THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19451, 15 December 1934, Page 7

THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

ARRIVAL IN NEW ZEALAND. WARM WELCOME AT WELLINGTON CROWDS OF CHEERING’ PEOPLE. (By Telegraph,—Press Association.) His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, was given an enthusiastic welcome when he. arrived at Wellington this morning on hoard 11.M.A.5. Australia, escorted by H.M.S. Dunedin, Diomede, Leith and Laburnum. There was a brisk north-westerly wind prevailing, with the sun shining through the rifts In the clouds, and the sea was choppy.

The fleet -as it made its way up -the harbour, presented a magnificent picture against the background of the mist-shrouded hills. Every vantage point was occupied by crowds of cheering people.

AN IMPRESSIVE SIGHT.

ENTRY UP THE HARBOUR. WARSHIPS AND AEROPLANES. IBy Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. Escorted by ships of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and New Zealand Ajr Force planes, the 11.M.A.5. Australia, bearing His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, arrived at Wellington this morning, amid animated and stirring scenes that will long be remembered. As the grey fighting ships moved up the harbour in a line a grand spectacle was provided for thousands of enthusiastic observers, both ashore and afloat. The day broke fine, but heavy clouds frequently obscured the sun. At intervals ille sun broke through and flecked the waters of the harbour with silvery light. Every Vantage Point Orowded. Every, vantage-point fronting on the harbour, was crowded with eager sightseers, while the Wellington mosquito fleet and the ferry steamers, all gaily decorated and crowded with passengers, combined to give a ' fitting welcome to the Royal visitor. The warships made an impressive spectacle as they approached the harbour. Entering the Heads about eight o’clock the ships exchanged signals and altered their positions. H.M.S. Dunedin took the lead, followed by H.M.S. Leith, H.M.A.S. Australia, H.M.S. Diomede and H.M.S. Laburnum. Majestically the procession of ships steamed up the harbour. Roar of the Planes. The roar of the planes overhead was the only thing to break the silence. Off Point Halswell all the warships turned, and while the H.M.A.S. Australia picked up the pilot the other ships proceeded to Point Jerriingham, where they anchored, forming a lane through which H.M.A.S. Australia was to pass. The ships were dressed, and as H.M.A.S. Australia got under way again H.M.S. Dunedin, Diomede, Leith and Laburnum thundered oul a Royal salutation. As the H.M.A.S. Australia passed through the line three lusty cheers for the Duke were given by the New Zealand naval ratings. Not since the previous visit of Royalty has Wellington seen such a colourful and Inspiring spectacle. With a band playing on the quarterdeck and the ratings standing to attention the big cruiser quickly glided towards Pipltea Wharf, where berthing was carried out with the precision for which the Navy is noted. A host of small craft of every description followed the cruiser to its berth, and an animated scene was presented.

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION. STRIKING DEMONSTRATION. PROCESSION THROUGH CITY. (By TelegrapH.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. New Zealand's loyalty lo file Throne and the Empire was strikingly demonstrated to-day In the tumultuous welcome that Wellington gave the Duke of Gloucester on his arrival in the capital city. The scenes of enthusiasm and the displays of affection which marked the procession through the city of tha King’s third son will shine as a record of the memorable occasion and the people’s joyous reception of the representative of the Grown, file thunder of the Royal salute and the picturesque enactment of harbour pageantry' arc vivid memories. As His Royal Highness touched New Zealand soil at 10.20 to begin a round of ol'llcial ceremonies patches of blue sky peeped through the grey clouds, giving promise of a return of the sun that has ruled in Wellington daily for Uic past six, weeks. Hours before the 11.51.A,5. Australia crept alongside the Pipitea wharf the city was alive with excitement, in the atmosphere of carnival reserved for such occasions. Thronged With People. Every avenue of approach to the waterfront was thronged with people eager to catch their first glimpse of the Duke, and the enthusiasm mounted when the soldierly figure of Ills Royal Highness stepped down the gangway to inspect tlie guard of honour. He acknowledged the cheering with a ready smile—a smile of sincerity by which New Zealanders will remember him. Berthing at, 9 n.rn. Hie cruiser received Lord Ble.lisloe an hour laler. Then the Prime Minister and the Minister in attendance on the Duke, lion. ,1. A. Young, went, on hoard. Preceded a! live-minute intervals by Ministers and Lord Bledisioo, the Duke, of Gloucester disembarked promptly at 10.20 a.m., and after receiving the Royal Salute, inspected Hie guard of honour in n gaily-decorated enclosure. His Royal Highness received Lady Bledisloe, Ministers of the Grown and their wives, and oilier dignitaries and their wives. Following the, presentation of the Harbour Board’s address, Hie Royal party started its procession to Parliament House.

Lanes of flags in front of the steps of Parliament House, thousands of people occupying the lawns and approaches, and the pohutukawas blossoming their colourful ’ message of welpome —this was the background against which the Government tribute was paid. Speeches of Welcome. Welcomed by the Governor-General, His Royal Highness then listened to a speech of welcome from the Prime Minister and the presentation of an address from the Cook Islands.

