PRINCE IN DUNEDIN

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 201, 20 May 1920, Page 6

PRINCE IN DUNEDIN

CHILDREN'S DEMONSTRATION

ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNGSTERS GREET FUTURE KING

BIG MILITARY REVIEW By Telegraph—Press Association, Dunedin, May 10. For tho time of year tho weather throughout the Boyal visit to Ntw Zealand has been remarkably fine in each district a 9 it was traversed. With only a couple of days to go to complete the journey it may be remarked that only on one day has the weather, been really wet. That was the principal day of the Ttotorud visit, which was marked ry torrential rain. Last Friday Christchurch provided a little rain in the fo-ienoon, but not enough to spoil the afternoon's programme for the children. Since then tho elements have been very kindly disposed, though early this morning a sharp shower threatened to damp not only tho ground but the proceedings at Trhuna Park showground, where a ci-ildren'o demonstration-was scheduled to bo held. The sun soon appeared, however, and drove the weeping clouds awnv so that by the time the Prince at the ground everything was bathed tli brightness, _ though a light southerly breeze sent its chilly breath across- the parade. The young people, however,, cared not for this. Their blood coursed i'reoly thiough their veins, their hearts were warm with regard for the visitor about to come to them, and their ninds were engrossed in the business cf giving him a welcome befitting the occasion. This they, did in a manner so spontaneously hearty that His Royal Highness cculd not havo any doubt as to the loyalty and good will of those who, in the fullness of time, will be his subjects and tako their part in carrying on tlie affairs.of the country arid Empire. The whole display of marching, saluting, singing, and flag-waving (always a pretty sight in the mass) could not fail to stir the heart of every beholder. Seven thousand five hundred school children gathered at the park to welcome the Prc'nce. Dv.ring the proceedings two girls., on behalf of the children of Otago, presented the Prince with an inkstand cf Mew Zealand woods, greenstone, and silver, and also an album of views of tlie city. An incident characteristic of Prince Edward was witnessed just before the oloso of his inspection of the children. He had passed alon« the lines c-f little ones, and looking back his > qu;ck eye' caught sight of a uniformed rgiire standing quietly to attention among his youthful charges in the rear. His R,.yal Highness at once made his .lay through the clustering, delighted youngsters to - the spot where a soldier-teacher, (an officer who won the Military Cross) stood, and nsked: "Didn't I see you somewhere in France?" . The Prince's memory for faces was once more proved to be good. 'Ho had seen the officer in France, andthey spent a few moments in reminiscent conversation, while the crowd, quickly grasping the significance of tho -little episode, cheered and cheered again. An Army chaplain was similarly recognised a few moments later. The afternoon was. largely spent fit a review of troops, Cadets, returned soldiers, and nurses and veterans of fc-nnor wars. This took place in bright, sunny weather on the Forbury Park botting course, and was witnessed by a crowd that filled the stands »nd spread m er the adjacent paddock and a* considerable portion of the course. The Prince pinned several decorations on the Ireasts of gallant mien. The proceedings generally were tho same as ;n other places. Many of the crowd, whose position did not enable them to see tlio star attraction, turned their attention _to "barracking" nnyone whom they considered an impediment to their vision. They got a good deal of enjoyment out of these little attentions, but it was noticeable that the objects of their more or less witty sallies found an early opportunitv to retreat to less conspicuous positions, A imost amusing diversion was caused by a haro that got among the troops on parade. The ranks generally 6tood steady, but tho sporting instinct was too strong for seme of the supernumeraries, who mado several ineffectual efforts to secure a kill or at least a catch. r i ho hare r -'on every time, though, and the crowd laughed heartily at the would-be ciursers' dis- : coinfiture. The review over, the Prince went to Carisbrook Park for some minutes to watch thg P'ay in the Rugby foe (ball match, Otago versus Returned Soldiers. The latter won easily. One man, Valintine, playing wing three-quarter, scored no fewer than five tries. The soldiers' win was popular, and the Prince by ''irtuo of his status as a "Digger'' was waimly cheered by the players and ll.e crowd. The Dunedin programme, was completed to-night by a, ball given by the Oversens Club and other local. institutions. The Art Gallery again.presented a bri!iliant spectacle. Tho Prince attended for some time, his appearauco being hailed with wild enthusiasm. To-morrow at 10 o'clock tho Royal train will leave for- Invercargill. CARGO OF OIIW THE RENOWN Sydney, May 19. The steamer British Light brought -a cargo of oil worth £100,000 for H.M.S. Renown.—Press Assh. SYDNEY CITY COUNcTILQRS IGNORED j ■ Sydney, May. 19. The City Counoil has passed a resolution protesting against rhe a'tion of the I committee controlling the welcome to the Prince of Wales in ignoring the councillors by eliminating them from their proper place in the Pu.yal proccsI sion.—Press Assn. i PRINCE'S TRIBUTETO THE PRESS By Telegraph—Press Association. D«nedin, May 19. Sir George Fenwick, chairman of the New Zealand-branch of the Empire Press Union, has received the following letter' from-Lieutenant-Colonel Grigg, secretary to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales:—"Sir—l am directed by the Prince of Wales to convey to you his sincere thanks for the-loyal address presented to him on behalf of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union. No one realises more fully than His Royal Highness the great importance of tho work of the Press in maintaining the best understanding between all parts of the Empire, and he wishes the union all possible prosperity and success. He is grateful for your good wishes, and will be happy to convey your assurances of devotion to His Majesty the King. His Royal Highness also wishes me to convey through you, as chairman of tho New Zealand branch of tho Empire Press Union, his sincere appreciation of the manner in which the Press of New Zealand has shared in the wonderful welcome oxtended to him throughout the Dominion. He knowß that his rapid movements through the country havo entailed much extra care and labour to all those who are concerned in the writing and production of the daily newspopers, and ho would like to thank the editors and all their staffs for the trouble which they have taken to assist in making his movements known, thus helping him to nx-et the largest possible numbers of his New Zealand kith and kin. He has been very pleased to recognise in the Press of New Zealand a close counterpart to tho Press of the OKI Country, and ho wishes it in the future sound influence and weH-do-served prosperity."