SCENE ON RESERVE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18585, 20 December 1934, Page 13

SCENE ON RESERVE

CROWD’S RAPID INCREASE

SPECIAL DECORATIONS

The crowd increased rapidly on the Childers road reserve this afternoon. Many waited along Gladstone road to witness the entry of the Royal party into Gisborne, and not until the Duke’s car had passed did they make for the reserve

At 2.45 p.m., not more than half a dozen of the general public at assembled. There were a few men perfecting the public address and broadcast system, saying “Hullo, Hullo, llullo,” monotonously, a few St. John Ambulance men and an occasional interested spectator of the proceedings. At. this stage, an uninterrupted view was obtained of the fences constructed to keep the various sections of the crowd within their various bounds. On the dais, the easy" chairs for the front row members of the official party were turned down, and the remainder were set out ready for use. The exterior walls of the dais were decorated with greenery, and the railing was relieved with touches of red, white, and blue. Above, was a long red banner, with "God Save- the King” worked in white letters.

The grandstand at the stage was empty except for four adults and three children. One side of the stand was reserved for 53 members of the Old Settlers’ Association. while all other seats were reserved for ticket holders.

A special arch was constructed at the Childers road-Disraeli street entrance to the grounds, and it was arranged that tfi,e Duke should pass through this. The Rent was oppressive in the grounds. A good breeze ruffled the flags on to,p of the grandstand, hut this was felt but little by those close to the structure. The Heat during the day had been so great that the greenery erecieTi only tp-day was beginning to show signs of withering. 15v' 3 p.m., there were definite signs that the main section of the, crowd was beginning to trickle in. Buses began to arrive with their loads of people. Ticketholders- in the main section of the grandstand began to take their positions by 3.15 'p.m., and streams of people commenced to come in from all the main entrances. Even so far, the number of people, present was but a. very small proportion of the huge assembly that whs to follow. Dome military uniforms were among those arriving at this stage. As the afternoon advanced and the sun sank lower, the shadow of the grandstand roof began to cover the dais, and it was apparent that by the time of the Duke’s arrival ho would be sheltered from the blazing sun.

Early this afternoon children commenced to gather at the intersection of Childers road and Roebuck road, where they were marshalled prior to marching on to their positions before the dais on the Childers road reserve. The marshalling of the children was carried out on the courts of the Basketball Tennis Club under the direction of Mr. N. Gilchrist. Sonic of the children were brought bv special buses, while about 350 children from the outlying districts were brought to Stanley road by train.

FLASH OF BAYONETS

MARCH OF THE GUARD

AN IMPRESSIVE PARADE

Flash of sun -on bayonets and accoutrements of the guard of honor, the clink of medals as tlic returned soldiers marched to the swing of the stirring music of the W.E.C.M.H. hand, tho khaki uniforms of the Boy Scouts, and the deep blue of the Girl Guides, were highlights of the- bigparade which preceded the arrival ,of tho Duke of Gloucester in town this afternoon.

The guard of honor marched with tho'King’s color of the Hawke’s Bay Infantry Regiment, and carried out to the letter the -ceremonial of the occasion.

The returned soldiers swept along with a practiced stop learned on tho long route marches of other days, and tho Scouts and Guides, under their respective commissioners and officers, made a brave display in their large muster. No more impressive presentation of the three generations of New Zealand manhood and youth has been offered for years than that, provided by this afternoon's procession.

INFORMAL TOUCH

DUKE IN SHIRT SLEEVES THE MORERE VISIT (Special le the Herald.) MOIIERE, this day. The Duke of Gloucester is travelling in his usual " informal way, spending most of his time in his shirt sleeves. One is not surprised as the heat is sweltering. A delightfully informal touch was given to the “luncheon at the Morere Hot Springs Hotel. There the Duke removed his coat and sat down to tabic with his shirt sleeves rolled up. The other members of the party speedily followed the. Royal example, the Duke’s suite sitting at table laughing and chatting like ordinary travellers. Although Mob ilka provided the first native welcome to Prince Henry, it was left to Ntihaka to present a liaka in traditional Maori costume. His Royal Highness followed the proceedings with considerable interest and was obviously delighted with the tribute of respect paid to him by the native, community. The Royal party departed from Morere at 2.20 p.m. They are making fast time on the road and should reach Gisborne by 3.50 p.m.

TO-NIGHT’S ACTIVITIES

REGATTA AND SHORE DISPLAY

NO OFFICIAL FUNCTION

Though the Duke of Gloucester lias no official appointments for this evening, it is considered likely that lie will demonstrate an interest in the proceedings arranged by the reception commit tee by wav of public celebration of the Royal visit! These proceedings include a regatta on the Wnimnta and Tnrangnliui rivers, in which swimming, canoe, and four-oar boat races will figure, and displays of national dancing and gymnasties on the Read’s quay esplanade, followed by a concert organised by members of the Gisborne Savage Club, and a dance on the sward in the later part of the evening.