ON FROM WAIROA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18585, 20 December 1934, Page 5

ON FROM WAIROA

NO TIME TO ,TARRY INFORMAL LUNCH (Special to tho Herald.) MORERE, this day. All along the route on the journey north from Wairoa, the roadside was bedecked with flags and bunting, and at each township and settlement groups of European and Maori people and children gathered to catch a glimpse of the Royal visitor. Owing to the length of time taken on the road, the party was unable to tarry after leaving Wairoa until Morere was reached, with the exception of a brief halt at Nuhaka. At Morere, an informal luncheon was partaken of in the minimum amount of time possible in oi'der to enable the party to reach Gisborne in time to keep taith with the large concourse of people assembled to take part in the official welcome there.

Morere was looking its best to-day to receive the Duka of Gloucester, and the beautiful gardens with their flower beds, lily ponds, rockeries, rustic bridges and winding paths, much of which is entirely new work, formed a cool and pleasant retreat. The hotel was gay with flags, bunting and greenery, and the foyer, lounge and dining-room were decorated with masses of beautiful blooms, palm fronds and ferns. The pilot car, in which travelled the Commissioner of Police, Mr. W. G. Wohlmann, pulled up just beyond the gateway to the hotel, leaving the roadway at the entrance clear for the Royal car, while the remaining vehicles drew up on the lower road in such formation that when the time for departure arrived the procession was able to move off in an orderly manner. The children of the Morere School, with their parents, were accommodated, on the verandah to the left of the entrance to the hotel, and Ilis Royal Highness graciously acknowledged the tribute they offered him as he passed into the building. ® Provision had been made for luncheon for 110, and the Duke.and 45 members of the Royal party, partook of the meal in tlie dining-room, His Royal Highness being accommodated at a special table with his principal attendants, and his wants being catered for by the two waiters who accompany him throughout the tour. Bearing in mind the Duke’s simple tastes, the chef of the hotel provided a menu which was by no means elaborate, but was faultlessly prepared and served.

Members of the police escort and chauffeurs were catered for on the verandah, where long tables were arranged. Bedrooms were placed at the disposal of tho Duke and members of his party in order that they might refresh themselves after their arduous journey. Throughout its entire length, the road from Wairoa to Gisborne was in better order than it has ever been before, and even this morning many roadmen were still engaged putting finishing touches to the surface. Despite the dryness of the weather, tho dust nuisance was not great, and as there was an almost total absence of wind the clouds of dust raised by the passing cars soon settled again.

CIGARETTE INCIDENT

When the guests who .attended the State luncheon at Wellington on Monday gathered on the steps of Parliament Buildings for a photograph, so many were smoking that a haze which wouid have clouded the photograph was being created. One photographer asked that all should ,put out their cigarettes for the moment. Immediately the Duke, who was not smoking, burst out into hearty laughter, in which .all those within hearing joined. Apparently the Duke is not worried in the least over the cigarette incident in Australia.