THROUGH THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 189, 6 May 1920, Page 5

THROUGH THE CITY

CROWD WILD WITH DELIGHT SCENES OF UNPRECEDENTED ENTHUSIASM A WONDERFUL RECEPTION Wellington has never witnessed a sight anything like that which marked th>i progress of the Princo through the main streets of the city last evening. Having exchanged courtesies with the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke)', who was in waiting in his robes of office nt the Lambton Station, accompanied by tho Town Clcric (Mr. J. B. Palmer) in wig and gown, and tho mombers of tho City Council, tho Princo (accompanied by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsoy) stepped into his cat;, mid, standing up, lifted and'waved his hat in all directions to the chewing mass of people, as tho Tramways Band, on tho roof of an illuminated car outside the Hotel Cecib played "God Bless tho Prince of. Wales." If full-hearted enthusiasm be any guide, then tho prayer embodied in the loyal song found nn eager echo, in every heart in the vast thron" that filled the four-Street junction. His Boyal Highness looked as fit us possiblo .\fter his long and trying tiny. Pink of cheek, youthful in pose and action, quite undisturbed by the ovation his appearance created, 'he stood theiM. (milling that peculiarly winning smilo, iusd in those few momonts ho had won the hearts of everyone within the range of observation, lie wore " grey tweed top coat and light-colou.-td soft fur hat, or rather he carried such a lint, for it was not on his head for morn than a five minutes during tho whole of his progress through tho city. Thoro was only two minutes' delay, and then the Royal car made slowly through tho cloared way from Lambton Quay to the accompaniment of Tousing cheers. The other cars conveying the Prince's Eguerry-in-chiof and other members of

tho suito followed, and afterwards a procession of cars with the Prime Minister (Right' Hon. W. ]?. Massey) and Mrs. Massey, the Mayor and Mrs, Luke, and members of the City Council ploughed its _ way through a sea of tvildlyenthusiastic humanity, which seemed to fill the full width of every street. A Good View. Everyone obtained a good view of the Prince, for tho illuminations' from the Government buildings and business places made the streets almost as light as day. Along tho Quay, in its widest parts, the qrowding wap not uncomfortable, but just before the lloyal car entered the vari-eoloured effulgence shed by the thousand lights thrown from the Public Trust Office, seme of the crowd decided tha't a passing glimpse of the Prince was not enough, and as tho car proceeded at the rate of a very fast walk others joined in the throng under tho press ot excitement until ft strong, laughing rusli set in, half tho width of the street in breadth', but .ill in the highest good humour, "'his stream of boisterous humanity was not very serious until the crowd dashed Into the waiting crowds in tho narrowest parts of Lambton Quay, between Grey and Willis Streets. It then became something in the natUro of n stamped*. Those in tho pursuing pack had by this time "got up steam" and were elbowing, hustling, treading on, and over-running people in a rather dangerous way. One matt went down opposite the Bank of New Zealand, and was trodden on and knocked about before ho wrw lifted to his feet again. At Stewart Dawson's a man was picked up in a das.cd condition from under tlio mudguards of one of tho cars. It was a closa tiling. |

The Scene in Willis Street. Willis Street was filled with people. On rounding the bank corner, the crowds which filled the street and overy window and balcony gave tho Princo a great ovation. A clangour of elieers filled the air continuously. The Prince, who had never rosumed his seat, still smiled his conquering gmlle. Sir Lionel Halsey by this time was steadying the Prince with his right- hand as some support against tho varying speed of tho car. Another great outburst of cheers went up from the waiting crowds at the junction of Manners and Willis Streets, and still the thousand strong pack pursued, hustling and pushing trampling and forcing their way through the stationary orowde. Women ana yofung girlq and ohlldren

