GREETINGS TO THE DUKE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1935, Page 9

GREETINGS TO THE DUKE

JOURNEY TO LONGBEACH MEMORIAL CHURCH AT TEKAPO. GATHERINGS ALONG ROADSIDE. i PRINCE DRIVES MOST OF WAY. By Telegraph—Press Association. The Hermitage, Last Night. The warmth of the South Island’s welcome to the Duke of Gloucester was well maintained to-day in receptions given His Highness on his motor journey from the Hermitage to Longbeach, 11 miles south of Ashburton. There were large gatherings of adults, including ex-ser-vicemen, and children at Tekapo, Fairlie and Geraldine and bunting and Union Jacks were as usual prominent in decorations. The fact that he was the first member of the Royal family to visit Geraldine was commented on by the Prince, who said he was delighted to have that distinction. Wayside salutations were once more a feature of the journey, knots of settlers assembling at the most remote spots to wave good luck to the Royal car and its occupant. Harvesters paused in the fields to signal a message of cheer. His Highness was at the wheel himself for the greater part of the trip, which was made in fine weather, although drizzling rain fell at the Hermitage most of the day. At Tekapo, where the Duke laid the foundation stone of the pioneer memorial church, it was announced that the building when completed, would contain, a plate glass window facing the east which would provide a fine view of Lake Tekapo with its magnificent alpine setting. As a memento of the event, His Highness accepted a kowhai mallet bearing an appropriate inscription. The next reception will not take place until Saturday when the Prince reaches Ashburton from Longbeach. Ashburton will have the distinction of being the only place visited in the tour at which a mounted escort and guard will be provided. Unfavourable weather conditions today prevented the Duke visiting the Tasman Glacier as planned.