A ROYAL WELCOME.

Southland Times, Issue 20111, 23 February 1927, Page 5

A ROYAL WELCOME.

Duke and Duchess Arrive.

WONDERFUL SCENES AT AUCKLAND

Colossal Crowds Greet Royal Visitors.

UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM PREVAILS.

Amid tremendous enthusiasm, the Duke and Duchess of York Were Welcomed to the Dominion at Auckland yesterday.

(Per United Press Association.)

Auckland, February 22 Despite certain unwonted dourness in the mood of the weather this morning, the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York in Auckland was an event tvhich will live long in the memories of the many thousands of people privileged to witness it. The dawn broke dull and lowering, but between 7 and 8 o’clock it seemed as if the weather would clear up for the sun was coming through in fitful gleams. Before 9 o’clock, however, rain squalls were frequent and some were particularly heavy, making those responsible for the arrangements of welcoming the Royal visitors rather fearful how things would turn out. However, though some further showers fell, none interfered with the actual movements connected with the ceremonial functions, which all passed off practically without a hitch.

By the afternoon, when the Royal party was taken for a motor drive to view the scenic beauties in and around the city, the sun had taken command and the weather was pleasantly fine. Even the tearful mood of the skies, however, did not daunt the public, who flocked to every point of vantage to view the arrival of H.M.S. Renown in the harbour, and thronged Queen Street and the adjoining thoroughfares from ivhich the street procession could be witnessed, while in the harbour a large number of yachts and other pleasure craft gave the great grey battle cruiser a typical welcome. The ships in the harbour put out their best bunting, while the large buildings sported decorations. In addition to the general scheme of coloured festoons and illuminated welcomes, banners and garlanded poles gave the length of Queen Street from the wharf to the Town Hall a thoroughly festive appearance.

THE LANDING. At eight o’clock a breeze came from the nor’-west and the sun, striving to break out of the clouds, cast a silver path along the waters on which hundreds of flitting craft were prettily outlined. To the south heavy clouds were massed, black and ominous, and the pleasant hills and noted landmarks of the city were to be seen but dimly through the haze. Auckland was not in smiling mood. Over at Devonport the warships of the New Zealand station, newly painted and flagged from stem to stern and from deck to truck, showed brightly in their silver grey against the gloomy background. The towering mass of the Renown was well in sight from the harbour entrance and despite the poor visibility, the great warship came smartly through Rangitoto channel, leaving the hundreds of small craft that had met her well out in a long wake behind her. At half past eight she camp out of the channel a noble sight in her long sweep of silver grey with the Royal Standard flying .from her main, the White Ensign from her fore and the Union Jack at her stern. FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE DUCHESS. At this stage a dainty blue clad figure emerged from a door on the starboard side on the deck just at the head of the quarter deck companion ladder. It was the Duchess of York by the Duke clad in naval uniform, and as she came to the rail she smiled and waved greetings to the cheering Aucklanders who raced alongside in the* faster launches that had managed to keep pace with the warship, while the Duke frequently raised his hand to the salute. At this stage there was a torrent of rain It swept the decks of the Renown and drove the Duke and Duchess to seek covet, while bluejackets, drawn up on the fo'castle, “broke” and ran for shelter. A WONDERFUL SIGHT. As the ship drew up to its anchorage and lay with the engines stilled, the fleet o* launches left astern came racing up in their hundreds making a wonderful picture as they spread out fan wise and sped into the short oncoming seas, dashing spray in high showers from their bows. The rain increased in volume and when the anchors of the Renown went down, the rattle of the cable was almost drowned by the squall’s fierceness, and the shores of the harbour and the city itself were blotted from view. This was at 8.55 but five minutes later the rain squall had passed over and Auckland was making an effort t-o smile a welcome, faint shafts of sunshine filtering through the clouds and malting play on the Renown and the mosquito craft which darted continually here and there around her. The Duke and Duchess were again on deck acknowledging the greetings of the thousands on the water, and the launch owners adopted all kinds of ruses to get close up running right up alongside the Royal gangway. The Renown very quickly put patrol launches over the side, however, and the inquisitive craft were forced to keep a respectful distance from the launches which came and went on official business. THE GOVERNOR GOES ABOARD. The first visit was from the Commodore of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and then came the Governor-General and members of his staff who were received by the Duke at the gangway before being escorted to the gun deck and presented to the Duchess. Then followed the smart launch Waitemata conveying the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet to pay their respects to the Duke and Duchess and give them a welcome to New Zealand. The Governor-General and Ministerial party, having departed amid the rattling of arms and the blare of bugles, accompanied by the Royal salute of 21 guns, the Duke and Duchess stepped out into the quarterdeck. The Marines guard was inspected and the Royal couple descended to their barge, while the guard presented arms and the

