DUKE AT THE RACES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18582, 17 December 1934, Page 12

DUKE AT THE RACES

WARM RECEPTION HUMAN TOUCH APPRECIATED GLITTERING BALL (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. There was essentially a human touch in. the spontaneous visit, the Duke ol Gloucester paid to the people's enclosure' at .the Royal 'welcome races at Trentharn on Saturday. Some moments elapsed before the crowd realised that His' Royal Highness, who, up to that time, had been viewing the rades from the Viceregal box in the lawn grandstand, was among them, walking along quite unconcernedly with the Hon. J. A. YOung, Minister in attendance, and Mr. E. Riddiford, president of tho Wellington Racing Club. As his presenco became evident, a loud voice burst from the stand, "Who's your cobber, Mi*. Young?" With that the Minister raised his hat and waved in the direction of the inquirer. The Duke did the same and immediately lusty voices were united in chee/ing acclamation, rising and falling as the Duke passed the crowded groups smilingly and frequently raising his hat as he acknowledged the gnetint-s. His thoughtfulness in leaving the lawn for a stroll round in the outer enclosure was a gesture which the crowd appreciated. His reception there was as warm as it had been on the lawn.

WITTY CONVERSATIONALIST Prince Henry -is a good and witty conversationalist, as several fortunate dancing partners found at the Government House ball on Saturday night. The function was a glittering and colorful spectacle, and one which His Royal Highness evidently enjoyed. He danced with enthusiasm and with different partners, maintaining an animated conversation in both the ballroom and the sitting-out places. The guests had an opportunity of defining yet another feature of the Duke's personality—capacity to enjoy himself and communicate to those in his company the same spirit of happiness.

COOK ISLANDERS' GIFT The Duke has accepted from the people of the Cook Islands two specimens of native craftsmanship—a casket made of wood from a tree named the tou and a ling of tortoiseshell. The tou is a tree common to several islands of the group. The casket, which is inlaid with pearl shell from Manihiki lagoon, is the work of a man from the island of Manihiki. A silver inlay in the tortoiseshell ring represents a tiare, a favorite floral ear decoration for native women in the Cook group. To the natives, the flower is symbolical of that which is high and good, and according to their customs is, therefore, never worn on any part of the body lower than tho head. Supporting the flower are, fern leaves, on each side of which the'kuru (breadfruit) is depicted. DISLIKES BFJNG PHOTOGRAPHED As a soldier, the Duke of Gloucester is not entirely at his ease in appearing at public functions. This is reflected in his dislike for being photographed at close quarters, and observance of this by photographers throughout the tour would be appreciated, hi this same connection, : t is pointed out that the Prince is particularly sensitive in being photographed close up while speaking. The Hon. J A. Young, Minister in attendance, said at Wellington on Saturday that ho felt sure the feelings of His Royal Highness in this direction would be in every sense respected throughout the Dominion. A QUIET SUNDAY ■ After Saturday's full programme of ceremonial functions, the Duke had a quiet time to day, In Hie morning he attended Divine service at St. Paul's pro-Cathedral, where the lesson was read by Lord Bledisloe and the sermon preached by Bishop SprOtt, who in the course of his address referred to the vital part the Empire would take in the moulding rf world fellowship. This afternoon was at the Duke's own disposal, and he undertook a private trip into the country. To-morrow he faces another heavy programme of engagements, which include the laying of the foundation-stone of the new railway station, a State luncheon, a Government House garden party, and a civic ball.