TOUR THROUGH TARANAKI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 17

TOUR THROUGH TARANAKI.

A ROUSING WELCOME. — NEW PLYMOUTH, March 3. The Royal train made a smooth and leisurely run from Waimarino. Rain fell during the earlier part, but with the morning came fine weather. As the train reached Taranaki territory Mount Egmont stood revealed in all the majesty of his 8000 ft, the rising sun lighting up the almost perfect cone from the gently rising slopes to within a few hundred feet of the summit, which was veiled in cloud. Almost every wayside station and crossing showed groups of early risers, waiting fo- a sight of the Royal car. Eltham people had a special opportunity, as the train stopped for a few minutes to permit the engine to slake its thirst. Stratford station, with its trappings of flags and greenery forecasting the formal welcome later in the day, was now deserted, but - quite a number of people was round about the precincts and at every street crossing. These hailed the Ducal car and cheered and waved good wishes. On leaving Stratford, the train ran into misty rain, and the mountain was suddenly blotted completely from view. A stop of 50 minutes was made at Waiongona, where breakfast was partaken of in a typical Taranaki rural spot, clumps of trees dotting the landscape and hiding the farmsteads. Approaching New Plymouth, the drizzle came down again, making the prospect a dreary ''one. the Duke and Duchess arrived at 8.55, and were received at the station by the mayor and mayoress. They drove through streets lined with cheering crowds to Pukekura Park, where 10,000 people gave them a rousing welcome. The Duke inspected the guard and then proceeded to the dais, where an address was read and officials and prominent citizens presented. The Duke then inspected and chatted with the Maori War veterans, also the South African veterans and returned soldiers, and afterwards the Boy Scouts, (who had erected a bridge, which he- crossed) and the Territorials. The Duchess inspected the Girl Guides and Brownies. lhe pair then moved round among 3000 school children marshalled on the cricket ground, to a continuous accompaniment of cheers, the waving of flags and cans thrown in the air. It was a scene of immense enthusiasm in the wonderfully beautiful setting of the park grounds marred only by a slight drizzle which fell during part of the proceedings, which otherwise were without the slightest hitch. Cheers again resounded when the party drove away to rejoin the train at 10 o clock. Much regret.was expressed that .Mount Egmont was in coy mood and concealed by clouds. HAWERA REJOICES. W DUCHESS AMONG THE GIRLS. HAWERA, March 3. Although light rain fell during tho morning the weather was fine, if threatening, when the Royal train arrived at Hawera. The visitors were "greeted by a cheering throng of 7000, including 3000 children. The Duke received the loyal address from the Mayor (Mr Pacev), and handed a written reply. A delightful incident occurred when Gwen Gallagher, one of the smallest pupils of the local school, presented a bouquet to the Duchess. She graciously accepted it,_ and kissed the child’s cheek. She is said to be the first child to receive the honour since the arrival of the Royal visitors. The Duchess inspected the Girl Guides, and the Duke the returned soldiers. The crowd gave them a rousing reception, and surged forward as the party left to rejoin the train. ROUSING WELCOME AT STRATFORD. ROUTE LINED BY CHILDREN. STRATFORD, March 3. The Duke and Duchess arrived by train from New Plymouth at 11 o’clock, and were given a rousing welcome. After receiving the address the Royal party walked 300 yards bad', to the station

under floral arches held by school children, who lined the whole route. After a stay of ten minutes they left for the nouth.