joined in the rush, which was anything but edifying. Red Firo and Confetti. About half-way up Willis Street His Royal Highness received his first baptism of. confetti, which was thrown into the air nbovo his head, and fell in a coloured shower on his shoulders. The reward was a golden smile, directed at the thrower on tho sidewalk. On rounding the corner from Manners Street into Culm Street a diminutive searchlight flashed, a white shaft of light on to the Royal car. The Prince had been "spotted" from the roof of tho Grand Opera Houst>, Passing ! l'o Aro House, torches of red fire from tho windows cast a lurid light on tho unusual scene, and a little higher up th'e Prince submitted to a very pretty bombardment of confetti from a group of girls. Thj Digger's Relief-a Cigarette. At Vcitch and Allan's ' corner tho Prince, whose only relief had been to change his waving hat from one hand to the other, lit a cigarette, and puffed away with evident appreciation, In Vivian Street tho crowd thinned out a little, and tho cars made better pace along to Kent Terrace, where another large crowd had assembled. In Kent Terrace the assemblage was not markedly great, and from there to the entranco of Government Houso grounds the cars had no great difficulty in getting jilong. Once_ inside the gates tho Prince sank into his seat, no doubt wholeheartedly glad that the ordeal—common to the lot of popular Princes —was over for another day. ..Traffic Dislocated. One feature of the evening was tho vast number of motors, carriages, and vehicles of all kinds that dashed from point to point by way of the back streets to allow their occupants several views of the progress. 'So was 'it, too, with enthusiastic pedestrians, who cut down Mercer Street in order to head the Prince oil at Cuba Street, and down Ghuznee and through Marion Streets to Vivian Street. These back street rushes had their humour—for each individual seemed to be so silently and seriously intent on breaking records between points. The steady rush of some hundreds of people through the quiet side streets had something eerie in it, too. The traffic was held up in tho main streets for the best part of an hour, by which time there were long lines of motors held up at various points, notably in Kent. Terrace. THE ciY~AT NIGHT SCENE OF CAENIVAL GAIETY. The general scene at night was a memorable one, all Wellington lieing possessed of a spirit of carnival gaiety. Thousands thronged the principal thoroughfares long after the "hour of the official welcome. Along* Lambton Quay there was a continuous stream of automobiles, which was repeatedly held up on account of the density of tho crowd ot sightseers. The bluejackets and marines from the Renown quickly made themselves at homo in the city, and their presence lent added gaiety to the scene. Next to the illuminations the crowd itself—on account of the many thousands present—was a constant source of interest. "All the world and his wife" were out "doing the Prince," and night held no terrors for the young, the number of small children interspersed in _ the orowd and clamorously fighting for coigns of vantage being little short of amazing. The very little ones—and their numbel was legion—were frequently held aloft along the line travelled by Royalty in order that they, too, might in years to come recall in memory the coming of the Princo.

THE JOURNEY DOWN WELCOME CEREMONIES WAIRARAPA FUNCTIONS The Prince of Wales had one of. his busiest days on his journey down from Napier yesterday. Between Napier and Wellington the train mado eight official fjtops, and at every placo His Royal Highness had to leave tho train for a lone or a short while to receive assurances of welcome, and to make his acknowledgments. _ 'Die train' stopped at Hastings, Waipukurau, Waipawa, Dannevirke,' Woodville, Masterton, Carterton, and Featherston. At all the places very largo crowds came to meet the Royal visitor, and every town was in gala array in honour of tho occasion. In nil tho Welcomes a prominent position was given to the school children, and always some important part of the welcome, cerenio&y was theirs. The Prince was quito obviously pleased at the warmth of the welcome accorded to him at every placo he visited, and pleased nlso to see bo many children amongst the crowds.

