DUKE OF YORK.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 31 December 1926, Page 6

DUKE OF YORK.

VISIT TO AUSTRALASIA. (Per Press Association —CopyrightLONDON, Dec. 29. The detachment of the Royal Maiines on H.M.S. Renown consists of 150 rank and file and three officers. This is a larger number than usual on a warship, . but it is necessary, because the Royal Guard consists of one hundred, and the Band is forty strong. This is drawn from the Royal Naval School of Music, and is conducted by Lieutenant Pragnall, who has been specially promoted to the post. There is also a band of ten drams and bugles, while the jazz band, formed out of the Military’ Band, will play dance music during the voyage for the Duke and Duchess, the officers of the Renown, and the ship’s company, and, while in Australia, will play dance music ashore. The jazz band is a specially fine combination, under Corporal Green, and is regarded as equal to the bands of the leading London dancing halls. To-morrow, the Renown’s drab paint will disappear beneath a resplendent coat of pearl grey. An army of workmen is busy fitting out the Royal apartments, to which the final touches will only’ be given the day before embarkation. A fascinating array of old naval prints, also the Commonwealth’s plate and war-time ensign, are being arrayed in the state-rooms.