band played “God Save the King,” and the 1 cannon commenced another salute of 21 guns. Launches of ardent Aucklanders became so difficult to manage that they drifted right round the Royal barge and impeded its progress for several minutes, but this was taken in good part by the Duke and Duchess at least, if it did produce signs of apoplexy on the part of some of the naval officers who witnessed the crowding from the Renown, for they smiled and waved their responses to the close greetings with the greatest goodwill. MAKING SHORE. Once clear the Royal barge made good way to the landing followed by most of the launches the occupants of which continued to receive the ducal salutations from where the distingushed visitors sat in the stern sheets. Shortly before 10 o’clock the Prime Minister and Ministers of the Crown returned to the shore to await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess and a few minutes later they were followed by the Governor-General. The clock at the ferry buildings was striking ten when the guns of the Renown announced the departure of the Duke and Duchess. There was a scurry and a scatter amongst the yachts, and the small craft clustered round the Renown and presently a blue steam pinnace flying the Royal Standard at her bows and the Blue Ensign astern came into sight. The rain had stopped and a watery sun struggled to brighten the drabness of the morning. Cheer after cheer rent the air as the Royal launch came along side and was made fast to the Admiralty steps. ARRIVAL AT WHARF. A VOCIFEROUS WELCOME. On stepping ashore the Royal Party were met by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. Back in the distance the guns at Albert Park came faintly above the cheering, giving the 21-gun salute which is accorded to Royalty. The Duke acknowledged the cheering by saluting, and “the little Duchess,” who was an obvious favourite with the crowd from the moment she stepped ashore, hugely delighted the “gallery” on top of the wharf building by waving her acknowledgment of their vociferous welcome. Formal proceedings then commenced. After the Duke had inspected the naval guard of honour, the wives of the members of the Cabinet, were presented to the Duke and Duchess. From here the Royal Party moved on to the dais erected at the entrance to Queen’s wharf, where, after the customary formalities, the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board (Mr H. R. MacKenzie) read the address of welcome, in which were recalled the visits of Prince Alfred in 1869, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (now King George and Queen Mary) in 1901 and the Prince of Wales in 1920. The address concluded: “In welcoming you at the commencement of your tour throughout the Dominion may we express the hope that you will be favoured with everything that will conduce to your comfort and pleasure, and when - the time of your departure comes we trust that you will take away with you the happiest of recollections of your sojourn in Ao Te Area.” Accepting the presentation of an album and an illuminated address the Duke delivered the following reply of thanks and appreciation: “I warmly thank you for your address and expressions of loyalty to his Majesty the King which I will convey to him without delay. On behalf of the Duchess and myself, I wish to say how grateful we are for your good wishes and for the warm welcome you have extended to us. Referring to the associations of my family with New Zealand, and with Auckland particularly, I wish to say that my father and brother have told me of the

