WAIKATO’S WELCOME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18591, 29 December 1934, Page 15

WAIKATO’S WELCOME

THE DUKE’S TOUR

HAMILTON EN FETE

VISIT TO RUAKURA

(Tor Press Association.) HAMILTON, this day

Still limping slightly and wearing a leather slipper, but otherwise in tho best of spirits, tho Duke of Gloucester boarded flic Royal train at Auckland at 10.45 a.m., en route to Hamilton, Cambridge, and The Chateau Tongarivo. Large crowds lined the route from Government House to the railway station to express by wave and cheer the city’s message to tho Royal visitor of bon voyage. Before the train departed, His Royal Highness had a few words outside the carriage with the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison.

Lunch was taken on the moving train, and into Hamilton’s gaily decorated town Prince Henry and his retinue arrived about 1.15 p.m., to receive a welcome ns enthusiastic and as warmhearted for the size oi the place as any he has received. Waikato was en fete for the event, and although the stay of the Royal party was brief, thousands who had congregated to see the King’s son had more than a glimpse of him. The children’s gathering was particularly impressive. Replying to the civic welcome, His Royal Highness said that Their Majesties often spoke of the beauties of New Zealand and the affectionate welcomes given them. To him it had been a pleasure to visit so important and historic a district as Hamilton. From Hamilton the Duke of Gloucester motored to Ruakura State farm, where he was conducted for a quarter of an hour’s inspection. The next stop is at Cambridge, where the Duke is due at 2.45 p.m. He will be the first member ot the Royal Family to visit Cambridge.