The Royal Visitor

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 7

The Royal Visitor

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. A TUMULTUOUS WELCOME. LANES OF CHEERING PEOPLE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Monday. Rarely have Auckland citizens assembled in such vast numbers on any occasion as they did this morning ior the reception to the Duke of GlouAuckland’s welcome was wildly enthusiastic. The weather was again dazzlingly brilliant, 'and'there were remarkable demonstrations of spontaneous acclamation as the Royal procession passed through streets blackened with people. The inspection of the Royal guard of honour was one of the outstanding spectacles of the tour. It was Auckland at its unrestrained best. f The civic reception was an impres--1 sive gathering, harmonising with the v universal homage which had so unreservedly been offered the Duke on the rail route from Morrinsville onwards. A grey dawn provided the backgroun for evidences of loyalty and interest /in the movement of the Royal visitor. Members of the official party awake at that hour. saw between Morrinsville and Hamilton little groups of people at every place passed.

The Duke’s Address.

In responding to the civic address of welcome delivered by the Mayoi, Mr G. W. Hutchison, Ilis Royal Highness said • “ I receive with gratitude your declaration of the continued loyalty to the King of the citizens of Auckland, proof of which they have given on many occasions, notably in the Great' War. The common attachment to the Throne and the ties of race and language form the basis on which the Empire depends for its continued existence. “ I deeply appreciate the enthusiasm with which you have welcomed me to Auckland, and assure you that I feel great pleasure in visiting this beautiful and historic oity, and in meeting its people. “ I take this opportunity of paying tribute to the pioneers, whose courage and persistence overcame the many difficulties that confronted them and made possible the remarkable achievements of their descendants in later years. “ i sincerely hope that the recent time of depression has now passed, that you may rest secure and enjoy the promising heritage which has been handed down to you. I wish all the people of Auckland a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

A Collective Reply.

A collective reply made to the addresses of welcome presented by cjiurch and other organisations acknowledged the references to the services of Their Majesties to the Empire and previous visits to New Zealand. “ l thank you for the cordial welcome nnd good wishes to myself,” added His Royal Highness, “and I sincerely hope that you will bo long blessed to continue your labours for the welfare of the people whom you serve.” Thronged Thoroughfares.

Through thronged thoroughfares the procession, after the' civic reception, proceeded to Government House, where inmates of the Blind Institute wore presented to the Duke.

SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM.

CITY GAILY DECORATED. HUGE CROWDS THRONG STREETS. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) 0 AUCKLAND, Monday. Auckland and Aucklanders extended to-day a truly Royal welcome to Ills Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, when he arrived from Rotorua. It was an inspiring spectacle, not only testimony of the Dominion’s loyalty and affection to the Throne, but also a tribute to the personal charm, popularity and lovable nature of Prince Henry. Auckland was en fete. Thousands upon thousands from near and far besieged the city, and impending events were seen reflected in tlie eager faces of the early morning crowds as they made their way to factories, shops and offices, while later in the day, as the time for the Duke's arrival drew near, (lie greatest congestion prevailed.

A brave show of bunting, together with other lavish forms of welcome, bade the Royal visit a cheery “ hacremai.” The station and its environs were replete with Hags and standards, while, not far away across the gates of the King's Wharf the Auckland Harbour Board’s code Hags echoed the sentiments of the populace. Streets Gay with Flags. Every few yards along Queen Street gay strings of bunting made a brave showing, while individual business houses vied in colourful decorative scenes. One of the large drapery establishments was the possessor of a quaint replica of the Duke’s eoat-of-arms, which, worked in imitation wool, extended across the front of one of the largest buildings in the city. Many ears and taxi-cabs bore miniature Union .lacks, and a multitude of children waved banners and shrieked th e ir approbation lo the Royal tourist. "** Resplendent in now coats of paint the ferries Iran-sported thousands across I lie harbour to catch a glimpse of the Duke. _\o r were signs of welcome routined to Hags and bunting. In at least one confectioner's shop the Duke’s coal-of-arms was cleverly worked into a huge wall of randy, while in the caf! e of another firm a striking effect was obtained from a window dressed entirely in red, while and blue wools. Country Pcoplo Participate. The welcome was not restricted to the city. Thousands of farmers, despite the seasonal exigencies of haymaking. came to see the Duke. Through all the festivities the spirit (Coniinucd lrt next column.).

of Christmas is apparent, and in their enthusiasm, obvious devotion, and sincere goodwill Aucklanders bore out the contention that New Zealanders are more loyal than the English themselves.

AN INSPIRING SCENE. HALT AT THE CENOTAPH. WREATH OF REMEMBRANCE. (By Telefjrapn.—press Association.) AUCKLAND, Monday. An inspiring scene was, enacted before the Cenotaph at the War Memorial Museum. Here, with llie solemnity of the great and sacred occasion, His Royal Highness, standing before immobile ranks of returned soldiers and veterans, placed a wreath of remembrance, accompanied by a card in his own band-writing.

WEEK-END ARRANGEMENTS. DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM FAMILY. (Ty Telcgnpn.— press Assoctetton.) AUCKLAND, Monday. The Duke has the afternoon at his own disposal, and in the evening will attend a dinner at Government House. To-morrow morning lie. is to be present at Divine Service in the Cathedral Church, St. Mary’s, and Ihe aflcrnoon and evening will be free. It is expected Hint Christmas presents from members of his family, despatched by air, will be available for opening. DUKE AS A HORSEMAN. MOUNT AT MARTON RACES. WANGANUI, Monday. Mr T. A. Diuic'an lias nolilled the Press Association that the Duke of Gloucester will have Hip mount on Black Man in the Ladies’ Bracelet at Marlon on .lamiary I. and will probably be a visitor on the second day of the races. Captain Curtis will probably have the mount on Conference or Tranquility in tlie Bracelet.