CHILDREN'S DAY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 191, 8 May 1920, Page 8

CHILDREN'S DAY

AN INSPIRING WELCOME

i»NSTBA«

GROUNDS

EXCELLENT ARRANGEMENTS

Children's Day in the Eoyal visit to Wellington was a day of days for all of the little people assembled. There' must hayo been ten thousand .of them on the lawns >in front of Parliament grounds, innd,,they had their first opportunity of giving a jeal greeting all their own to -the;. Prince. There could be no doubt ■about the' bond of sympathy, which' the " Prince established with the children from • lis .first appearance on the ground, The .volume of cheering in the high-pitched .yet;soft voices of the little folks was delightful to hear, and the first sounds 'of the'especially charming welcome given td' thel Prince brought an expression of real pleasure on to his happy and always serene features. The children were assured''''of his friendship from their first eight of him, and their welcome camo from their hearts. Scarcely less impres- ' siveVas' the reception given to the Eoyal visitor by the crowds of 'other people assembled/ in ; the' grounds and the sur-

rounding streets. Numbers are hard to assess in-such a scattered crowd of varying,.density, but there must have been at leasfeafty thousand people in the big concourse. It was a perfectly delightful sunny- day, with a fresh snap in tho air, but the nirwas still, and.on a still, sunny winter day tlio weather in Wellington i S 'if.'kyery best. It was no doubt due to this that the children's .demonstration was such a conspicuous success, and that the crowds of other people were so large. From every window in the surrounding buildings, from every balcony, from every point of vantage . in • .tho street . and grounds, and from the; crowded slopes of the lawns there were eager welcoming cheers,. welcoming smiles, and the brilliant, colours of waving flags." As tho Prince approached through the crowds he had to submit once again to n demonstration of- Wellington's, gladness to have him here, and he acknowledged all the courtesies offered"' to him with the best of good grace, smiling and waving his hat and turning always to those directions whence new bursts of cheers came. Most of the time, both coming to the ground and going away, ho stood up in his car so that everybody near tho route saw him quite clearly. The Plans, The greatest scene of all in the visit of the Princo to Wellington was undoubtedly the wildly enthusiastic popular welcomo given to His Eoyal Highness on the night of his arrival, but second to it in impressiveness must rank the welcome of the children yesterday. Twelve thousand of them were assembled in the grounds of Parliament Housp, and these children, massed, all waving flags, made a very extraordinary spectacle.

Jong hnd they looked forward to this day, and most careful preparations had been made by tho organiser of tho parade, Mr. W. Poster, and tho teaching staffs of all tho city schools, to provide arrangements as perfect as forethought could ninko thorn. It was no mean undertaking, and one which redounds to the credit of Mr. Postor and his holpers, First of all, arrangements had to bo made for the assombling of tho children at their schools, and then for thei.r transport into tho city. Onco in tho city other, arrangements were necessary to get them into orderly grouping on tho grounds. Tho children were never at nay moment other than extremely orderly and well-behaved. They were full of expectancy, cheering and laughing on the slightest provocation, but they were brought on to the grounds in orderly fashion, led by their teachers on to their markers on the parade ground, and there kept in rows in massed formation to await-tho arrival of thoir Royal -visitor.

The schools were divided ijito sections or columns, each with its separate assembly place, and at the assembly post appointed for each groups of schools the children arrived, and were fallen in on markers with a fair approach to military precision. So also on tho grounds the assembled parties were marched .on to markers, and the movement, which is quite a difficult' one to execute without hitch even ' with troops, was done very well indeed by tho children and their teachers. This movement began about eleven o'clock, and it was completed in good time before the appointed hour for the arrival of His Royal Highness. Most of tho bands in the city were out to lead the columns to their places, and the cheering music added greatly to tho charm of the gathering. One pi' the attractions of the day was tho presence of the band f rom the Renown. Once arrayed iu tho orderly grouping of the designed scheme, the sight of such a crowd of little children was one long to be remembered. A cordon was made round the parade space by oadets, and tho wisdom of this procaution was seen when the struggling crowds of grown-up people began to press inwards. The cordon held, however, but had thero beon no such protection the ground must have, beon over-run. Tho cadets did this trying task very well. A choir of children had been organised,', and under the baton of Mr. Robert Parker they sang patriotic airs suitable to the occasion—"The British Grenadiers," "God Bless the Prince of Wales," "Hearts of Oak," and "God Save the King." .But all the children joined in the singing along with not a few of tho adults, especially in the song "God Bless the Prince of Wales." Before the Prince arrived the Renown band played patriotic airs well known to tho littip people, and they joined in tbo refrains! , A Memorable Sight. On the ground, and in position, tho children gave- themselves up to sheer delight and delicious For.sheer joyousness,' as/it .appeared, they _ would break into and tho cheering reechoed round the bnildings oM spread over the ground like waves. The sight of thousands of waving flags was not less charming effective- than the soft-toned cries ofj gladness, for this was the roftl intent of'the cheers at this time.

