SCENE AT STATION

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1935, Page 4

SCENE AT STATION

ROYAL TRAIN GREETED ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE ENTHUSIASM OF CROWD OVATION FOR THE VISITOR

The distinctive feature of the arrival of the Duke at the New Plymouth railway station was the simplicity of the formalities. In the presence of leading citizens, police and officials His Royal Highness alighted from his carriage and shook hands with the Mayor (Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour), the town clerk (Mr. F. T. Bellringer) and the stationmaster (Mr? W. G. Stewart). After a few words with the official party the Duke was escorted through tiie decorated vestibule to the car which was to convey him to Pukekura Park.

Shortly before the arrival of the pilot train the platform was cleared of all but railway officials and Press representatives. Consisting of one louring carriage, a sleeper, dining car and van tha pilot train arrived at 9.22 a.m., two minutes late. Immediately a gang of cleaners took charge and thoroughly cleaned the train inside and out, the engine proceeding to Morley Street to be turned on the turn-table. Arriving by the pilot train a party of police constables and officers were met by Inspector Powell and Senior-Sergeant E. C. Turner, New Plymouth. After a brief discussion the constables were apportioned their duties and marched off. Native trees and brilliantly coloured flags decorated the vestibule and platform in the vicinity of the station exit A thick carpet led from the waiting car, through the vestibule and across tha platform to where the Duke was to alight from the train. The first glimpse of the Duke sitting in his carriage was caught as the Royal train, a moving picture of beauty and power, on time to the minute, steamed into the station and came to a standstill with meticulous accuracy opposite the platform carpet.

CROWD’S RINGING CHEERS. In striking contrast with the silent solemnity which marked his arrival on the platform ringing cheers greeted the appearance of the Duke outside the station. Acknowledging the crowd’s ovation, His Royal Highness entered his car immediately. As the . car moved off through the crowded streets for Pukekura Park the Duke was chatting with the Mayor. Arriving at the station a few minutes before the return of the train from Morley Street, where it was completely reversed and reassembled, the Duke talked with the Mayor and members of tfr< official party. After shaking hands with representatives the -Duke was escorted to the train by the stationmaster. As soon as the Duke entered his carriage the crowd outside was permitted to enter the platform and a rush was made for the Royal car. Opening a window the Duke peered out as the train drew out of the station to the accompaniment of cheers called for by the Mayor.

His ROyal Highness was accompanied by his official suite, Captain Arthur Cur.tis, C.M.G., C.V.0., M.C., private secretary; Captain Derek Schreiber and Captain J. W. Tweedie, equerries; and the official party included the Minister tn charge, the Hon. J. A. Young; Mr, Malcolm Fraser, manager of the tour; Mr H. H. Sterling, C.M.G., chairman of, the Railway Board; Mr. W. G. Wohimann, Commissioner of Police; Colonel F. Symon, C.M.G., D. 5.0., R.N.Z.A., A.D.C. to the King, officer commanding the Central Command; Mr. H. J.‘M- Patrick, director of motor transport; Mr. J. G. Young, director of telegraph; Mr. C. G. Nicol, official historian; Mr. K. L. Usmar. United’ press Association.