THROUGH STREETS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1935, Page 4

THROUGH STREETS

CROWDS ALONG ROUTE CHEERS IN DEVON STREET DUKE’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT WALK PAST LOWER LAKE

An expectant crowd in the precincts of the New Plymouth railway station atvaited the arrival of the Royal train and the route to Pukekura Park through Queen Street was lined by men, women and children numbering several thousands. Cars were drawn up in every side street and strings of bunting waved from the Chief Post Office. Many business premises displayed flags and nearly everyone in the streets waved small Union Jacks. Vendors of souvenirs of the Royal visit did a good trade and people leaned out of every window and from every balcony. The ceremony at the station was very brief and the pilot car soon turned out of ■ the railway entrance to climb the grade past the cenotaph. About 50 yards behind the Duke passed in a gleaming fawn open touring car. The Duke sat

erect in the back seat, behind the driver, dignified but smiling as he gazed at the people lining the streets. They seemed too self-conscious to cheer much but here and there a flag waved bravely and the Duke was acclaimed. In acknowledgment of such demonstrations he inclined his head and waved a cheery response. The cars turned into Devon Street by the gaily-bedecked post office and travelled smoothly through the long hollow of the main street, where admiring crowds greeted the Duke the whole way with cheers and waving flags. In Liardet Street the spectators were almost as

numerous as in Devon Street. The park was entered by the Gilbert Street entrance and along through the quiet, impressive beauty of the track skirting the lower lake. After the reception in the sportsground the entourage, instead of making its way directly back ( to the station, turned up Victoria Road for a peaceful quarter of an hour among the gardens of Brooklands. The arrangements were not upset, however, and, punctual to time, the Duke, now travelling in a closed car, once more acknowledged in his pleasant manner the greetings of the crowd as he returned to the station by the route he had travelled previously. During the progress of the procession both to and from the park there was competition among the spectators for vantage points. Over 100 persons who had gathered at the top end of the station to see the Royal train, scurried for position along Devon Street. A small gathering cheered the Duke as he entered the Gilbert Street track into the park and there were other people at the corner of Brooklands Road. Many of the 5000 who visited the park were unaware of the excursion to Brooklands but were enabled thereby to give a final send-off to His Royal Highness from the street as he returned to the station.