IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19787, 10 March 1927, Page 7

IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

THE ROYAL TOURISTS ARRIVAL AT BLENHEIM A WONDERFUL RECEPTION [ Per Press Association. J BLENHEIM, March 9. On a grey morning, with clouds wreathing the tops of Picton Hills, H.M.S. Renown came into the Sound and stood off from Mabel Island. The passage from Wellington was a smooth one. The Renown, not venturing through Tory Channel, went round by way of Queen Charlotte Sound, passing the historic cove where Cook landed to careen and water his ships. The great warship could not come up to Picton, but stood off behind the island ' The Duke and Duchess, with their suite, made the passage to the landing steps at the wharf in the Royal barge, and were met by Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, representing the Government. The ceremonial here was conspicuous only by the absence of ceremony, and the actual landing was witnessed by only a dozen people. The Royal party drove a few hundred yards from the wharf to the railway station, where the usual formal address was read by the Mayor. Here the children from public and convent schools were drawn up and cheered and waved their little flags. Afterwards the Duke and Duchess descended from the platform and walked between the ranks, the Duchess taking particular notice of a group of Girl Guides. The party then embarked for Blenheim in a train consisting of the Royal car and two other carriages, a pilot engine going ahead for the short run to Blenheim. Quiet But Enthusiastic. When the Royal train arrived at the station there was no waiting. Their Royal Highnesses were cheered as they emerged and took their seats in their car. The Duke bowed and the Duchess waved acknowledgment and the car moved off. It was a quiet entry, the welcome proper being reserved for their appearance at Waterlea. A great many people lined the route which traversed the town sections and returned by way of Seymour Street,

past the War Memorial in the course of erection, across the school bridge, then to Waterlea. The chief impression was the quiet reception afforded the Royal visitors, but it was none the less a genuine welcome, as the waving of hats and handkerchiefs and smiling faces showed from every house. Large crowds found their way to Waterlea where the official welcome was given and the address presented. Saluting The Colours.

Prior to the arrival of the Royal party at Waterlea the guard of honour, formed by a detachment from B Company, First Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment, under Command-Major W. T. Churchward, paraded with the King’s colours, which were presented to the old volunteers on their return from South Africa and havo battle honours on them. When the colours reached the parade ground the assembly was called to attention by Lieutenant-Colonel Gray and civilians stood bareheaded and the military came to the salute until the colours were lowered. The ceremony was impressive and unusual.

No fewer than thirty motor-cars will be used to transport the party to Nelson. A fleet of eight new Government cars, all of English manufacture, arrived by the Tamahine on Monday in charge of Mr R. W. Simpson, Government chaffeur. These cars include the Royal cars, an open one and a closed one, the Duke and Duchess using whichever they prefer. The car which they occupy will be distinguished by a small Royal standard flying from a silver mast mounted on the radiator and their car will be in charge of Mr E. Tolmie, one of the Government chauffeurs. In addition to eight Government cars Newman Bros., Ltd., have been called on to provide thirteen cars for officials, 'seven cars for the police, and two baggage vans, so that the Royal convoy will comprise thirty vehicles. WELLINGTON THANKED FOB WABM-HEAETED BECEPTION [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, March 8. His Royal Highness the Duke of York sent the following telegram to the Mayor (Mr C. J. Norwood): “On our departure from Wellington I desire to express, on behalf of the Duchess and myself, our deep appreciation at the warm-hearted welcome wo have received from yourself and the citizens of Wellington during our stay in the capital city of New Zealand. _ Please accept for yourself, and convey to all who have assisted you to make our visit so enjoyable, our most grateful thanks. "We have been greatly impressed by the beauty of Wellington and its surroundings, and by the excellence of its harbour, and I am only sorry that our time among you has been so brief. We shall always retain the happiest memories of oux visit, and wish you and the citizens of Wellington all possible success.” —(Sgd.) Albert/’ [ All on board the Renown were de-

lighted with Wellington’s cheery sendoff last night and tho Duke’s happy, impromptu speech. AT NELSON A GAY WELCOME SLEEPY HOLLOW WAKES UP [ Per Press Association. ] NELSON, March 9. Nelson was bedecked with flags and tho people were most enthusiastic. The scene in Trafalgar Square and on the terraces below the old cathedral was most picturesque. The Mayor of the city, wearing his robes of office, read an address welcome to the Duke and Duchess. Tho Duke, in his reply, referred to the pleasure in renewing ties of peisonal friendship formed seven years ago on the occasion of the visit of hi» brother, who had told him of the beauty of the district and the generous reception accorded him. Descending from the terrace the Duke presented the Nelson College cadets wit> the Eric Riddiford gold cup for tho best drill among New Zealand college cadets. Among those drawn up in the square were some old soldiers and several who w’ho had served in the war, wearing mufti and their war medals. There was also a number of nurses wearing w>i decorations and medals. Immediately after these ceremonies, the Duke and Duchess motored to the children gathering in the botanical reserve, situated amidst most picturesque suiroundings an here the reception of their Royal Highnesses was remarkably enthusiastic. The Duke and Duchess, who arc staying the night had the evening free. Among those presented to-day were Bishop Sadlier, and Professor Easterfield of the Cawthron Institute.