MEMORABLE DAYS IN MELBOURNE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19943, 30 October 1934, Page 7

MEMORABLE DAYS IN MELBOURNE

WONDERFUL PROGRESS REVEALED PLEASANT INTERLUDES FOR ROYAL VISITOR United Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph— Copyright (Received October 29, 9.55 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 29. Amazement at the progress of Melbourne in the last thirty years, when he left as a young man, was expressed to-day by Mr James Mulcare, president of the Westland Provincial Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and an official guest of the Centenary Council. Mr Mulcare said that when he returned to Greymouth he would be full of pride for his native city, with its beautiful gardens and broad, clean streets, as' any man could be. The bad weather, which spoiled many events last week, appears to have lifted, and a bright sun Shone to-day, which was unfortunately an off day in the Centenary programme. The figures reveal that the total attendance during nine days at the Royal Show was 224,479, a decline of 48,697 on last year, though it was the best show ever held. Bad weather, counter attractions, and the Royal visit affected the attendance. The sixth overseas warship to honour the Centenary celebrations was welcomed to-day when the United States cruiser Augusta arrived from Shanghai. Admiral Upham was honoured by an artillery salute. He expressed pleasure at his arrival during Navy Week. Eight warships are now in port and are giving displays daily. A three-day Naval Pageant will be held at the Showgrounds at the end of the week. DUKE’S WEEK-END TOUR SOME INTERESTING EXPERIENCES. United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright MELBOURNE, October 29. While on tour of Gippsland on Saturday, the Duke of Gloucester was introduced at Maffia, to the wombat, one of Australia’s strange native animals. The Duke was intensely interested in the curiosity, and chaffingly asked Mr Howard Vyse: “What are you going to do about it?” The point of the jest was the fact that Mr Vyse, when Chief of Staff to General Sir Harry Chauvel, in Palestine, was nicknamed “Wombat.” Another wombat was included in the welcoming party at Berwick later the same day, but the Berwick people were horrified when they learned that their great idea had been anticipated at Maffia. The Duke, however, appeased the outraged small town’s dignity by paying special attention to Berwick’s wombat. At Ercildoune, where the Duke is resting, is one of Victoria’s historic properties, dating back to the pioneer days, the homestead resembles an old English mansion. In its environs the Duke is able to enjoy shooting, riding and fishing. On Sunday morning, the Duke paid a surprise visit to the Learmouth church, six miles from Ercildoune. Neither the vicar nor the congregation were expecting him, and were thrilled on the arrival of the Royal party. Strangely enough the vicar’s sermon was the influence of the Royal House on the life of the people.