generous manner in which they were received and entertained, and we have long looked forward to the time when we would be able to visit you ourselves. We have often heard of the beauty of Auckland and its harbour, but our expectations have been more than fulfilled. We are indeed fortunate to begin our stay in the Dominion amid such entrancing scenery, and when we are met with friendship, such as you have shown us this morning, we cannot but feel that our visit has begun under the happiest conditions. In conclusion I must once more thank you and wish you all prosperity and happiness.” Cheers went up for the Royal guests as the Duke resumed his seat. A pleasing ceremony then followed in the presentation of the members and of the Harbour Board members and their wives who were introduced by the chairman. CHEERING THRONG. ROYAL PARTY MOTOR THROUGH STREETS. The party were met at the wharf gates by the Mayor and Town Clerk, and were informally welcomed to the city. The Royal pair next motored to Government House, where they rested a while, and then drove by way of Anzac Avenue, Customs street, and Queen street to the Town Hall through cheering crowds, amidst the waving of banners and streamers from many parts of the province, bearing legends conveying the warmest expressions of welcome. Queen street was lined on either side with masts and poles swathed spirally in bands of orange and green. The centre tramway poles were similarly decorated. Returned soldiers paratied in strong force, and lined the route of the procession from the wharf to Customs street. From this point to the Town Hall the line of the procession was roped off, so that a way was left clear for their Highnesses amidst the cheering throngs, whose welcome certainly lacked nothing in warmth. Naval men formed a guard of honour outside the Town Hall. When the Royal Party entered the Town Hall for the civic reception the vast audience stood while the strains of the National Anthem pealed forth. The Duke, the Duchess, and their suite, with the Ministers of the Crown and leading officials and citizens, took their places on the stage, and the address of welcome from the city was read, the Duke replying. DOMINION WELCOME. TEXT OF ADDRESS. The following is the text of the Government address:— To Their Royal Highnesses The Duke And Duchess Of York. May it please your Royal Highnesses— We, his Majesty’s Ministers in this dominion, offer our respectful congratulations to your Royal Highnesses on the occasion of your first visit to New Zealand. On behalf of the people of this dominion we desire to assure your Royal Highnesses of their strong feelings of attachment and devotion to his Gracious Majesty the King, and of their unswerving loyalty to the Throne. The visit of your Royal Highnesses to this distant dominion has aroused the greatest interest and enthusiasm, and we feel sure that as you travel through the country there will be extended to you a welcome as wholehearted as that which was accorded to their Majesties the King and Queen and at a later date to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

The people of New Zealand of both races recognise the great privileges they enjoy

as an integral part of the British Empire, and they feel sure that your visit will still further help to strengthep the ties which unite them to the Motherland. Although the stay of your Royal Highnesses with us will be brief, we hope it will prove enjoyable and instructive, and that you will carry back to the Motherland pleasant memories of the visit. All members of both races unite in wishing your Royal Highnesses long life, health, end happiness, and a safe return to the Homeland. We have the honour to subscribe our selves your Royal Highnesses’ most humble and obedient servants: J. G. Coates. Francis Bell. R. Heaton Rhodes. (.-. J. Hawken. W. D. Stewart. D. H. Guthrie. F. J. Rolleston. W. Nosworthy. A. D. McLeod. J. A. Young. G. J. Anderson. Maui Pom are. J. A. Wright. R. F. Bollard. K. S. Williams. THE DUKE’S REPLY. Mr Prime Minister and Gentlemen, — The Duchess and I sincerely thank you lor your address, and I will not fail to convey to his Majesty the King tin sentiments of loyalty to the Throne which you have just expressed. The day to which we have long been looking forward has at last arrived, and we shell very soon find ourselves for the first time in our lives on lhe soil of New Zealand, and be able to meet your people in their own country. Nothing could give us more pleasure than to make the acquaintance of those of whose hospitality and friendship we have heard so much. For our part, we are anxious to learn something of the conditions under which they live, and the problems they have to face, m that if at any time we should be given the opportunity of furthering their interests we shall be found ready and willing to play our part, and thus unite still more closely the ties which bind together New Zealand and the • Mother Country. We deeply appreciate your welcome and good wishes for the success of our visit to the dominion, and we feel sure that when we have to leave this beautiful country we shall carry away the happiest memories of our stay among you.

