COLORFUL MESSAGE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18581, 15 December 1934, Page 5

COLORFUL MESSAGE

GOVERNMENT’S TRIBUTE CHEERING THOUSANDS CENOTAPH CEREMONY Berthing at 9 a.m., the cruiser received Lord Bledisloe an hour later, and then the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, and the Minister in attendance on the Duke, the Hon. J. A. Young, went on board. Preceded at live-minute intervals by the Ministers and Lord Bledisloe, the Dtfke of Gloucester disembarked promptly at 10.20 a.m., and after receiving the royal salute, inspected the guard of honor. In a gaily decorated enclosure, His Royal Highness received Lady Bledisloe, Ministers of the Crown and their wives, and other dignitaries and their wives. Following the presentation of the Harbor Board’s address, the royal party started its procession to Parliament House. Lanes of flags in front of the steps of Parliament House, thousands of people clothing the lawns- and approaches, and pohutnkawas blossoming thejy colorful message of welcome—this was the background against which tho Government tribute was paid. Welcomed by the Governor-General. His Royal Highness then listened to tho speech of welcome from the Prime Minister and the presentation of an address from the Cook Islands, and in clear tones and pleasing voice acknowledged the greetings and spontaneous expression of loyalty. It was a brilliant scene, in harmony with the reception the Duke had already had from the air and water. Even more impressive was the next phase.

CIVIC (RECEPTION A reverent hush spread over the great assemblage as Prince Henry alighted in front of the Citizens’ War Memorial, where ex-service men had been marshalled, and placed a wreath of remembrance at the base of the Cenotaph. Tim solemnity of the incident was communicated to the onlookers, and for several seconds silence, significant and allembracing, reigned. The hands of the clock on Government Buildings pointed to 10.40 when the procession moved off to the Town Hall, along a route that was black with cheering citizens and gay with flags, festoons', and bunting. Thousands of people from far and near formed a moving avenue—a thoroughfare which never ceased to cheer and extend a sincere welcome.

At the civic reception, an address of welcome was read by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and ’ addresses were presented on behalf of religious and other bodies.

After His Royal Highness had replied, city councillors, local body representatives, and their wives were presented to him.

Along the route from the Town Hall to Government House, the Duke received another rousing welcome from the vast crowds which had assembled in Cuba street, Courtenay Place, and Kent terrace, ending at the very gates of Government House.

This afternoon, His Royal Highness is attending a special meeting arranged by the Wellington Racing Club. This is an unofficial function. The Duke is occupying the viceregal box in the main grandstand.