DUKE’S TOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19987, 20 December 1934, Page 10

DUKE’S TOUR

HAWKE’S BAY’S GREAT WELCOME

VARIED PROGRAMME By Telegraph Press Association HASTINGS. December 19. Sweltering hot weather conditions are accompanying the start of the North Island tour of the Duke of Gloucester. The Royal train arrived at Hastings a little after 10 a.m. There was a stop of several hours at Pakipaki, 45 miles south of the destination, for breakfast on the train. Always a lover of informality, his Highness, after breakfast, discarded his coat and vest, and sat in the carriage in his shirt sleeves. Some of the members of his suite made themselves similarly comfortable, and also took the opportunity to look over the scenery of the Pakipaki Valley, where graceful willows slept in the basking sunshine.

They expressed delight at the nature of New Zealand's flora, being impressed particularly by the vitality of the tree growth. Connected with the Royal and official carriages there is a complete telephone system, enabling contact to be preserved with any part of New Zealand. Before 8 a.m. the Hon. J. A. Young, the Minister in attendance, was talking to his private secretary on office matters at Wadestown, Wellington. and later he had a word with his mother, now in her 91st year, at her home at Mount Eden. Auckland.

Having last night examined an album of photographs of Hustings at the time of the earthquake, his Highness, at precisely 10.6 a.m. made his acquaintance with the new Hastings, and received a great welcome. At tlie racecourse, as a memento of the occasion, the Duke accepted a basket of this season’s peaches from the fruitgrowers of the district.

In reply to the welcome, his Highness said: “I know that as a soldier and a lover of sport I shall find myself at home among j-ou, and it gives me great pleasure to meet ex-servicemen who bore so conspicuous a part in the Great War. I offer my sincere sympathy to all who suffered bereavement or loss in the terrible disaster over three years ago, and I am thankful to see you have been able to remove all traces of the damage caused. I earnestly hope that in future the people of this district will be rewarded with years of plenty and prosperity.” Speaking extempore to the children, he thanked them for attending, and announced that he had secured an extra day’s holiday for them. A wreath was laid on the Cenotaph and following a short motor tour, the Duke visited the hospital, speaking to several patients in the wards. His Highntss rejoined the train and proceeded to Napier. At Napier. Six thousand adults and 4000 children participated in the demonstration at McLean Park, Napier, where His Highness made another lasting impression. Departing from the arranged programme, at the end of the reception he walked round the entire ground, amid scenes of great enthusiasm, and to the accompaniment of resounding cheers, flying headgear and the fluttering of hand flags. His reply to the speeches of welcome expressed admiration for the courage shown by the people of Napier during the earthquake period, and pleasure at the complete restoration and beautification of the town. “May you be spared long to enjoy lives of happiness, free from anxiety and trouble,” he added. As at Hastings, his remarks to the children were extempore, and the cheers rivalled those of the southern town when he announced an extra day’s holiday. After his arrival at the Masonic Hotel, where he was accorded another reception by waiting crowds, he appeared on the balcony, hatless, and waved to the assembled sightseers. A Game of Polo Napier this afternoon saw something of the sporting side of the Duke. His athletic figure well defined in a white uniform, he motored after lunch to Hastings and there played an enthusiastic game of polo on the grounds of

the Hawke's Bay Polo Club. Although not quite up to his usual form the Duke excited admiration by his splendid horsemanship, dashing initiative, general astutenes and keen sense of anticipation. With Captains Curtis and Schreiber of his suite, and Mr N. M. Campbell (Hawke’s Bay), he played six chukkas against local teams, the result leaving honours even. Throughout he occupied number two position, that -Of scoring man, and three goals came off his stick. The party were entertained at afternoon tea by the Club and at 5.25 p.m. returned to the Masonic Hotel. Fvi route he received many wayside salutations. One group, whose greetings he acknowledged. conisted of a settler type of a man, his wife and son. Each vigorously waved a Union Jack as the car passed. The crowd which had assembled near the hotel, waiting for another .sight of the Duke, had a real thrill. In shorts and sweater, His Highness made his reappearance in company with Captain Curtis and with a characteristically friendly smile, entered a waiting ear and drove off to Westshore for a plunge into the sea. He returned greatly refreshed, since the play on the polo field had been somewhat strenuous. Later he dined with members of the Hawke's Bay Club at a private function. At tire hotel where he is staying. the Duke had lunch with his suite Just as though he was one of an ordinary party of travellers. Democratic touches such as these are creating an indelible impression. The Duke has won the hearts of all the children in Hawke’s Bay by his kindly speeches to them, his action in inspecting all the divisions at the demonstrations and not merely the leading ones, and his efforts in securing an additional day's holiday at the end of the vacation. The Duke leaves at 9.30 a.m. tomorrow for Wairoa and Gisborne.