IN THE CAPITAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19785, 8 March 1927, Page 9

IN THE CAPITAL

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS FINE WEATHER CONDITIONS A BUSY DAY. [ Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, March 7. Wellington’s formal introduction to the Duke and Duchess of York was one to be remembered. The weather was at its best, with bright sunshine, a light breeze blowing and the streets filled with crowds to witness the passing of the Royal procession from Government House to the Town Hall for the civic reception. After the civic reception Their Royal Highnesses returned to Government

House. Enthusiastic welcomes greeted them wherever they went, and Their Royal Highnesses made gracious acknowledgments. One of the chief functions to-day was the opening of the Karitane Home at Melrose, by the Duchess of York. On her journey through Newtown Her Royal Highness was loudly cheered by crowds of spectators who lined the whole of the route from Government House to the back of Newtown Park. The military pageant and childrens’ living flag display at Newtown Park was attended by Their Highnesses, and the park was packed by enormous crowds of people. The hall at Government House tonight completed the day’s programme. While the Duchess was at the Karitane Home, the Duke was taken for a motor trip up the Hutt Valley, inspecting the new workers’ homes settlement on route. Ho was much impressed by the beauties of the valley and by what was being done to meet the housing shortage. At the invitation of the GovernorGeneral the inm-’t ■of the Home of the Aged and Needy wont to Government House ground to see the Royalties depart for the civic reception. To their great delight the Duke and Duchess stopped to shake hands with all. and had a conversation with a num|ber. Their ages averaged 75, ranging from 72 to 94. At the Royal investiture at Government House this morning the following were invested:—Mr Charles Earle, C.M.G.; Mr J. Alexander, C.M.G.; Sir C. P. Skerrett, K.C.M.G.; Sir R. D. Maclean and Sir C. E. Statham, K.B. The Civic Reception. The civic reception to the Duke and Duchess of York was a most successful function, and as a general holiday was observed, great crowds thronged the streets through which the procession passed from Government House to the Town Hall. On arrival there the Mayor (Mr C. -T. B. Norwood) and Mrs Norwood received the Royal party, who were conducted to the stage amidst vociferous applause, the huge audience joining in singing ‘'God Save the King.” The hall had been full since nine o’clock, and the scene was one of wonderful enthusiasm. Among those present besides the Duke and Duchess of York’s immediate staff were the Prime Minister and Mrs Coates and leading citizens. The Mayor read the address of welcome from the citizens and Mr Maurice Cohen, chairman of the Harbour Board read an address on behalf of that body. The Mayor’s reference to the Prince of Wales’ visit evoked warm applause. The Duke Replies. The Duke replied as follows: ‘The Duchess and I warmly thank you, the councillors, citizens and people of Wellington, for the address which you have just read to us. We have been deeply touched by the wonderful welcome we have received in the Dominion’s capital, which is the culmination of the kindness which has everywhere been shown us during our tour through tfte North Island. ‘‘We have been trying during the last few weeks to strengthen the bonds which hold together the British Empire. It embodies the ideas of truth, freedom, and justice, those ideals for which many of your men and women gave their lives in the Great War. There is no more glorious page in the history of New Zealand than the story of devotion and heroism of New Zealand forces, and, now that peace prevails once more, let us see to it that the lessons they taught us in those dark days are learnt by our children, for it is upon the rising generation that the future of this country depends. ‘‘As you are aware, this is our first visit to Wellington and it is not one we shall readily forget. We thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts. ’ ’