DUKE SAYS FAREWELL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 18, 22 January 1935, Page 8

DUKE SAYS FAREWELL

END OF OFFICIAL TOUR DEPARTURE FOR RUSSELL ! SAILING OF H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA | [ Per Press Association. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, elan. 21. Amid scenes of intense enthusiasm H.M.A.S. Australia, with the Duke of Gloucester aboard, left Lyttelton for Russell at 7.30 o'clock to-night. The Duke had spent the most of the afternoon at Christchurch. His engagements, apart from visits to public and private hospitals, included the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Sandilauds Returned Soldiers’ Settlement Administration Block. The progress of the Royal car from Christchurch to Lyttelton was followed with intense public interest. Groups of people were lining tile route like trees growing by the wayside. Ihe demonstration at the Lyttelton wharf was inspiring. Thousands packed the approaches to the "wharf and railway platform and gave Bis ILghneas a memorable farewell. “I am very sorry my visit to New Zealand has come to an end,” said the Duke, replying to the farewell of the chairman of the Harbour Board. ‘‘l hate enjoyed myself very much indeed. ’’ Prime Minister's Statement The following statement was made by the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. G. AV. Forbes), this evening: ‘•lt has been a great honour and pleasure to the people of New Zealand to have had this visit of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester. Spontaneous enthusiasm and warm and sincere expressions of loyalty have been the keynotes of the welcome which has been accorded io His Royal Highness from one end of the Dominion to the other. AVe fully realise the strain which must have be’en imposed upon His Royal Highness in carrying out bis duties, and in the continuous travelling which the tour entailed. Civic and local authorities have earned the highest commendation for the part they have plaved in receiving and entertaining our “Royal guest, and I take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance thus rendered. “The officials connected with the arrangements of the tour have performed their work well, and are to-be complimented upon their efficiency. The Minister in attendance, the Hon. J. A. Young has reason to feel gratified with the manner in which his responsibilities have been discharged. In a sentence remarkable success in everyway has attended the tour. The people of

New Zealand will retain lasting impressions of this Royal visit, which has afforded them further opportunity ot showing their intense loyalty and devotion to the Throne.” Children Acclaim the Duke. Seven thousand pin flags fluttering over "000 juvenile heads at Lancaster Park this morning communicated to the Duke of Gloucester the warmest message of affection from the children of Christchurch and environs. The demonstration was in every respect inspiring and enthusiasm broke its bounds when the Duke, wearing the colourful uniform of a Colonel of the Tenth Hussars, walked slowly down the ranks ot youngsters. The cheering did not come from the children alone, since the adult population had attended the function in full force, and the acclamation was deafening when His Highness, remembering the presence of older people, circled the ground in his car in order that all should gain a good view of him. From the hotel entrance to the park where the demonstration was held, sightseers lined the route, and the Duke’s arm was incessantly on the wave acknowledging the salutations. One enthusiastic group threw streamers into the passing car and received a glowing smile from the Royal visitor. The Duke was about early this morning, and paid an informal visit to the Riccarton racecourse, where he had a gallop on the track, being in the saddle on Three different horses.