At length the Prince did come, and then the enthusiasm of the little people was properly loosed. The Prince was cheered from the moment that it became known that he had entered tho grounds, and whpn ho appeared in front of the .parade there was an outburst of welcoming crces such as it is given to few men to hear in their special honour. And' it was a sight which must have stirred the feelings of the Prince when he 6tood hefore the throng, seeing nearest to_ liim the children in an ecstasy of happiness, with their banners bearing mottoes for the day. Every school had its banner with its motto, and the display of these banners lent a carnival air to the. scene. Away beyond the parade of children tho Princ? could see from his point of vantage on top of -the dope of Parliament grounds,' tho packed crowds if people inside the grounds and in the streets within view, and from .every corr ner'of that crowd camo calls of greeting, with waving of handkerchiefs and flass.

Tho Prince arrived in the ground by motor, and left bis car at a litlte distance from the parade of children, no was welcomed on alishtintr from his car by the Minister of Education (Mr. 0. J. Parr) ancV th* chairman of tho Wellington Education Board (Mr. T. Forsvtti), and bv them escorted to meet the children. "From the time that he appeared before them ho belonged to them until ho left the ground. There were no sneeches and no other ceremonial at all. He was presented to the conductor of the choir (Mr. ft. Parker), and then ho went through tho ranks to get a near view of the people i\'ho will, everyon? hopes, one day bo his loyal subjects. And, of course, the children had a near view of him; -. , ■, A Friend to Children. The Prince ihas said already that the sight of crowds of children pleases him, and it is quite clear from his bearing among them that this is no mere polite exaggeration; While he passed through the ranks yesterday a little boy, waving his flag too vigorously, dropped it near to the Prince's feet. He could have re covered it. himself, but he was a very little chap, and the Prince picked up the flag and returned it to the surprised and delighted small boy. Another littlo laddie left the ranks and spoke to him, and the Prince bent down to hear the better what this eager stranger wanted to tell. Goin? away from the ground a tiny little child was hold up by its parent in cliaTge to get a view of the visitor, and as the Prince passed ho saw the mite, waving a tiny flag, quite near. He went forward and shook the outstretched hand. It was a very gentle action, loudly applauded by those who witnessed it. And tho .children love the Prince. o AFTER THE PARADE. . FEEDING THE MULTITUDE. Tho Prince having gone, tho parade of ohildren had to be dispersed in just as

ordorly fashion as it had been assembled, and the difficulties were greater because for tho time being all the exits lo the ground wero thronged by the moving thousands of grown-ups, They were moved away, however, and the formations were kept reasonably we.l until they reached the King's Wharf, where they wero to bo given lunch, livery child was given a modest ration of food and sweets, with an allowance also of ginger beer or lemonade. Later in the day tho children from a distance wore given a generous men!. It was a tremendous undertaking, and no amount of preparation would lwuo prevented a little con-' fusion. The truth was that there were more children than could be fed at one time, and delays could not bo avoided But in the end the children did all get fed, nnd this was no mean achievement For the success of tho undertaking the highest praise is due to those Indies wno had most to do with the organisation, Me.-damos L. 0. H. Tripp C. Earle, C. Richardson, and Laurensoii Miss Rothenberg, and members of tho Indies' Auxiliary of the Navy Lea-ue the girls branch of the league, tho executive of tho Navy League, and twenty members of the Wellesley Club. They were assisted by many .willing helpers mo hiding members of the Harbour Board stall. A very important part of the work fell upon the teachers, who still remained with the children and kept order among tho hungry high-spirited youngsters. The children had a most happy day. . .