Owing to the length of the programme for the day it was Hot possible to spend much time at any ono, station, and for this reason all ceremonies had to bo out; down, to a few minutes. There was very little speaking by anybody anywhere. First of all the people cheered the Prince on arrival, and then usually the address of welcome was presented. After this the Princo inspected the returned soldiers who had come to meet Mm, shaking hands' with every one of t.hem. This ceremony he has to do with his left hand, however,'.the right hand'having suffered from too much of this exercise in previous visits ho has made to other dominions. Probably tho most imnortant of the replies made by tho Princo in answer to an address of welcome was at Hastings. His speech, on that occasion ran as follows:— Two things in your address have touched me very much. I agree in the first place most heartily with all yoti have said about the war. You have indeed proved yonr loyalty to King and Empire in tho last five years, and I value 110 part of my own modest experience in tho war so much as the comradeship which it gave mo with my brother officers and men from all parts of the King's dominions at tho front. The Empire now means more to us all for tho heavy sacrifices which all have made to keep it united and free. In tho second place I am very glad to know that you teach your children to regard ine as one of their own kith and kin, who belongs to New Zealand as truly as they do themselves. lam very happy to bo seeing so much of the children of New Zealand, and I know tlioy may be trusted to uphold tho fine tradition which will come down to them f.rom their fathers who fought in the Great War. There was glorious weather at Woodyillo. and tho largest number of people in the town over 6een there. The Royal train arrived almost to time, and as tho Princo stepped off tho engine on which ho had acted as driver from Dannevirko. cheer upon cheer greeted him. After a march of returned soldiers tho Princo was presented with an address, to which 110 replied. He then walked through the ranks of school children, bowing repeatedly in acknowledgment of tho cheers as he proceeded. After inspecting the Cadets and returned soldiers he shook hands with a number of the latter.

At Masterton tho decorations were vorv effective, the streots along tho line of tho Prince's route bein<? festooned overhead and along the buildings with flags and greenery, with here and there a banner < bearing some welcome greet, ing. The. Royal train arrived at about a quarter past three., 'l'hero ivcro no ceremonics at the station, except tho introduction of tho Mayor, and from the station tho party drove forthwith to tho Municipal Park, whoro all tho population had assembled—with tho exception of it thousand'or two who had lined the streets, anxious to get a first glimpse of tho visitor.

The most enthusiastic welcomo wa9 given by tiro crowds of children assembled, ov.ry ono of them with a flag, and tho effect of the sea of waving flags, and tho cheering of tho boys and girls was remarkably fine. The Mayor Mr. AV. It. .Tacksou, read the address of welcome, which on this occasion was so framed as to come from the little people as woll as from (he grown-ups, and presents! to His Royal Highness an album of views of the town and of the Wairarapa district. It wa3 ft beautiful album, bound most handsomely, and illuminated also beautifully, and ' mounted with gold clasps and rorncra,

In roply to tho address and (o tho welcomo generally the Prince said: Bovs and Girls, —I am very grateful to vou for your address of welcome and for your good wishes. It is a great pleasure for me to havo seen so many of you hero to-day, and tho album of views, which you havo so kindly presented to me, will alwayft _ serve as a happy memory of my i visit to your home. I shall look at it in the future, and in doing so shall feel sure that the boys and girls of Mftsterton am growing up worthy citizens of tho llmpiro to which we are all proud to belong. You have a great example in your fathers and brothers who fought and won in the Great War, and I know that tho boys and girls of Masterton will always keep that example in mind. His Royal Highness then inspected the parade of veterans and returned soldiers, presented some decoriitions, and then shook hands with every soldier there. He had not time for speech with every man individually, but ho found time to take note of decorations worn by some of the men, and to all of those to whom he presnnted decorations he offered some words of congratulation, making often some inquiry about the winner's service abroad. Another interesting item at the Park was the planting by the Prince of a "royal oak." In memory of this task ho was presented by two littlo girls wearing sailor dress, aiiid wearing caps marked "H.M.S. Renown," with a pretty little spade, very cunningly fashioned, in greenstone and gold. After tho Royal salute the Prince and his party hurried off to the train again, amid the heartiest cheere of the people. At Carterton the Prince did not leave the station, and all tho welcome ceremonies had to be of the briefest. The address was merely handed to him without any speech, and the Prince made no reply more than to say polite words of thanks. Then ho inspected tho returned soldiers, of whom again tliero were a numbor on parade, shaking hands with all of them. At Peatherston the welcome took place at the Anzac Club, the club provided by the people of Wairarapa for the soldiers .encamped at Fea'therston. The visitor was received by tho Acting-Mayor, Mr. A. C. Holms, who offered him a most cordial welcome on behalf of tho pecplo of Featherston and Martinborju a 'h. FTe rt-'so handed to His Royal Highness an address The Prince replied as follows:— Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen-

