THE DUKE'S TOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 19, 23 January 1935, Page 8

THE DUKE'S TOUR

VISIT TO BAY OF ISLANDS J - LEAVES N.Z. WATERS ON TUESDAY. [ Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON. Jan. 22. Although the Duke of Gloucester’s official tour of the Dominion ended with his departure from Lyttelton in the Australia last night, it will be another week before His Royal Highness leaves New Zealand for Fiji, en route to England. The cruiser with Prince Henry on board is timed to arrive at Russell at 7 o’clock on Thursday morning and the programme for the remainder of that day will be confined tentatively to a deep-sea fishing expedition by the Duke. Opportunity for the Royal visitor to see the finest specimens of New Zealand kauri trees will be afforded on Friday, when in company with the Hon. J. G. Coates he will motor from Paihia through Trounson Park and the Waipoua State forest. The portable cinematograph which His Royal Highness has used during his official tour will doubtless be frequently in action on Friday. The Duke will spend Friday night at Opononi, in the Hokianga district, and on Saturday he will proceed by ear and launch to Omahuta to see bush working and bullock teams operating. A visit will be made also to Kerekeri before His Royal Highness re-embarks in the evening on the Australia. With Lord Bledisloe the Duke will attend divine service at Paihia on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon he will accompany His Excellency to historic spots at Waitangi. Monday has been set aside provisionally for a big-game fishing excursion. The Australia is scheduled to sail for Fiji at 9.30 on Tuesday morning.

With a few exceptions, members of the New Zealand official party are not accompany His Royal Highness to his North Auckland engagements, which are purely of a private character. The partv returned from Lyttelton by the Wahine to-day, and formally disbanded. Sir Alexander Young, who acted as Minister in attendance, is resuming his ordinary Ministerial duties, and Mr. Fraser, manager of the tour, is returning" to his departmental responsibilities.

MESSAGE TO THE KING. HIS MAJESTY’S REPLY. ( Per Preus Association ). WELLINGTON, Jan. 22. On th© departure of the Duke of Gloucester from Lyttelton, the completion of his official tour of New Zealand, the Governor-General despatched the following telegram to the King: “I beg with my respectful duty to inform Your Majesty that His Royal Highness completed this evening the official tour of New Zealand, leaving Lyttelton Harbour in the cruiser Australia amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The tour has been most successful. His Royal Highness has won all hearts by his friendly sympathy with all classes throughout the Dominion and with their various pursuits and interests.” His Majesty has been pleased to send the following reply:—“l was very glad to receive your telegram on the departure of my son from New Zealand and to hear that he is in good health and spirits. The Queen and I warmly appre-

ciate the enthusiastic receptio . he has received on all occasions and thank you for the very kind words in which you refer to the large share his personality and efforts have had in the pleasure his visits gave to all classes throughout the Dominion. At the same time, we recognise that much of the success was due to the care and forethought bestowed by you and your Government upon the arrangements. We are most grateful to you and Lady Bledisloe for your kindness and hospitality to our son and staff throughout their stay.” The Duke of Gloucester has signified his intention of sending to the Gover-nor-General a farewell message on the departure from the shores of New Zealand of His Royal Highness in H.M.A.S. Australia, which is due to leave the Bay of Islands on January 29.

AN ASHBURTON PROTEST

ARRANGEMENTS CHANGED. MAYOR CRITICISES ALTERATION. ( Psr Press Association ). ASHBURTON, Jan. 22. Strong criticism of the action of the military authorities in changing late on Friday evening the arrangements made months ago in connection with the Duke of Gloucester’s visit on Saturday was expressed by the Mayor (Mr. W. 11. Woods) at a meeting of the Borough Council last evening. Mr. Woods said that a military gentleman appeared on the scene and said that, by order of the Duke of Gloucester’s staff, the Royal escort was to meet the Duke at Havelock Street instead of at lhe bridge. The Mayor 'bought it most out of place to juggle with the arrangements at that juncture, and the incident was most regrettable: also that an order from the Internal Affairs Department cancelling Hie arrangements regarding the cheering of the school children nt the reception had dampened the enthusiasm of the people. “It was a case of somebody wanting to show authority. -Later in the proceedings another military gentleman wanted to show his authority, but, that was nipped in thn bud.”