LIFE ON ROYAL TRAIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 19

LIFE ON ROYAL TRAIN.

A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY. NAPIER, March 4. As far as the Empire is concerned that big-powered engine which bears on its front the Royal coat of arms emblazoned on a field of purple is at present pulling valuable freight, for is not the Duke of York the third gentleman in the Empire and the Duchess the fourth lady of the land? The Royal train presents a rather unique study of life under conditions that are peculiar , to the present age. One hundred years ago a Royal progress would a cavalcade of horsemen and lumbering coaches, and a century before that again the Sedan chair might have borne those of the blood to their destination. but to-day a prince of the reigning house may come to these, the farthest-flung islands of the Empire, and visit five or six towns in the one day, though they be hundreds of miles apart. The public might be remotely interested to know that life is not all "beer and skittles” on a Royal train. This one of nine carriages and a baggage wagon is a travelling beehive for work. The bees consist of, first and foremost, the Duke and the Duchess and their personal staff, (lie Minister in charge (Sir

R- Heaton Rhodes) and Lady Rhodes, Government officials, railway officials, pressmen and presswomen, photographers, police officers, and men cooks, waiteis, stewards, orderlies, valets, ladies’ maids, etc. Tliough everyone is at work continuously, the Dulce has to be ready with his reply to the address, the Duchess with hot -smile, the officials to see that everything works like clockwork, the pressmen are clicking away on their typewriters preparing endless press cables and telegrams that near and far may read how the Duke and the Duchess arc faring in this lovely little country of ours which has impressed them so very favourably. As the train draws near a stopping place the pressmen and the cameramen nave to make a dash for it to be present on the landing, as they board a carriage along way ahead of the Duke’s, which is always the last one of all. For the cable and telegraphic pressmen a telegraph messenger is always in attendance to take delivery of all “copy” and rush it on to the wire so that London and Sydney and Wellington may read the news at the same time. Never were perss photographers busier than on this tour, and their work is continuous to make, an admirable abstract and brief chronicle of this amazing tour. Notwithstanding the conditions, morning luncheon and afternoon teas are delectably served with unfailing regularity, and only during such intervals does one miss the clickctyclick of press and official typewriters. MAORI VETERANS.

WANGANUI, March 4. Three Maori veterans who were introduced to the Duke and Duchess yesterday were Erueni, of Putiki, aged 105 years: Ropata, of Koriniti, aged 96: and Hira, of Waitotara, aged 87. The Duke and the Duchess had a cheery word for each of the veterans. Ropata saw active service during the Maori War on the side of the British. RENOWN AT GISBORNE. AN OFFICIAL WELCOME. GISBORNE, Marclt 4. The Renown arrived from Auckland at 9 o’clock, and was officially welcomed by

the Harbour Board officials, and .subsequently by the mayoral party. , REQUEST FOR SILENCE. DURING MOORING OF RENOWN. MELBOURNE, March 4. The commander of H.M.S. Renown desires that the warship should be allowed to enter port, both at Sydney and Melbourne, and proceed to her mooring buoy in silence Captain Sulivan explains that there is much ceremonial associated with his vessel’s entry and departure, and orders cannot bo heard on board amid the unrestrained noise of sirens and whistles. The signal when such noises may be unloosed will be given by the Renown's massed buglers. EFFECT OF THE TOUR. AN EXCELLENT ADVERTISEMENT. LONDON, March 3. Tho New Zealand High Commissioner (Sir James Parr) announces that in consequence of the Duke and Duchess of York’s visit to New Zealand his London office has received numberless inquiries as to trade possibilities and fishing.