AUCKLAND EN FETE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19773, 22 February 1927, Page 7

AUCKLAND EN FETE

DUKE ARRIVES TO-DAY CROWDS THRONG THE CITY WELCOMING THE ROYAL TOURISTS. (Per Press Association. J AUCKLAND, Feb. 21. 1 Auckland to-night presents rather a bedraggled appearance, fairly heavy showers this afternoon upsetting all calculations. People in the leading thoroughfares also, had left their decorations to the last minute so as to have them as fresh as possible for tomorrow. With the. wind in the north, tending to an easterly, local weatherwise ones shake their heads. A spirit of optimism prevails, however, that the day will dawn favourable, and enable the programme to bo carried out without a hitch. Fine weather, of course, wiR naturally mean that the public’s pariticipation in the event will be under 'the pleasantest conditions. The holiday crowd is already a big one in the city, and Queen Street this afternoon, before the rain came on had a gala air, with its crowded footpaths, hurrying trams and press of vehicles in the iroadway, passing ceaselessly between [the street-long line of poles wound (with orange and green streamers, while loverhead fluttered banners every few 'yards, being intimations of welcome to the Royal guests from every town and hamlet, from the Bay of Islands to Gisborne. The Day’s Programme. Given kindly sunshine to-nrorrow there should be a brave show to welcome the Duke and Duchess of York when they land from the Renown, which is expected to drop anchor about nine o’clock. The Governor-General will call upon l Their Royal Highnesses immediately, (followed by Ministers of tho Crown a few minutes later. At this meeting a forma] address of welcome from the Government will be presented. At 10 o’clock the Duke and Duchess are to land, and after receiving an address from the Harbour Board will proceed to Government House till 11.15, where they will be accorded a civic reception and presented with an address of welcome. In the afternoon they will be taken for a motor ride to various points of interest round about the city. There will be no further public functions tomorrow, a private dinner at Government House closing the day. Sir Heaton Rhodes will accompany the Royal party during the tour throughout the Dominion as Minister in attendance.

Tho 72 constables, selected from all over New Zealand to form the Royal 'escort, paraded this morning, and were inspected ‘by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. W. B. Mcllveney. All are men of splendid physique, their height .averaging six feet three inches. Various public and private premises ' tried out their illuminations to-night, and the effect was very fine. The Post Office presents a wondrous scintillating front, and the scenic railway in Luna Park, picked out in glittering lines of electric bulbs, towers above in tho vicinity. Welcomed by Warships. The Government address of welcome, which will be read by the Prime Minister at the meeting of Ministers with tho Duke and Duchess on board the Renown, is a very fine specimen of the illuminator’s art. It is on parchment and the colours of the illumination are beautifully blended in soft tints. The address extends a loyal and heartfelt welcome on behalf of the people of New Zealand, and is signed by Mr. Coats and all members of the Executive Council.

H.M.S. Diomede proceeded to sea tonight to meet the Renown. The min. sweepers Veronica and Laburnum are also going, and the three will escort tho battle-cruiser into the harbour.

Her Excellency, Lady Alice Fcrgusson is convalescent, after her illness, but will be unable to take part in the social gatherings arranged ip honour of Their Royal Highnesses.