STRONG CRITICISM

Southland Times, Issue 22487, 23 January 1935, Page 7

STRONG CRITICISM

MILITARY AUTHORITIES CASTIGATED.

ALTERATION OF ARRANGEMENTS.

(Per United Press Association.)

Ashburton, January 22.

Strong criticism of the action of the military authorities in changing late on Friday evening the arrangements made months ago in connection with the Duke of Gloucester’s visit on Saturday, was expressed by the Mayor, Mr W. W. Woods, at a meeting of the Borough Council last evening. Mr Woods said that a military gentleman appeared on the scene and said that by order of the Duke of Gloucester’s staff, the Royal escort was to meet the Duke at Havelock street instead of at the bridge. The Mayor said he thought it was most out of place to juggle with the arrangements at that juncture. Another incident most regrettable was that an order from the Internal Affairs Department cancelling the arrangements regarding the cheering of the school children at the reception, had dampened the enthusiasm of the people. “It was a case of somebody wanting to show authority,” he said. “Later in the proceedings another military gentleman wanted to show his authority, but that was nipped in the bud.”