It gives me' much pleasuro to be able to visit Featherston, and I wish to thank ,all the people of the town and county for the hearty welcome accorded to me, and also for the good wishes in your beauti-fully-decorated address. This district can claim to have played an important part in the Great War. Largo numbers of your gallant soldiers were trained here before they went to Europe to defend tho honour of the Empire, and to win their great victory for freedom and justice. How good that training was tho whole world knows, and Featherston may. look back with pride on the deeds of her sons. I ask you to accept my beef wishes for your prosperity and happiness. Followed the inspection of the returned _ men, and just before leaving the Prince had a look inside the club.

Always when the Prince left any place at which he stopped lie was cheered while he was in signt. At Carterton there had been cheers as he was about to go back into his train, when ono of the returned men called, "Now, what abou; three 'Diggers'' cheers ?" The cheers were forthcoming all right, <tnd those "Diggers'" cheers were good.

The run down to Welling'ton was mado in good rime and without incident, but even at stations where the train was not scheduled to stop people were waiting in tho dark to cheer as it passed, and to watch for a eight of the Prince. INCIDENTS"BY~THE WAY THE PRINCE AND THE TRAINMEN. Much has been heard already about the affability and kindly courtesy of the Prince of Wales, and thore arc incidents to be observed in every day of his travel through this country which prove that the stories are true. He is a healthy young Englishman, strong and vigorous arid keenly interested in people and things as ho meets i them. Coming down from Napier on the train yesterday, being interested in the locomotive and the men driving it, he travelled on the footplato with tho driver and fireman between two stops, and for a few miles persuaded the driver to allow him to take his position in charge of the level's. When lie left he shook hands with both of the isen, thanking thejn for their instruction in the management of a locomotive. And, of course, tho men were pleased to find our illustrious visitor taking interest in their concerns.

When the train was in Cross Creek fliii tho Fell engines were being put on tho train for the ascent, the Prince showed quite keen interest in the strange locomotives, 'and for a considerable part of the ascent ho remained on the platform, watching the action of the engine at the war of the train, and looking also at the wild range over which tho line climbs. He stayed out long after tho smoke had begun to be objectionable. At the Summit there was no official stop, and therefore'llo cercmonies, but, of course, the train had to stop for some time to change engines again. The Prince walked away from his car by himself for a'minute or two. and tho first thing he did was to go to all the drivers and thank them. The men really deserved some commendation, for they had made good time up tho hill. When tho Princo returned to his car it was surrounded by children and grownups—about twenty in all, probably the entire population of the place. His Royal Highness spoke to the children first of all, and then to their mothers and fathers in charge of them. One little mito had brought some dried roscloaves which she had prepared in tho hope that she might bo able to shower them on the Prince, and this olio did. Then sho said, in lisping icconts, "God bless you, Prince." Then tho King' 6 son took leave of them all, shaking hands all round; and again lie took the little ones first in order. One of tho men present was a driver, and ho said n9 ho shook hands: "Thank you very much, sir. We'll remember this all our lives."

STREET DECORATIONS CITY IN GALA ARRAY GREENERY AND ILLUMINATIONS MAKE A BRAVE SHOW Lambton Station lias recently been give:i « coat of paint—of bright, brick brown; and yesterday, smothered in bunting and with its windows picked out in red, white and bluo butter-cloth, it tried to look its best in fluttering camouflage. At this point, commenced the basic scheme of street decoration, which, if it did not attempt to create now sky lines, was simple, effective, and In goocl artistio taste. Indeed, it would hovo been difficult to deviso anything better, in tho faco of such fundamental disadvantages-as narrow streets and buildings without tho slightest rretcnco to distinction.

