SEAL OF TRIUMPH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18588, 24 December 1934, Page 6

SEAL OF TRIUMPH

PRINCE HENRY’S TOUR

AUCKLAND’S WELCOME

WILDLY ENTHUSIASTIC

VAST CROWDS ASSEMBLE

(Per Press .Association.)

AUCKLAND, this day

Rarely have Auckland citizens assembled' in such vast numbers nil any occasion as they did this morning for the reception of the Duke of Gloucester. Auckland’s welcome was wildly enthusiastic, and placed a seal almost on the triumph of the Royal tour. The weather conditions were again dazzlingly brilliant, and there were remarkable demonstrations ot spontaneous acclamation as the Royal procession -passed through streets blackened with people. It was Auckland at its unrestrained best.

The inspection of the Royal guard of honor was one of the outstanding spectacles of the tour. The civic reception itself was an impressive gathering, harmonising with the universal homage which had so unreservedly been ottered the Prince on the rail route. From Morrinsville onwards, the grey dawn provided a background for evidences of loyality and interest in the movement, of the Royal visitor. Members of the official party who were awake at that hour saw between Morrinsville and Hamilton little groups of people at every place passed, all hands, leaving the milking sheds to sec the train slip through. Responding to the civic address of welcome delivered by tho Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, His Royal Highness said: “I receive with gratitude your declaration of continued loyalty to the King of the citizens of Auckland, proof of which they have given on many occasions, notably in the Great War. A common attachment to the Throne and tics of race and language form the basis on which the Empire depends for its continued existence.

“I deeply appreciate the enthusiasm with which you have welcomed me in Auckland. 1 assure you that I feel great pleasure in visiting this beautiful ami historic city, and in meeting its people. I take 'tiliis opportunity of paying a tribute to the pioneers whose courage and persistence overcame the many difficulties that confronted them, and made possible the remarkable achievements of their descendants in later years. I. sincerely hope that the recent lime of depression lias now been passed, and that- you may rest secure to enjoy the promising heritage which has been handed down to you. I wish all tho people and children of Auckland a merry Christinas and a happy New Year.”

A collective reply made to tho addresses of welcome presented by church and other organisations acknowledged references to the services of Their Majesties to the Empire, and previous Royal visits to New Zealand. “I thank you for your cordial welcome and good wishes to myself,” added His Royal Highness. ‘‘l sincerely hope that you will long bo blessed to continue labors for the welfare of tho people whom yon serve.” Through thronged thoroughfares, the procession, after the civic reception, proceeded to Government House, where the inmates of the Blind Institute were presented to the Duke.

Aii inspiring scene was enacted before the Cenotaph and_ W:g Memorial Museum. Here, with the solemnity of a great and sacred occasion, His Royal Highness, standing before immobile ranks of returned soldiers and veterans, placed a wreath of remembrance, accompanied by a card in his own handwriting. The Duke has the afternoon at his own disposal, and in the evening will attend a dinner at Government House. To-morrow morning he will he present at Divine service at the. cathedral church of St. Mary’s, and the afternoon and evening will be free. Expected Christmas presents from members of his family, dispatched by air mail, will be available for opening. It is estimated by the authorities that, 50,000 people participated in the street reception, which is believed to be a record for such an event. This was in addition to 3000 who packed the Town Hall and the thousands who assembled in Karangahape road, Symonds street, and the Domain. Packed four deep on each side of the entire length of Queen street, and crowded on balconies, shop roofs, and at upstair windows, citizens, many of whom waved flags, cheered the Duke to the echo in a stream of cordiality which rippled from Quay street to the steps of the Town Hall. The soul of a great city spoke, and its message was: “Empire ambassador: With one accord we hail you.” There was a touching scene at Government House when inmates of the Blind Institute cheered His Royal Highness after he had spoken with them. An informal visit was made to the Auckland Club before the Cenotaph ceremony. «