbour. Several native chiefs, including a grandson of-Takambau, the paramount chief, visited the Renown during the morning.

After lunch the Duke and Duchess of York landed, and were welcomed by another large crowd, swelled by many passengers from the Niagara, -which had been speeded, up from Auckland to give them an opportunity of seeing their Royal Highnesses. The sailing of the vessel was also postponed in order that this might be effected. The Duke and Duchess of York proceeded to Government House for tea, after which they visited tlie new war memorial hospital and met the staff and nurses, and chatted with the patients. ~ The Duchess tried unsuccessfully to quell the voluble protests of a small brown baby. Torrential rains entirely spoiled a motor tour along the Prince’s road—so named to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales—and Rewa road, where preparations had been made to entertain them at Sawana, the school for the sons of the native chieftains, and also at the Methodist Mission at Devuileu. Arches of greenery spanned the road, and the scholars assembled to sing hymns and Fijian songs with a cheerful refrain. It was impossible for the visitors to see the vista of typical Suva scenery owing to the veil of rain, which likewise ruined the reception which it was intended to hold on the quarterdeck. After an official dinner on board, at which the Duke and Duchess entertained the Governor and the same company of officials as was present at last night’s function, the decorations had to be taken down, and the guests remained in the royal apartments.

NEW ZEALAND PROGRAMME. MELBOURNE, February 19. A wireless message from the Renown states that the cruiser left Suva punctually at 10 a.m. The weather is becoming more bearable as the vessel proceeds south. At a staff conference with Captain Ik.yle the New Zealand programme was thoroughly dissected, and after minor alterations was accepted. PLANS FOR HOME-COMING. LONDON, February 14. .It is understood that if the present plans mature the Duke of York’s homecoming will be most memorable. Not since the early days of the Entente Cordiale has a representative fleet of French warships visited Britain, but now negotiations are going on for France’s best squadron to make a cruise of the chief ports about June. A happy suggestion is now being considered to have a huge assemblage of French and British warships at Portsmouth on June 27 to give a majestic welcome to the Renown. February 17. The discussion between the British and French Admiralties is proceeding to fix the date for the French fleet’s visit to Britain. The lines of the combined fleets at Spithead will be the most impressive sight since the great naval review just before the war. It is considered that no welcome will be more pleasing to the Duke of York on his return from his great mission than the mingling of French and British guns in his Royal salute.

EXPENSES OF TOUR. LONDON, February 18. An angry debate in the House of Commons resulted from Mr D. Kirkwood and other Labour members protesting against the vote to cover the expenses of the Royal tour while unemployment is rife in Britain. When Mr Ronald M'Neill (Financial Secretary to the Treasury) moved the grant of £7OOO in aid of the Royal tour he expressed the hope that it would be" accepted unanimously. Mt Kirkwod, on behalf of the workers, made an emphatic protest, urging that the parts of the Empire which had issued an invitation should pay all the expenses. He objected to England paying for sending their Royal Highnesses on a “joy ride.’’ Mr. Kirkwood said that when he raised the question on the Pt ince of Wales’s “joy ride” to South America he was told that the visit was for the benefit of trade and for cementing the British .Empire. Had trade benefited? The Government had just given a large meat contract to Argentina, which formerly went to Australia. Was that cementing the Empire? A recent report suggested a reduction- of the unemployment insurance payments to 600,000 workers, yet the coun-

