ROYAL VISITOR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20485, 11 December 1934, Page 13

ROYAL VISITOR.

Plans of Defence and Navy Departments. RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, December 10. Complete arrangements have been made by the Defence and Navy Departments for the part each will be required to take during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester. The Minister of Defence (the Hon J. G. Cobbe) stated to-day that throughout the tour the military authorities will be working in conjunction with the civic authorities for the organisation of receptions accorded his Royal Highness. The department has arranged for the furnishing of guards of honour, bands, etc., at the various centres throughout New Zealand and it has also arranged for a flight of Tomtit planes from the New Zealand Air Force to meet H.M.A.S. Australia and units of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy on arrival at Wellington Heads at 8.30 on December 15, and to accompany them up the harbour to the city. Motor transport for the Duke of Gloucester is to be provided by the Post and Telegraph Department whose drivers will have charge of a fleet of British cars. Two chauffeurs are travelling w r ith the Duke, but it is possible that Post and Telegraph men will drive the Duke’s car in New Zealand, in view of their knowledge «of local roads and conditions. All the cars are of the saloon type, except that in which the Duke will travel which will be open. It will carry the Royal Crown in place of number plates and will be equipped with radio. Special Police Detachment. Arrangements in keeping with the importance of the tour have also been made by the Police Department. Mr Cobbe stated that provision had been made for a special police detachment to supplement the local police in the cities and towns to be visited by his Royal Highness. Sections of the special detachment will be returned to their ordinary duties at points -where fewer men are required. The full strength is one senior sergeant, four sergeants, six detectives and fifty-one constables. The uniform men will be under the control of Inspector J. Lander and the detective arrangements will be in the hands of Inspector J. Cummings Commissioner IV. G. Wohlmann will accompany the Royal party throughout the New Zealand tour.