PRINCE'S GRATIFICATION

AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER,

Before he left the ground the Prince of |!,ales expressed to Mr. T. Forsyth chairman of the Hducatioji Board his pleasure at tho splendid display of the children, and said that he desired t irough him, to thank the children for the splendid demonstration they had made in his honour, und to thank also thoso who had been' responsible for the organisation of it all. Tho Prince also requested that the children should be given a special holiday in honour of tho occasion.

the Minister of Education made a su"B fe?« to Prince <' hl 'o"Sli his Chief of Start, which was readily accepted. It was that' His Royal Highness mHit i ° n ?,.,l ut ?S ra Ph. letter to the children. This letter will bo published in in? simile in tho School Journal, and in this form is sure to be'treasured by ever/ child in the country, His Royal iiighness nlso expressed to Mr. Parr his deep and sincere appreciation of tho manner in which the children all over the North Island had welcomed him since his arrival.. The welcome.? had far surpassed anything he had expected, and he ,Jwil been deeply touched by them.

FEEDING THE CHILDREN

A BIG UNDERTAKING,

Immediately after tho children gave His Royal Highness a final cheer, they were quickly marshalled, and, headed by bands, the various groups inarched to tho. iung s Wharf, the oountry school children in the lead, and they were quickly served with imcheon In tho Pipitea Sailors' Unb tho children had the benefit of (ho seating accommodation provided for Ihe entertainment.of'the men of H.M.S. Renown, but those who wcro assigned to tho other sheds-majnly the town child-ren-received their supplies <it one door and. passed outside to enjoy their refreshments. Later in the afternoon tho children Monging to the country districts received miofher substantial meal before leaving for their homes. E<ich child received fl. substantial meat sandwich, two pieces of,cake, a bag of sweets, an apple, and n mug of ginger beer or lemonade. Preparations lor this involved considerable labour, and this can' readily be understood when it is stated that nearly a ton of sweets, SOO loaves, and 8001b. of butter and mcßt had to be dealt with, besides between 700 and SOO gallons of liquid refreshment. Somewhere in the neighbourhood of 12,000 children were given luncheon, nnd it would have beeu wonderful indeed if there had not been some confusion. There was some, but it was really nothing much, and 10 child suffered. The marshals, teachers, members of the Navy League, Ladies' Auxiliary and Girls' Branch of (he league; handled the little ones with the greatest success and with kindly consideration. To Mesdnmes L. 0. 11. Tripp, C. Enrle, C. Richardson, and Laurenson, Miss ftothenborg, the marshals, under Mr. AV. I'oster, the executive of the Children's Entertainment Committee, and tho many willing helpers, including members of the Wellington Harbour Board staff, the highest credit must be, given, for bv their efforts the children's happy day was made complete.

BOY SCOUTS INSPECTED

RECORD MUSTER AND A BRAVE SHOWING. Promptly at. 2.50 p.m. the. Prince Inspected the big parade of Boy Snouts drawn up on Glasgow Wharf. His Royal Highness, who was accompanied by Admiral Halsey and members of the staff, all in mufti, met Canon T, ]?. Taylor) Scout Commander for Wellington Province, and at once proceeded to inspect tho parade. The boys made a brave showing, representing as they did tho highest muster of Scouts- in the history of Wellington. Twenty-five Scout officers ivere in attendance, 'including District Commander W. Phillips, the second in command, besides the rank and file, comprising +5(1 boys and a small detachment of Girl Scouts from Lower Hutt, in charge of Miss Wilson, of Marton. But. for tho fact that the school children's inspection of the Renown,was taking"place nt the same time, the parade state would have been in the neighbourhood of 750 The. Prince was manifestly impressed wih tho fine showing of young New Zealand, and his arrival was the signal for n Maori haka, which the Scouts executed in fine style. His Roya! Highness then proceeded slowly down tho line, pausing every few moments to speak a few words of appreciation to the various Scoutmasters en Toute.

Tho inspection over, the parade gavo three resounding cheers, wnich the I'rinco gr.u\.-liilly neknuwledged, and with a final smile wended his way lo tho landing stage to join tile Janie Soddon, en routo to Petone.

The parade state of th» Scouts was as follows:—Congregational Troop, 1!>, Brooklvn, W; St. Andrew's, Id; Highland, !!»; Island Ha>, 17; T.M.C.A.', 34; Kolbum, 28; Lower Huh, «; Uataitai, 15J St. Peter's, M; Boys' Institute, 10; TJnitaiian, U; Upper Huti, !U; Wadestown, 15; St. Thomas's, 21; St. Paul's, 87; and' Lower Hutt Girl Scouts, 8. Two Scout bantls were in attendance in the shape of Rio Kpjburn Trumpet. Band and the Lower Hutt Drum Band. Piper W. Smith, of the Highland Scout Troop, was also present in full regalia.

