In keeping with the spirit of homage, quite a number of public institutions and private homes were regaled with flags. True to tradition and in an atmosphere of intense patriotism and enthusiasm, Bathurst extended a typically warm and wonderful welcome to its distinguished visitor.

Though the King’s son was in their midst but only for half an hour, he was profoundly impressed with the striking scenes of loyalty, goodwill and greetings. He certainly endeared himself to the hearts of around 10,000 people. The elaborate organisation had been carried out with meticulous care and efficiency. 

The Duke set out upon his hurried Western Tour at 8pm the previous evening when the Royal retinue left in the Royal Train from Sydney. The Prince’s train was drawn by two massive green 36 class engines, the locomotives being changed at given points along the line.

A pilot engine preceded the Royal Train on the journey to the terminal point. An order had been issued that no traffic was to be allowed to pass over level crossings between the passing of the pilot engine and the Royal Train. The railway gates at Kelso, Russell Street, the goods shed yards and Perthville were closed and kept locked during the time.

The Bathurst District Band rendered patriotic selections prior to the arrival of the Duke and long before 11am, the heart of Bathurst presented a lively scene. Townspeople foregathered along the line of the Royal procession to get a glimpse of the Prince.

As the appointed hour of the Duke’s visit approached, thousands had converged on the centre of King’s Parade, where the short, interesting ceremony was performed. Conspicuously outstanding were the 2000 school children, neatly attired and on tip-toe with excitement, who were marched to their allotted positions in Russell Street in front of the official platform erected at the court house gates and in a direct line with the Carillon.

The students of Catholic schools and colleges, under the general supervision of the Very Rev. Fr. M. J. Dunne, Adm., made their way via William Street to their given points, and the various Catholic units made a fine impression.

The other schools also looked extremely well in massed formation as they were marshalled into positions under the superintendency of A.D. Fraser, principal of Bathurst High School. These schools were Bathurst Boys and Girls’ Primary, South Bathurst, the High School, All Saints’ College, Marsden and many country schools.

Included in the march of school children was a contingent of almost 600 representing Bathurst Catholic schools: St. Stanislaus’ and St Mary’s Colleges, St Joseph’s Convent, Perthville, St Patrick’s, All Hallows, St Philomena’s, and St Mary’s Primary School.

The girls wore white frocks, the seniors with blue and the juniors with blue and gold ribbons on their heads. The Catholic authorities were complimented on the discipline, appearance and conduct of the children by the marshal, Lieut. Colonel Browning.

The Royal train arrived and within a minute the Duke, immaculately clad in a favourite brown pencilled striped suit, with red, white and blue tie and a narrow rimmed fashionable felt hat to tone, accompanied by his private secretary, Arthur Curtis, stepped from his luxuriant carriage, a veritable palace on wheels, and was introduced to the mayor, Ald. M. J. Griffin, who heartily clasped his hand.