DUKE S COUNTRY TOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 257, 30 October 1934, Page 5

DUKE S COUNTRY TOUR

INTERESTED IN WOMBAT VISIT TO SMALL CHURCH MELBOURNE, Oct. 29. While on a tour of Gippsland on Saturday, the Duke was introduced at Maffra to the wombat, one of Australia’s strangle native animals. The Duke was intensely interested in the curiosity and chaifingly asked Brigadier Howard-Vyse, ‘‘What are you going to do about it 7” The point of the jest was the fact that Brigadier Howard-Vyse, when Chief of Staff to General Sir Harry Uhauvel in Palestine, was nicknamed ■ Wombat. ” Another wombat was included in the welcoming party at Berwick later in the day, but the Berwiekites were horlilicd when they learned that their great idea had been anticipated at Maffra. The Duke, however, appeased the outraged small town’s dignity by paying special attention to Berwick's wombat. Ercildoune, where the Duke is resting, is one of Victoria’s historic properties, dating back to the pioneer days. The homestead resembles an old English mansion in its environs. The Duke is able to enjoy shooting, riding uid fishing. On Sunday morning he paid a surprise visit to Learmouth Church si.x. miles from Ercildoune. Neither the vicar nor the congregation were expecting him and were thrilled at the arrival of the Royal party. Strangely enough, the vicar’s sermon was on the influence of the Royal House on the life of the people.