"OUR DIGGER PRINCE"

ACCLAIMED BY RETURNED

SOLDIERS

LIFE PATRON OF N.Z.R.S.A.

PRESENTATION OF GOLD BADGE An interesting ceremony took place in tho Legislative Council Chamber yesterday at the conclusion of the review of school children, when His Royal Highness was elected life patron of the New Zealand Relumed Soldiers' Assoeiar'on and was presented with tho _ association's gold Imdge. Tlie function was impiessive, but it.was apparent ttliat His Royal Highness was Quite at home with his former "Digger comrades. The-e was an assemblage of about 100 returned soldiers, as well as a number of nurses, and the gathering was representative of each of the 00 returned soldiers' ' associations in tho Dominion. Major-General Sir Andrew Russell attended and was enthusiastically applauded as he took lr's sent. The Prime' Minister. (Rt. Hon. W. P. Massey) and members of Cabinet were present, as well as the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward and Brigadier-Qeneral G. ,S. Richardson.' 'The chamber was nicely decorated for tlte occasion, and as His Royal Highness entered, accompanied by BearAdmiral Sir Lionel Halsey and Sir William Eraser, the gathering rose and cheered the Prince vigorously. Honourable Service Overseas. After jthe Prince had taken the' Sneaker's chair, Dr. E. Boxer, president of tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, said:— Your Royal Highness, I desire to express on behalf of (he 60,000. members of the New Zealand Returned

Soldiers' Association, both pakeha and Maori, their very great and personal

pleasure in this your first visit to them in their own land. We welcome the fact that it has pleased His Majesty the King to send his

heir to see and to know for himself this land and this people who un-

stintingly sent its manhood to defend the honour of the Homeland and of the King. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association is composed entirely of ex-soldiers who

have already in the stress and strain of battle given ample proof of their loyalty to His Majesty the King, to

.yourself,'-and to the Empire. It is therefore unnecessary for, us to reafflnu our loyalty—that is a tiling t/> be taken as already proven by deeds, not words, Your Royal Highness, the basis of membership of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association lies in this—that a man shall have honourably served his King and countrj overseas during the Great War. You have so served, and the association will be Ri'eatly honoured if you will become one of its members; (Prolonged cheers.) As you first set foot in our country at tho city of Auckland I invite you on behalf of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association to become a member of that association, nnd on behalf of all the members of the sixty returned soldiers' associations throughout New. Zealand, I beg of you to'accept this' golden badse of life membership, which carries with it the office of patron of tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association.

Your Royal Highness, I desire to say that when in the fullness of time you ascend the Throne of Empire, yon will i'nd that it. has been our care

and pride to train up our own little' sons of to-day in the knowledge of thc-ir privileges, their responsibilities, and their duties as citizens of the Empire, and we confidentially believe that .you will find that if anil when days of stress come, they, our sons, being then men, will abide by you and your cause with as uiMwervin? loyalty <is we trust that we ourselves, in this our own day and generniion, lure done under the Sovereignty of flis Majesty the King.

Amid ringing cheers, Dr. Boxer then pinned on the right lapel of the Prince's coat the gold badge of membership of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association.

I)r. Boxer nlso handed to Ilis Royal Highness a handsome casket in which to keep the badge. The casket was of solid silver, with polished grcenstono panels, and the front was surmounted with the Prince of Wales's feathers in gold. On the lid were silver ferns, enclosing. a miniature gold badge of the association. His Royal Highness Replies. This portion of the ceremony complete, the Prince made the following rep\y'— "Mr. President and Gentlemen,—l very much appreciate ' your 'haying asked me to become a member of tho Returned Soldiers' Association. I am'

delighted to do so, and I should like to bike this opportunity of thanking all the members of th« branches throughout New Zealand—at any rato, the .North Island, anil I am sure it will ho the same in the South Island— who have come, many of them u very long way, to sec me. One of tho tilings of my tour I have enjoyed more than anything else is seeing men of the New Zealand Division, and lhoso who have served in other formations of His Majesty's Forces. I offer my fullest sympathy to all returned men who have had the bad luck to he incapacitated. 1 have been to several of your hospitals, nml havo been glad to'seo that every care is taken of disabled men. I thank you all for the kind way you have received me." (Loud cheers,)

Mr. W. Perry, chairman of the 'Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, then- culled for "three cheers for the Digger Prince." "lie is a Digger amongst Diggers," declared Mr. Perry. The cheers were enthusiastically given, and His Koyal Highness then shook hands with all returned soldiers present. As he left lie was again heartily cheered.