STIRRING SCENES

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

STIRRING SCENES

PROCESSION UP HARBOR SEA AND AIR ESCORT AN IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Escorted by ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and New Zealand Air Force planes, H.M.A.S. Australia, bearing His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, arrived at Wellington this morning amid animated and stirring scenes that will long be remembered. As the grey fighting ships moved up tho harbor in line ahead, a grand spectacle was provided for tho thousands of enthusiastic observers, both ashore and afloat. Tho day broke fine, but heavy clouds frequently obscured tho sun. At intervals, the sun broke through and flecked the waters of the harbor with a silvery light. Every vantage point fronting pn the harbor was crowded with eager while Wellington’s mosquito fleet ami tho ferry steamer Muritai, all gaily dccortcd and crowded with passengers, combined tc givo a fitting welcome to the royal visitor.

The warships made an impressive spectacle as they aproaeked the harbor. Entering the heads at about 8 o’clock, tho ships exchanged signals and altered their positions. H.M.B. Dunedin took the load, followed by the Leith, Australia, Diomede, and Laburnum. Majestically, the procession of ships steamed up the harbor The roar of planes overhead was the only thing to break the silence. Off Point Ilalswell, all the warships turned’ and while the Australia picked up the pilot, the other ships proceeded to Point Jcrningham, where they anchored, forming a iano through which the Australia was to pass. The ships were dressed, and as tho Australia got under way again, the Dunedin, Diomede, Leith, and Laburnum thundered out a royal salutation. As the Australia passed through tin lane, three lusty cheers for the Duke were given by the New Zealand naval ratings. Not since the previous visit of Royalty has Wellington seen ,sueh a colorful and inspiring spectacle. With the band playing on the_ quarter deck and the ratings -standing to attention, the big cruisor quickly glided towards Pipitea wharf, where the berthing was carried out with the precision for which the navy is noted. Hosts of small craft of every dm scription followed tho cruiser to the berth, and an animated scene was presented.

be held, the ceremony being timed to commence at 4.15 p.m. Particular care should be taken that tho children do not break their lines, especially at the ceremony. “Arrangements after the ceremony. —A meal is to bo provided at tho Gisborne High School for all country sehool children requiring it. As previously announced, the free meal is for children only ,of Std. 3 and upwards, in addition to meals for teachers and committeemen accompanying the children in the ratio of one adult to 20 children.

“Children should stand easy in their lines at the conclusion of the ceremony at tho reserve, and await the order to march to the High School. Mr. A. W. Bird will again bo the marshal in charge, and he will also supervise the inarch-from the High School to Stanley road, where the children will embark at approximately 6.30 p.m. “Every child should be mado to bring a bat. This is most important, especially if it is a hot day.” An error appeared in the circulars sent out to head teachers, it being stated that the ceremony was to tako place at the Oval, instead of tho Childers road reserve.