CHILDREN’S WELCOME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18589, 27 December 1934, Page 6

CHILDREN’S WELCOME

THE DUKE AT AUCKLAND

GATHERING IN DOMAIN

PRINCE’S INJURED FOOT

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, this day

Drawn from all over the Auckland province, several thousand children assembled in the Domain to-day and extended a royal welcome to the Duke- oi Gloucester.

Although the ceremony was impressive, it lacked the inspiration of the memorable Wellington juvenile- demonstration, mainly because of the impression that, the youngsters were kept under too rigid control by the authorities, and had been warned, against breaking tlig ranks. Nevertheless, the Domain is still reverberating with thethunder of cheering called for by themarshal at- the termination of the demonstratuui.

Wide public interest, was manifested in the event, there being fully 10,(XX) adults in attendance. The lawns of the Domain had a colorful; human mantle,, from the folds of. which, tiny Union Jacks waved and fluttered, gloves .and sticks twisted and turned, and hands rose high, all in acclamation, and to express again Auckland’s affection for the King’s third son. A picturesque touch was added by the gaily uniformed members of too Auckland Girls’ Athletic Association, who, in a. series of, perfectly-timed movements, gave an outstanding exhibition of physical exercises. With bis foot encased in a, large slipper, and limping noticeably, Bis Royal Highness slowly ascended the steps to the dais, and there, with the injured foot resting on raised cushions, watched with smiling interest the flag waving of the tiny tots, and acknowledged the greetings of Auckland’s citizens of to-morrow.

In his open car, and travelling at a snail’s pace, he passed through the ranks, much to the delight of the children, who clearly, at a word of command, would have broken the ranks on the return journey, when their enthusiasm had reached the controlled limit. In view of his foot injury, the Duke diet riot address the children.