TRIUMPHANT TOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19784, 7 March 1927, Page 6

TRIUMPHANT TOUR

OF DUKE AND DUCHESS FROM NAPIER TO WELLINGTON ’ YOUTHFUL “TOM MIX” CEASHES [ Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, March 6. The Royal journey yeterday from Hawke’s Bay to the capital city was made under ideal weather conditions, except that in the Wairtirapa the heak, was intense. The country generally looked brown and thirsty, frequent plantations and clumps of native bush in hollows, or more extensive patches on distant hills, furnishing a welcome break in the monotony of an otherwise sober colour scheme. The train doubled back on its track to Woodville, where the first official stop was scheduled. There’ had been a stop at Takapau for engine purposes, and the locomotive crew were called back to the Royal car for a few minutes’ conversation with the Duke, who thanked them, and, as stated yesterday, displayed keen interest in their work. Enthusiasm in Hamlets. Pushing on steadily southward, each little hamlet as it flashed by gave a glimpse of people standing (alongside the line waving and glancing keenly at the last coach in the hope of obtaining even a fleeting peep at their Royal Highnesses. At every level crossing and bridge (the approach to which was generally easily noted by reiason of the lines of willows marking the sinuous course of the stream), and at each, of the infrequent tunnels was a watchman to see that all was clear for the Royal train’s passage. Woodville was reached seven minutes behind schedule time as a result of Takapau’s impromptu reception of the railwaymen. The boroughs of Woodville and Pahiatua made a combined display to welcome the Duke and Duchess of York, and a very enthusiastic greeting it was that the visitors received. The usual round of addresses, presentation of local notables, inspection of returned soldiers, Scouts, Girl Guides, and school children followed. A few minutes’ delay occurred owing to the’ necessity of re-arranging the train for the journey across the bush and Wairaraupa districts to Cross Creek. Two coaches had already been dropped at Napier, and at Masterton the dining saloon came off. Renewing Acquaintance. During the wait at Woodville, Sergeant David Bennett, late of the Sth Battalion of Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) was presented specially to the Duchess. Ho was brought up on her father’s Strathmore estate, where Bennett’s mother has resided over 80 years. In the course of a brief chat with the ex-soldier the Duchess recalled a visit to his mother in 1915. Her Royal Highness’ brother., tho Hon Fergus Bowers Lyo, was captain of Bennett’s Battalion, and the soldier was present when that officer was killed in action lat Loos in 1915. Just before noon the journey was resumed, and good speed was made across to Opaki in an endeavour to pull up some of the time lost during the forenoon. At Opaki the train stopped and tho party transferred to waiting motor cars to complete the run into Miasterton. This was done to avoid possible delay at Masterton station and permit tho wreckage gang to proceed uninterruptedly with the work of clearing tho debris of a collision between some empty carriages in tho morning. Interest of the Children. The motors did quick work to Masterton, speed limits being disregarded for the time being, as the road was cleared for one way driving only. All the way people lined the road in knots, and in remoter country districts tho scenes of days past were re-enacted with variations. Children were everywhere often galloping wildly parallel with the train till tho field’s farthest boundary halted their career. Near Eketahuna one urchin, emulating “Tom Mix,” came a cropper. His pony, startled by the engine whistle, shied and bolted. This most junior "Tom Mix” bit the' dust, and bit it hard, but he rose quickly and pursued his course afoot, still waving a flagtipped stick which ho had clung to during his tumble. Ho mlay one day see his exploit in some pictured story of tho Dukef and Duchess of York’s tour, as a camera snapped him doing his "turn. ” Masterton’s Welcome. Masterton welcomed the Ducal visitors in a very warm-hearted manner. All the world and his wife were there to see the show, which was a very fine one. Thousands of people lined tho streets, and the beautiful park was filled with children, and veterans of several campaigns dating back to the Crimea and unending waves of people acclaimed the Duke and Duchess of York as they walked to the dais, where addresses from the borough and neighbouring towns were presented to the Duke. The Duchess inspected tho Girl Guides and Brownies. The Duke’s eyes caught a couple of very old men (the brothers Chamberlain), who informed him they arrived in New Zealand over 80 years ago. The Duke planted a commemorative oak tree at the back of the pavilion. The weather here was remarkably hot, but the happy crowds stood and sweltered in the sun’s burning rays and seemingly enjoyed every moment of the time. As the Royal party moved out of the park and through the town to the station they were given a warm send-off. Over the Bimutakas. Across the plains to Cross Creek, tho light engine which had replaced the big AB "Royal” engine at Woodville pulled the reduced train of coaches at a speed of about 60 miles an hour in order to make up some of the lost time. At Cross Creek four Fell locomotives took over the draught of six coaches and one baggage van, with three brake vans bringing up the rear, and the stiff climb to the Summit was accomplished in about twenty minutes. Good time indeed. While the Duke was learning s<Wne details of these mountain locomotives

1 at Summit Station, what time they were being detached from the train (they had been sandwiched in at intervals of two coaches), the Duchess was holding a little reception on the steps of the Royal coach. Two tiny tots. Lucy Cook and Bessie Buchanan, daughters of railwaymen, presented a bouquet and were rewarded with smiles and a happy little speech of thanks and appreciation. The run down to Wellington was accomplished without incident but Hutt Valley had its quotas of people at stations and crossings, while Lower Bott and Pctone were all gay with bunting and cheering crowds. Arrival at Wellington. Wellington station was a mass of greenery opposite the Royal coach. Here the Mayor, Mr C. J. R. Norwood, and City Councillors were presented, and a procession formed following the route of nearly two miles to Govern ment House. Enormous crowds (considered the largest, yet seen on this trip except on the day of the children’s demonstration in Auckland Domain) I watched the procession. The streets I were effectively decorated with flags and greenery hern and ther«, while I pylons at regular intervals lent a touch of sober dignity to the scene.

At night, tho city was illuminated, all the main streets being transformed into avenues of luminous colours, while Parliamentary and Government Buildings, as well as many other public and private buildings, were transformed in incandescent designs, the keynote of which was an expression of loyal welcome to the distinguished visitors. Attend Divine Service. Their Royal Highnesses attended St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral this morning, when the Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Sprott) preached. The remainder of the day was spent quietly at Govern ment House. The church was crowded, although no public intimation of Their Royal nesses’ intention to attend was made. Tho presence of Royalty in church had , a most peculiar effect on some female i members of the congregation, and 1 curiosity got the better of them and i they stood up on their places to examine the Duke and Duchess after the latter had entered their pew. MISSED OUT j WAIPUKUEAU DISAPPOINTED. WAIPUKufiATT, Marrfi 5. Hundreds of Waipukuran town an. 1 country residents assembled at the st a tion yesterday afternoon in the hopr of a fleeting glimpse at the Royalties northward bound, but were disappoint ed. This morning, under the impression that the train would be stopping here for water for the engine, a large num ber at nine o’clock were again disap pointed. There was no stop and no ap pearance of Their Highnesses at th« largest town in the stretch of 70 milU .between Hastings and Dann evicts, r