KING GEORGE AND MR. HUGHES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2728, 24 March 1916, Page 5

KING GEORGE AND MR. HUGHES

TEA AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

WOUNDED SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Marcli '2'J. . At' the King's invitation. Mr. Hughes (Federal Prime Minister). and his wifo attended ,an afternoon tea and concert at Buckingham Palace, a thousand convalescent soldiers, including many Auzacs. were the guests of their Majesties. Tea was served in quees. Their Majesties, the Princesses, and other Royal personages' Walked round the tables, chatting cordially with the men and helping to pour out the tea. A most pathetic eight was that when, blinded soldiers, headed by a nurso, entered in a long shuffling file, each man guided by a uand upon the other's shoulder. .

The concert, provided by the best artists in London, was,held in the Riding School. There Vero thunderous cheers when the King (in naval uniform), the Queen, and other royalties entered and bowed to Mr. Hughes and I his wife and Mr. Fislier (Australia's High Commissioner), who had seats of honour lit the front, row. The liveliest part of thd programme was the singing of "Australia Will Be There," tho Anzacs lustily singing the chorus. The wounded soldiers were impressed by their Majesties' genuine sympathy and inquiries, and crowded round Queen Alexandra while she busily wrote hor autograph on their ' programmes, undismayed by the length of the queue of waiting soldiers. Mr. Hughes later remarked, "It was the most touching thing I have seen since I have been in England. Tho cheerfulness of those men, especially the blind, is wonderful. I am glad the ting and Quoon extended theif generous hospitality to the Australians, for they are determined to continue to do their utmost .for the Empiro." There is a possibility * that ■ Mr. Hughes's mission will not bo completed by April 19, when he oxpccts to sail. Such an impressioft 'ha® already, been made by him that it is considered unwise for liiin to leave before he has fully influenced British opinion. He may prolong his visit.