PRINCE HENRY Duke of Gloucester. In clear tones and a pleasing voice the Duke acknowledged; the greetings and.spontaneous expression of loyalty. It was a brilliant scene, in harmony with the reception the Duke had already had from air and water. A Reverent Hush. Even more impressive was the next phase. A reverent hush spread over the great assemblage as the Duke alighted in front of the ■ Citizens’ War Memorial, where ex-service men had been marshalled, and placed a wreath of remembrance at the base ■ of Hie Cenotaph. The solemnity of the incident was communicated to the onlookers, and for several seconds a silence significant and all-embracing reigned. Black With People. The hands of the clock in-Govern-ment Buildings pointed to 10.40 when the procession moved off to the Town Hall along a route that was black with cheering citizens, and gay with flags, festoons and bunting. Thousands of people from far and near formed a moving avenue —a thoroughfare whloh never ceased to cheer and extend a sincere welcome. At the civic reception an address of welcome was read by the Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, and addresses were presented on behalf of religious and other bodies. After His Royal Highness had replied the city councillors, local body representatives and their wives were presented to him. Another Rousing Greeting. Along the route from the Town Hall to Government House the Duke received another rousing welcome from vast crowds, which had assembled in Cuba Street, Courtenay Place and Kent Terrace, ending at the very gates of Government House. - This afternoon the Duke is attending a special meeting arranged by the Wellington Racing Club. This is an unofficial function. The Duke is occupying the Vice-Regal box in the main grandstand. THE DOMINION HONOURED HOPE FOR HAPPY SOJOURN. GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S ADDRESS. (By Telegraoh.—Press Association.> WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, extended a most cordial welcome to the Duke of Gloucester on behalf of all classes and both races In New Zealand. His Excellency said:—“We are indeed gratified and honoured that, after your strenuous tour in Australia, you are, wilh the King’s gracious permission, about to-spend six weeks among us and we hope and believe flint your sojourn in this altrnejive outpost of the British Empire will prove enjoyable and inleres'Mus- “ Nowhere within tho wide ambit of our Empire territory will you find people more loyal to tho Throne, more devoted In their affection for the Royal House, or more steadfast in their attachment to the Old Country and its traditions and Ideals than those who Inhabit this Dominion. “ Nowhere, moreover, will you meet be Her or keener sportsmen. You can be assured of a greeting of enthusiastic sincerity from persons of every class and ocßupatilon ' wilier over you may travel within these ocean-girt

islands, evoked spontaneously both by their deep respect for our much-be-loved King and Queen, and also by your own personal qualities and sympathies, which are such as appeal strongly to the highest (instincts of the virile God-fearing and progressively minded nation, characterised by resourcefulness and, energy, which New Zealand aspires to be. Memories bf King and Queen. “ The visit of your Royal parents to this •country 33 years ago has left behind in the minds of her people the | happiest recollections of the gracious and '.sympathetic interest displayed by Their Majesties in all their activities and in the pleasant environment with which a bounteous Nature has endowed them, and the indissoluble link of affection for the Royal House is destined to be still further cemented -—if this, indeed, be possible—by your welcome appearance in our .midst on your way back to the Motherland, which all Now Zealanders describe as “ Home." It is our earnest hope that you will, during your all-too-short visit to this Dominion, feel thoroughly at home among the people of this particularly homely branch of the British ’Family of Nations. “ Our economic horizon has been sadly darkened by clouds of Industrial and trade depression during the last three years, but the. clouds are lifting and the advent of Your Royal Highness will materially aid in their final dissipation. . Wealth of Scenlo Beauty. V In expressing the hope that you 'will thoroughly- enjoy your stay here, 1 would remind you that New Zealand," apart from. Its healthy, sunny (climate and fertile soils, possesses many advantages and attractions, unique throughout the Empire,'in the wealth of -scenic beauty within a relatively small area, displayed by itsmountains, rivers, sounds, glaciers and lakes, and In the 1 wonders of its thermal area and its glow-worm caves not. to mention.its sporting facilities, and the rich feast which it offers to the naturalist.