MANY ADDRESSES PRESENTED. DUKE MAKES COMPREHENSIVE SPEECH. DESIRE TO SEE EVERYTHING. Auckland, February 22. In addition to the address from the citizens of Auckland read by the Mayor, addresses were presented by the Archbishop (Dr. Averill) on behalf of the Church of England; by the Moderator (Rev. G. H. McNeur) on behalf of the Presbyterian Church; by the Rev. H. G. Hercus on behalf of the Baptists; by the Rev. E. Drake on behalf of the Methodists, and by Mr N. A. Nathan and Rev. A. Goldstein on behalf, of the Hebrew community. When his Royal Highness rose to reply the great hall resounded with tumultous applause together with loud cheering which lasted for quite a time. In a fine clear voice which could be heard by everyone in that huge assemblage and which was remarkably like the Prince of Wales’s voice, his Royal Highness said: “Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, I desire to thank your worship and councillors and citizens of Auckland and representatives of various religious denominations for the addresses which have just been presented. I assure you that I will not fail to convey to his Majesty the King the expressions of loyalty which they contain. The Duchess and 1 are much touched by the wonderful kindness of the welcome which we have received. We are delighted to be with you to-day, and to have this opportunity of meeting the citizens of Auckland. My brother, the Prince of Wales (applause,) has told me of the fine streets and build ings of your city and of the beautiful scenery for which it is so justly renowned. As your address, Mr Mayor, has recalled, the Empire rests not upon constitutions and legal documents but upon men and personal contact and human sympathy, and therefore it is that we welcome the opportunity of this visit to the overseas dominions'and we pray that it may result in developing ever more closely that spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation on which the whole future welfare of the Empire depends. To the religious bodies I would say that we have heard much of the devoted efforts you are making to meet the spiritual needs of the community, and it is our earnest prayer that success may attend your labours. We wish Auckland and its inhabitants all possible prosperity and success.” His Royal Highness, turning to those assembled in the body of the Town Hall, said: “And now I should like, if I may on this, our first day in New Zealand, to address a few words not only to the citizens of Auckland but to the people of the Dominion generally. On my arrival in New Zealand the King wishes me to assure the people what proud recollections he and the Queen preserve of their visit to New Zealand 26 years ago as Duke and Duchess of Cornwell and York. (Cheers). They will never forget those happy days and the loyal and affectionate welcome accorded them in all parts of New Zealand which they visited. (Applause). It is a source of pride to the Duchess and myself to be following in their footsteps. There is a great bond of union between all parts of the Empire and I know that there are no more loyal people anywhere than those of New Zealand as was so nobly shown by their gallant services and heroic devotion in the war. (Cheers). When I recall the King’s visit it is impossible not to think of the wonderful strides which the Dominion has made in the last quarter of a century. New Zealand has cause to be proud of its rapid advancement- which affords sure proof that the foundations were truly laid by the early pioneers.— (Applause.) The Duchess and I are looking forward to our visit more than we can say. We are glad that in the limited time available we are going to see so many parts of the country. We desire not only to see the wonderful natural beauties of the Dominion but also to see as much as possible of its industries and of the industrial conditions so that when we return we may be able to tell the people at Home something about the way in which their fellow subjects oversea live and work. (Cheers.) We are especially glad that opportunities will be afforded us of seeing the rising generation, (or it is on them that the future and prosperity of the country depends. The Duchess and I want to see as much as possible of the children and we have a request to make, that they may everywhere be granted a holiday some time during our visit. (Loud applause.) Once again I desire on behalf of the Duchess and myself to express our thanks for the wonderful reception accorded us to-day. We shall not soon forget the scene when we entered the harbour this morning and we thank you with all our hearts.” Cheers and thunderous applause. On the arrival at the Town Hall the Mayor (Mr George Baildon) and Mayoress