It was not considered by the decorntorß to he desirable or expedient to (ly much bunting across the streots, so each street had to lie treated length\vis2 with masts and pylons. Wliito masts, 20 feet apart, vero_ erected in the narrow streots, and linked to. gether with trailing festoons of greenery from the bush, and with coloured fabric artistically disposed. Pylons were sot wherever tho streets broadened out sufficiently. This scheme, with a distinct colour contrast for each sfreot, was faithfully carried out, and in the bright sunshine. of yesterday afternoon tho effect was very fine indeed. Tho pylons—which had been facetiously referred to us tombstones— lost their sepulchral loolc yesterday, when each one became the base of a trophy of national /lags, which, seemjyl to shout out to everyone who passedfrom toddlers to greybeards—"Tho Prince is Coming! Long Live tho Prinoo!" On tho wholo tlia design suggested by ' Messrs. Pago and Fearn (noting for the New Zoa-

land Instiute of Architects) and adopted by them city generally had as a sound basis the ancient Greek ideas of carnival, when tho shout was "leaves of bay and ivy twine" for yesterday every mast had its "wreath of bay,", and tho lcngtlis of palo green, clinging lycopodium, fresh from tho heart of the' bush, mako _ a braver show than any dark, dusty ivy could have don». Where a vista is possiblo, as on Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place, tho pylons form a really impressive decorative feature. The original intention of the eoimniU tee was to decorate the streets from Lambton Station to Government House, but Kent Terrace, Buckle Street, and Dufferin Street havo been left untouched. It was stated at one meeting vhat the Government intended to do Dufferin Street —tho approach to tho gateway of Government House-4iut there was no cvideno of the carrying out of any such intention yesterday afternoon. What lias been dono thcro is to ereet an arch of greenery over tho entranco gates. The structure is' a handsome one, with the welcoming word "Naumai" worked in flowors in tho centre of tho main arch, and "Kia Ora" worked in the curve of tho shoulder arches on either side. The arch is surmounted by a glittering crown and shield devico in lustres, which is electrically illuminated, and which forms the batu of a tall white mast.

Another WnLiful arch is that very substantial ono which has been erected over the entrance to Parliamentary grounds. On a web of wire-netting has been bjiiltup—with ti-lree, New Zealand liollv (in full berry), lycop'odium, and ilaxa very lofty ana beautiful archway, with tho word "Welcome," worked into tho verdant fabric in cream chrysanthemums, Tho even tono of green is strikingly relieved by thousands of tinj- clusters of scarlet berries.

Across the road, the Government Build' ing flaunts long streamers of flags frow point to point across the spacious roof. A lino of_ white masts a!on£ the Qnay frontage (inside the fence) also carries a wealth of fluttering bunting. Tho central section of tho facirfe of the big building has been picked out in electric lights, and tho word "Welcome"—in enormous letters—Hazed out as soon as tho switch was tnirncd on last evening. The building which next caught tho eye was tho Public Trust Office, the rounded corner of which lent itself to unique decorative 1 treatment. Banners were hung out on spears from the corner windows above the main entrance, whilst the upper portion of tho building proper, on both Lambton Quay and Stout Street sides, was completely tapestried in bunting. _ The tall pillars have' been swathed in blue fabric, and goldco strands are wound spirally.'in classic manner. The walls aro "tucked" with flags in an ordered design that is particularly charming to the patriotic eye. Another feature is the canopy which has been erected at tlie entrance to tho building. It is almost wholly of ly'copodium and artificial paper flowers. Tho coloured electric lights glorified the picturo last night. Among the private displays was a very effective ono Dy Kirkcaldie and Stains, who draped the whole front •of their building with festoons of lycopodimn, and also hung a chain of the same delicate greenery along tho level of the vernndan. The Hotel Gresham displayed a "banner green" with the words Caed Millo Failtho" above the Prince of Wales's feathers, and below "The Leinsters," wimtli a welcome to that Regiment's Colonel-in-Chief. The Occidental ItoteJ. was also tastefully decorated wjHi ropes of lycopodium. The entrance to each picture theatre was an enchanted bower of ferns, flags, and electric lights. The Grand Opera House was decked put with a scheme that consisted of white, dark blue, and palo blue. Venetian masts projected from tho balcony, and a huge representation of the Prince's feathers, in ferns, stood in the centre of the balcony, which was prettily draped in harmony with 'tlio general eoulour scheme. The Union Clothing Company made a notably good electrical display, which set off tho corner of Cuba and Manners Streets bravely, and in Cuba Street, To Aro House, C. Smith's, and Veitch and Allan' 9 all contribute to 'the gala effect aimed at.