“ The loyal, happy and accomplished Maori race will join whole-heartedly with .their European compatriots irj this welcome which, in the name of all alike, I now. warmly extend to Your Roya| Highness.” “ May you have a happy 'Christmastide in our midst." .. GOVERNMENT’S WELCOME. PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE. LOYALTY TO THE THRONE. (By Telegranli.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Government’s address of welcome was read by the Prime Minister, who said:— “ On behalf of Parliament and the people of New Zealand His Majesty’s Ministers extend to Your Royal Highness a most hearty and cordial welcome upon your arrival in the Dominion. The most distant of the selfgoverning Dominions from the heart of the 'British Empire, New Zealand stands unswerving In her loyalty to the Sovereign, and it is.therefore with unfeigned pleasure that we warmly greet, in the . person of Your-. Royal Highness, tho third of His Majesty’s sons whom we have been privileged to welcome to our country, “ The growth and development of New Zealand in less (ban a century forms a living tribute to the colonising genius of the British people and to the strong manhood of the pioneers and settlers who laid a solid foundation. The qualities of courage and tenacity handed down from those earlier days have in no small measure helped the citizens of the Dominion to meet the trials and tribulations inseparable from the recent dilllcult years of world-wide economic stress. " We are confident that In no part of the Enttplre will the welcome to Your Royal Highness from all olasses of our population be more enthusiastic and sincere. “ We trust you will enjoy the scenic beauty and natural wonders for which the' Dominion is justly renowned, and carry away with you lasting and pleasant memories of your visit to us. " We Parliamentary representatives of the people of New Zealand, pakeha and Maori, unite In wishing you a very happy Christmastide in this Britain of the south." From the Cook Islands.

Signed by Mr R. F. Ayson, Resident Commissioner and President of the Island Council, and by the arikis and members of the council a loyal address from the people of the Cook Islands was presented by the Prime Minister. In saluting -the Duke the signatories said the 'Cook Islands were alwajs proud *to claim that they were the youngest child of her late beloyed Majesty, Queen Victoria. The pean and Maori peoples of the Islands were living happily together In a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect. They had always fully recognised the great privileges they enjoyed as an integral part of the Empire, and were well contented with Hie administration of the New Zealand Government. They asked the Duke to convey to Lhc King a message of devotion and attachment from the hearts of all his subjects In the Cook Islands, and of gratitude for the interest he had always taken in their welfare, and assure him of their continued unswerving loyalty to the flag and the Throne.

THE PRINCE’S REPLY. APPRECIATION OF LOYALTY. INTEREST IN NEW ZEALAND. (By Telegraph. — Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. His Roval Highness acknowledged in suitable terms the addresses which were presented to him. Replying to the Governor-General’s and the Prime Minister’s addresses, he said: “ i am sincerely grateful for the cordial welcome which you offer to me on behalf of the Government, Legislature and people of New Zealand and of Ihe Cook Islands. I shall not fail to tell the King and nueeii of I lie feelings of loyally and devotion willi which they continue In be regarded by I heir New Zealand people. They received a personal expression of these senllmenls during- their visit In New Zealand over fin years ago. ami this assurance was renewed when my elder brother travelled in turn through the Dominion in more recenl years. They recall with much pleasure the enthusiasm of their reception and the (Continued In next column.).

charm and variety of the scenery through whloh they passed. “1 am sure my own- experience will he equally delightful and I look i forward eagerly to meeting people in all parts if the Dominion, to paying my personal tribute of gratitude to the ex-servicemen, and to greeting the children In their own districts. , XT “1 am glad 'to know that New Zealand is beginning to recover from tho effects of the recent depression and I sinoerely hope that normal conditions will shortly return, and bring with them happiness and prosperity to the people of this country.” Reply to Mayor. In reply to the address of welcome from the Mayor of Wellington, Prince Henry said: “ I receive with gratitude your assurances, given on behalf of the people of the city of Wellington and surrounding districts, of their loyalty to the King, my father, who has pleasant memories of his visit, with my mother, to New Zealand and of the warmth of their/ reception here. “I®welcome the declaration of your attachment to the Mother Country. Upon the spirit of unity and of co-operation among its peoples, the Empire depends for its security and for Its power to fulfil Its mission of peace in the world. Distance need not lessen the feelings of friendship and sympathy between • kinsmen, nor their power of comradeship in times of trouble. "It gives me great pleasure to visit this city with its charming ■situation upon the hills and shores of Port Nicholson and 1 Uu.nk you for the very cordial welcome with which you have received me upon my arrival in New Zealand." There was a touching incident after His Royal Highness bald placed a wreath In the shrine of the War Memorial. After standing impressively on the slops while the Last Post was played, the Duke stepped down and shook hands with a bed-ridden ex~ serviceman in a wheelchair. Harbour Board Thanked. Acknowledging the addresses from the Wellington Harbour /Board, and the Cook Islands and various other organisations His Royal Highness expressed his appreciation of the evidences of loyally and affection displayed, and said the King confidently relied on the continuation of New Zealand’s co-operation in the maintenance of Peace throughout the world. POrt Nicholson, he said, provided a vital link of Empire, a haven for shipping, and a hospitable restingplace for seamen of every country. “ l am most grateful for the welcome you offer to me, my staff and my shipmates on lI.MaJ.S. Australia," the Duke concluded. GOOD MEMORY FOR FAOES. CONCESSION TO PHOTOGRAPHERWELLINGTON, Saturday. The Duke, of Gloucester -has a remarkably good memory for faces. After the official photograph had been taken at Government House, Sydney, he turned to a newspaper photographer who had been travelling on the Royal train, and with a smile said, “Well, 1 will give you a chance now. You have been trailing us around very patiently for some time." Though generally averse from 'closeups, the Duke allowed his photograph to be tajken, .i