THE DUKE’S TOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20510, 11 January 1935, Page 7

THE DUKE’S TOUR.

Enthusiastic Scenes at Dunedin. CHEERING CHILDREN. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, This Day. Pages of pioneer industry, with their moving chapters of sturdy enterprise and effective colonisation, were turned back this morning when the Duke of Gloucester met members of the Otago | Early Settlers’ Association and with them examined relics of interest in the Old Colonists’ Museum. The Duke followed the example of his Royal brothers and played a tune on the historical barrel-organ. Replying to the address of welcome, his Royal Highness said that he was greatlv" interested in the record given of the number of Otago’s earliest settlers still alive, and of the declared objects of the association. “We all of us,” he added, ” owe a special debt of gratitude to the original settlers, who, leaving home for an I unknown destination, by their determination and untiring faith overcame all difficulties and set up a new home on the other side of the world. This younger Edinburgh and province of Otago provide a notable instance of the pioneering and colonising ability of the Scottish race, to whose members their foundation is due. , “ I hope sincerely that you keep alive 1 the inspiration to be gained from a study of the lives and achievements of Otago’s early settlers. I offer the association mv best wishes in its efforts to preserve the records and promote the spirit of comradeship between the descendants . and their kinsmen in the Homeland.”

Rain in the- early part of the morning caused the children’s gathering to take the form of an indoor instead of an outdoor demonstration, and although the weather broke fine at 11 o’clock, it was then too late to marshal the children in Logan Park. However, the young people’s display of affection for the Prince lost nothing by having the drill hall as its setting. The commodious building was filled with demonstrative youngsters, even the gallery 7 bays, commemorating engagements in which New Zealanders had figured, being packed to capacity. . The welcome itself takes pride of place among the juvenile demonstrations of the tour. It w r as a great and enthusiastic gathering, with his Royal Highness entirely at home, smiling down on a sea of hardy, bright-eyed boys and girls, who by gesture and voice proclaimed that to them, as to all young New Zealanders, the Duke of Gloucester was indeed their prince. There were scenes of indescribable excitement when the Duke, following his custom, walked among the children, his face beaming and his hand in a perpetual wave. Many people were abroad in the city streets during the morning, ready to cheer the Duke wherever he v appeared. Duke’s Gratitude. The Duke expressed gratitude to the children for their attendance, stating that he knew some of them had been up since 4 a.m. “At that time, you know,” he said, “ I was sound asleep.” The laughter gave place to thunderous cheering when his Royal Highness announced that an extra day’s leave to compensate for the holiday broken into would be given at the end of the vacation. Then came an effect which admjr ably completed this inspiring demonstration. As the Duke rose to leave the hall, concealed handkerchiefs were produced and for a moment the children were hidden under monster rolling waves of red, white and blue. A visit was paid subsequently to the Soldiers’ Convalescent Home at Montecillo, where the Duke inspected the wards and spoke to bed-ridden patients. The convalescent patients were seated on the lawn and his Royal Highness spent a considerable time chatting to the men and shaking hands wit hthem. Before his departure, the Duke had his photograph taken for the first time in New Zealand with “Diggers” seated round him. RIVER CARNIVAL. Duke Wishes to Witness Fireworks. At the request of the Duke of Gloucester, the programme for the river carnival to be held in his honour on the night of Saturday, January 19, has been altered to permit his Royal Highness to see the fireworks display and the fire brigade demonstration. The Duke’s reques; was received by the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) this morning, and arrangements were at once put in hand to provide that the displays which the Duke wishes to witness should take place immediately after the Royal visitor has travelled up and down the river by launch. An official invitation to citizens to attend the civic reception to the Duke at Cranmer Square at noon on Saturday, January 19, was issued to-day by the Mayor. The address of welcome will be in album form, and will be presented on behalf of all local bodies in North Canterbury. The Mayor also asked business houses to close their premises at 11 a.m. on that dav to enable their employees to attend the ceremony. A warning has also been issued to citizens of the dangers of crowding on fire escapes or verandahs along the routes which will be taken by the Duke while in Christchurch. Extra tramway services, estimated to be sufficient to cope with the rush, will 1'- provided during the period that the Duke is in Christchurch. Additional trams will be provided to all places at which public functions will take place.