At 'Weliington South, the bedecked part of the -route commenceg at the I'ree Publio Libraiy, and is continued tight up to the gates of Newtown Park. The scheme is tlmt of the white masts and placque wreaths, with a pylon here and there to give graco and dignity to the scene. A great deal of greenery of all kinds has been used in Courtenay Place, Cuba Street and Wellington South to lend a softer and more picturesque aspect to tho wilderness of poles along the sidewalks. The heartiness and ardour with which tho business people of Wellington havo thrown themselves into the work of decorating the town has been highly praiseworthy. It is now to he hoped that we shall have "Prince's weather" for a fow days, in order that tho good work may not bo wasted, and that Wellington may' look its Joy straight in the eye.

THE ILLUMINATIONS CITY ABLAZE WITH SYMBOLS A GORGEOUS SPECTACLE After the Prince's triumphal progress from Lambton Station to Government House, the dense crowds lingered long on lambton Quay and on the Post Office Square in mute admiration of the illuminations. All the principal Government buildings were ablaze with sym-, Ms of welcome and tho beauty of the illuminations was enhanced by a fairly clear night. From the harbour the effect was particularly charming. As had been the case in toric celebrations, the main centre of attraction was the Post Office. The whole of the.building fronting the Square was ablaze with, a myriad lights, and flashed right across the top story was the picturesque Maori expression of loyalty, "Te Atua Manikitia Te Piriniaha" (God Bless the Prince). This was surmounted bv a huge star of dazzling brilliancy— the "Star of the Empirc"-nnd at the very summti was a sparkling crown; Immediately over tho entrance slione a gorgeous Prince of Wales plume, surrounded by luminous flags of nil the Allies, pride of place being accorded to the TJnion .Tack and the French Tricolour. Both the right and left wings of the building were picked out in countless lights, tho whole standing forth in bold relief when viewed from tho waterAt' the Government Buildings the scheme of illuminations was also a decorative triumph. There the main part of the buildings was a glory of lights, the traditional red, white, and bluo being most effectively blended. At the apex the Royal Arms shone down in lustrous yellow, while all the pillars and other architectural linos were set in a wonderful halo of light. Emblazoned across tho illuminated portion of the building was an iridescent "Welcome in red, white, and blue, and leading up to this wero gaily coloured festoons. /I lie whole spectacle was at once beautiful and grand. . The nocturnal aspect of the' Public Trust Office was another evidence of the universal desire to give the Royal visitor a fitting welcome. The tall. 6tately pile of masonry lent itself readily to illumination, and enjoyed tho advantage ot standing where it could bo viewed from a distance, as well as close up. Hero again the scheme was most elaborate, and tho whole was surmounted by. a resplendent crown. The beautiful arrangement of colouring oxcited ereat admiration. Tho main portico of Parliament House was also a notable sight, its illuminations being attractively set out on lines similar to those affected by. tho other buildof the State. Tho main ontranco to"the Town Hall proved another big draw. No special display was mndo on the waterfront except at the King's Wharf where the Renown is berthed. Tho big sheds there were festooned with lights and transparencies, including representations of tho Princo of Wales s feathers. A largo brick store facing tho entrance to the wluirf was tricked out in many graceful designs, tho whoio bcinit surmounted by the greeting "Kin Ora" in lights of dazzling white.

The addresses, to be presented to the Prince to-day will includo one from tho Baptist churches of Now Zealand. Tho Eov. R. S. Gray has been asksd to preBOnt the address j