MANAWATU’S WELCOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 18

MANAWATU’S WELCOME.

GREAT GATHERING OF CHILDREN. DUKE DEEPLY IMPRESSED. PALMERSTON NORTH, March 4. Ln the glorious sunshine of a typical New Zealand autumn day. the Duke and Duchess of York left their hotel this morning at 9 o’clock to receive a welcome from the people of Maniwatu, with Palmerston North as its capital. Long before the Royal party appeared, 5000 school children had been drawn up in the square; also Boy Scouts from all over the district. Girl Guides, Flock House Boys’ High and Technical School pupils, and cadets. The guard of honour was supplied by the Seventh Battery, N.Z.A. The Duke commented on the fine physical appearance of the school children, stating that he had been very impressed with the school children of the country. Amidst spontaneous outbursts of cheering the party then proceeded to the dais in the centre of the square, where an address of welcome was read on behalf of the municipality and Kairanga County Council. An address of welcome from the Scottish Society of Palmerston North was also presented, including a sprig of heather plucked by the president from the banks of Loch Lomond. Mr James Vining, a pioneer settler, who presented a stockwhip to the Prince of Wales in 1920, gave a greenstone tomahawk to the Duke. Following the Duke’s acknowledgment of the welcome, the party entered their car and drove around the square througn throngs of cheering people to the railwaystation, whence the Royal couple departed for Hawke's Bay.