try could afford £7OOO to send the Duke of York to the ends of the earth—‘‘and it doesn’t matter one iota to the welfare of the country if they never return.’’ Amidst uproar the Chairman (Captain Fitzroy) said: “1 cannot allow remarks of that kind.” ' Mr. Kirkwood: I have taken the highest opinion, and I have been informed that I can use the language I have just used. Captain Fitzroy: I am the authority, here. I cannot allow you to use discour- ‘ teous language to the Royal family. Mr. Kirkwood said he desired to protest' against anyone in Britain getting thou* sands a week when the workers got less than £3. He had just come from Ply* mouth, where the women had asked him to protest vigorously against this expendi-' ture. The Duke and Duchess had plenty of their own money, and they paid nd income tax. “Thus, when it is a question of taxation they are placed in a special compartment beyond ordinary mortals, but when it is a case of expenditure the Government puts them as beggars and comes — and begs the House of Commons to vote them £7OOO. When their Royal Highnesses got married I protested in this House,” Mr Kirkwood continued, “because prior to his marriage the Duke received £lO,OOO a year, but after his marriage this was increased by another £15,000.”

Mr R. R. Wilson (Con.) said he resented the criticism of their Royal Highnesses, who were undertaking the duty of ambassadors of Empire, and earning the gratitude, esteem, and affection of every decent-minded man and woman in Britain. Mr Kirkwood: That means that we are not decent-minded. Dr T. Watts (Con.) testified to the beneficial results of the Prince of Wales’s tour, and said he expected similar results to follow the Duke of York’s, visit. Mr G. D. Hardie (Lab.) said he thought it would’have been better to have sent out' a delegation representing all aspects 'of the nation, not mere figureheads. Sir A. Pownall (Con.) said he thought they could not make a better investment than the money which the House was now asking for. Mr J. Scurr .(Lab.) said be did not think that this was the time for the visit in view of the distress in Britain, where there were 1,500,000 unemployed.

“NO JOY RIDE.” LONDON, February .18. Tn the House of Commons Dr I .D. Shields (Labour) said that he believed that the tour of the Duke and Duchess of York involved a considerable amount of personal inconvenience to the Duke and Duchess, and it was by no means a joy ride. When the division was called .Mr G. Buchanan (Labour) was the only dissentient, but he did not persist, and the vote was carried without a division. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. THE ROYAL PARTY'S TRAIN. ’ WELLINGTON, February 17. It is well that the public should be aware of some of the precautions which are being taken to ensure the safety of the Royal party while travelling on the New’ Zealand Railways, even though in the main they conform to the precautions taken the world over when Royalty is travelling. To be on the wrong side of a crossing some minutes before the train passes will mean a delay of something like half an hour. No pedestrians, vehicular or animal traffic, will be allowed to go over the road at a railway crossing from five minutes before the arrival of the pilot train until five minutes after the Royal train has gone by. Ten minutes will then be allowed for traffic to pass, when it will be held up again for the emergency train to pass. This will apply to all crossings throughout the Dominion. Neither will the public be allowed to crowd on to the station platforms to see the Royal train pass through', although there will be ample vantage points everywhere from which it may be seen. '■

The chairman of the New Zealand Railways Board will travel on the train in both islands, and from his compartment will be able to give any directions required to any part of the train by telephone. There will be special patrol arrangements at bridges, tunnels, cuttings, and places where slips may occur. All trains—passenger and goods, which may cross the Royal train—are to be specially examined for any projections. Trains going in the opposite direction are to be side-tracked at the station preceding the arrival of the pilot train, and will not move until ‘ the emergency train has -passed. In fact, there will, on no occasion, be any train moving in the vicinity of' the Royal train. The speed is definitely set for various grades and curves. Arrangements have been made in the event of anything happening to the Royal train for a mechanic to cut in at once on the telegraph wires at any part for telephonic purposes, and stationmasters and other responsible officers are warned to be prepared for any such action. Stationmasters or officers in charge at tablet stations must personally examine all main line points 15 minutes before the pilot train is due, and satisfy themselves that they are in good order, secured, locked, and ' spiked. They must also see that all trucks standing in sidings adjacent to the main line are well within’ stop blocks at all safety points , and securely braked, and that the contents are within loading limits. Care is also to be taken at watering stations that the tank hose is secure and clear of the line. No explosives may be carried on trains which pass br cross the Royal train. ' . " . .