WITH THE ROYAL PAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19787, 10 March 1927, Page 6

WITH THE ROYAL PAIR

HOTELKEEPER HONOURED GUEST ON THE ROYAL TRAIN. When the Duke and Duchess of York left the Masonic Hall, Napier, on Friday last, in order to spend a night on the Royal train, the Duke, prior to taking his departure, called to one side the proprietor, Mr A. E. Horne, and extended an invitation to the latter and Mrs Horne to come down to the Royal train and pass away a half hour in the Royai coach. Mr Horne intimated that he would speak to Mrs Horne about the matter. “That’s all right, don’t hurry yourself,” was the Duko’s gracious reply, “We are leaving now and I will send the car back for you.” As promised the car arrived and Mr and Mrs Horne enjoyed a half hour’s chat with Their Highnesses in the drawing-room of the Royal train. “His Highness,” said Mr Horne, “stated that Napier was a most charming place and one of the finest towns that they had struck so far. He was particularly impressed with the magnificent .parade and the view to be obtained. ‘A most charming little town’ was how he put it to me,” said Mr Horne. Before leaving, the Duke presented Mr Horne with a little souvenir, in the shape of a beautifully engraved silver match-box, complete in a handsome silk-lined ease, and bearing on the top of the match box the letters AJS., in gold, surmounted by a crown in the same metal