(Mrs J. Campbell) Escorted the Duke and Duchess as they walked down the aisle and ascended the platform. Then followed the Earl of Cavan (the Duke’s Chief of Staff), Countess of Cavan, the Prime Minister and Mrs Coates, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes (Executive Minister with the party) and Lady Rhodes; the Hon Mrs Little-Gilmour (Lady in Waiting), Mr H. F. Batterbie, of the Dominion Office of the Political Secretary, Mr P. K. Hodgson (private secretary), Major T. E. G. Nugens and Commander Colin (British equerries), Surgeon-Com-mander H. E. White and Captain E. P. O. Boyle (military secretary to the GovernorGeneral). Those occupying a prominent position on the platform included the Primate and Mrs Averill, Bishop Cleary (Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland), Major-General R. Young (General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Military Forces), Colonel H. R. Potter and Colonel Duigan (Chief of Staff of the Northern Command), Commander C. P. Swabey (Commanding New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy), Commander Bradley, Com-, mander de Salis, local members of Parliament, members of City Council, Auckland Harbour Board, mayors and chairmen of other local bodies and other prominent citizens. When all were seated Mrs Campbell presented the Duchess with a beautiful bouquet. After the National Anthem had been played by the city organist (Mr Maughan Barnett) and lustily sung by those assembled, the Mayor rose and delivered his address which was afterwards placed in a carved replica of the treasure house. Then followed the address by representatives of religious bodies after which the Duke delivered his reply. In response to a message of welcome addressed t.o her by the Girl Guides of the Dominion the Duchess of York has forwarded the following reply to the Chief Comms inner of the Giri Guides’ Association, Mrs W. R. Wilson, “Sincere thanks to the Guides of -the Dominion for their greetings, i am much looking forward to meeting them. Elizabeth.” The Governor General Sir Charlo.** Fergusson and Lady Alice Fergu&son will leave for Wellington on Thursday evening. During their visit to the capital city the Duke and Duchess will be guests of their Excellencies at Government House. Iler Excellency is much improved in health. A DISGRACEFUL SCENE. CROWD BREAKS POLICE CORDON. WOMEN AND CHILDREN INJURED. Auckland, February 22 The breaking of the police cordon round the Lown Hail entrance created an unforseen situation at the moment. Tne Royal highnesses were taking their departure at the close of the civic reception and for a few minutes a surging of 4uo or 500 people round the Royal car took on a serious aspect, numbers of women being crushed in the melee which the 30 constables present were powerless to prevent. Three women and a child were carried out of the stampeding crowd in a fainting condition and were attended by St. John Ambulance officers and nurses who were on duty in lhe hall. Beyond a few bruises received in the crush, none were much the ivorce for their exciting experience, the most serious case being that of a women who fcjvi.cd slight abdominal injuries, the result of her umbrella breaking against her body. the first hint of trouble occurred at 11 o’clcck while the civic reception was in progress. About 200 people were gathered out-ide the ma n doors of the Town Hall waiting for the Duke and Duchess to emerge on ihe.r return to Government House. L’heie was an air of exjx?ctancy about the wailing crowd: and ac t his their behaviour was i s.r ct.y orderly, the people standing patiently behind the rope barriers. In addition to the police, two lines of aimed sa.lors from the of the New Zealand bquauron were stationed at this spot. Within a space of 20 minutes, however, the crowd lound lhe doors was almost trebled in ri.e by the invasion of thousands of people from the lower end of Queen street. Lhc.-e newcomers, eager to see what was taking place round the doors, pressed heavily on those in front and pushed back the row of constables guarding the rope barriers. The worst crush occurred on the footpath outside the offices of the Mayor and Town Clerk. Here the front rows of spectators had been pushed and bullied by these at the back until it had been necessary to summon police reserves to strengthen the cordon. To make matters worse, the rope barrier came down and fv 20 minutes a score of burly policemen, their arms linked together, strained against the mighty pressure of the crowd behind. When a few minutes later a St. John Ambulance officer hastened forward and carried a prostrate woman into the Town Hall the good humour and light heartedne&s of the crowd suddenly became tempered with concern and the police took immediate steps to get some of the women and children to a place of safety. The people at the rear, however, unaware of the distress they were causing those in front, continued to press forward. The break-through occurred just as their Royal Highnesses were leaving the Town Hall to enter their car. In spite of frantic efforts to keep the crowd steady, the police barrier was pressed back along the line of the footpath and simultaneously the crowd from the opposite side of the street and from Alexandra street, poured over the roadway, pushing aside the sailors who tried to stem the crush. In fl-hat was described by many women as a disgraceful scene, people were jostled and children kocked over as the crowd surged round the Royal car. Numbers of women had their shoes and stockings cut and soiled by the trampling of heavy feet. A few escaped from the throng without bruises. Although the behaviour of the crowd was at times far from gentle its intentions were always of the best and the final rush upon the Royal car was made to the accompaniment of cheers and cries of welcome. Their Royal Highnesses, who were shown into a closed car which had been substituted for an open car owing to the downpour of rain, bowed graciously to the people who pressed upon them and greeted the applause with smiles. With half a dozen constables riding on the running-boards, the car wedged its way slowly through the concourse and proceeded to Government House between dense lines of cheering people. . Owing to the crowds which still pressed round the Town Hall doors, it was some minutes later before the Prime Minister and his party could follow. To still further complicate matters, numbers of people attending the civic reception ignored the Mayor’s appeal to wait until the Duke and Duchess had left the hall and crowding into the lobby blocked the departure of some of the official guests. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME. To-morrow there will be a presentation of addresses by the Chiefs of Western Samoa and Cook Islands at Government House, a parade of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts and children’s gathering in the Domain, a garden party at Government House, civic At Home” in the evening at the Town Hall and at 11 o’clock their Highnesses leave in the Renown for the Bay of Islands.