DUKE AT LUNCHEON

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19455, 20 December 1934, Page 9

DUKE AT LUNCHEON

ABSENCE OF FORMALITY.

POLO AT HASTINGS. ) ENJOYMENT OF GAME. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) •NAPIER, WednesdayFollowing the reception at McLean Park, Napier, H.R.11. Prince Henry drove along Marine Parade on his way to the Masonic Hotel, where he stayed the night. The crowd had been left behind at the park, but groups, including a party of young men just up from the surf, who wore the scantiest garments and were as brown as Maoris, but quite unconscious of any incongruity in the situation, gave the Prince a rousing cheer. The Masonic Hotel was beautifully decorated with flowers. In the middle of 'the street outside, the two pohutukawa trees blazed scarlet. Above the balcony was a profusion of floral beauty. Many of the guests of the house were at luncheon when, to their surprise, the democratic Duke and his staff strolled in as if they were ordinary -passing travellers requiring a meal. The people rose and stood while the party took their seats at a table at the end of the room, but that was the only indication that a Royal guest was present. It was observed that there was no staring in the direction of the Duke’s table. Strenuous Exercise. In the afternoon the Duke went to the polo grounds of the Hawke’s Bay Polo Club at Hastings and played a number of very vigorous games- He has a splendid seat in the saddle, rides with a longish rein, swings his horse In a masterful way and has a reach beyond the average. Although somewhat displeased at his 'condition —polo/'being a far more strenuous game than is commonly imagined—he rode like the wind when he had his chance and played a number of very fine backhand shots. He came in perspiring after each game, but usually did not put on his woollen jumper, but sat hatless on the rough seat In front of the shed in the sunshine, conversing with members of the club.

Sometimes he dismounted by throwing his leg over the withers and slipping down, giving the pony a friendly smack on the rump before it was led away. Returning to his hotel at Napier, he -soon reappeared in shorts, and was off for a bathe at Westshore. Some of his staff had already been in the sea opposite the hotel. To-night he dined at the Hawke s Bay Club, .while some of the staff went to the pictures.