THE PRINCE'S TOUR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 207, 27 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE'S TOUR

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME AT

MELBOURNE

IMMENSE CROWDS DISPLAY EXUBERANT LOYALTY

LANDING DELAYED BY DENSE FOG (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, May 26. The Renown made the last part of her journey in fine weather, and at reduced speed in order not to break schedule time. Crowds on all the vantage points on tho foreshores had been gathering since early in tho morning, and some had kopt an all-night vigil.—Press Assn. (Rec. May 20, 7.20 p.m.) Melbourne, May 26. A heavy fog interfered with the Renown proceeding up tho bay to her moorings, delaying arrangements for the landing—Press Assn. RENOWN PREVENTED ENTERING HARBOUR. (Rec. May 2G, 7.45 p.m.) Melbourne, May 20. Tho fog, the densest for years, which descended on the city and bay during the night and enshrouded the whole landscape, seriously interfered with the arrangements for the Prince's arrival. The Renown arrived on time, to find the Heads smothered in mist, which delayed the vessel's entrance. Anticipatory reports which jvere circulated m the city to the effect that she entered on schedule time proved to bb premature. Instead of entering, she stood of! awaiting the clearing of tho foR before negotiating the-narrow channel. Meantime, destroyers had proceeded down the bay to escort the varsliip, and aeroplanes were aloft, but- tailed to locate her through thfc dense mist. As the fog showed Httuvfilßnsof clearing, and there wore of lengthy delay before the Renowi. would be able to come ithrough, th& Naval authorities arranged to transfer !the Prince to a destroyer.

At a -later hour it was reported thatthe P_rinco : had been transferred To the : destroyer -'Anzuc. which was speeding yp We bay to finable the Prince to arrive 'in time to ■ carry out the delayed programme.—Press Assn.

MANY 'CEREMONIES .'DISPENSED WITH TO ENABLE 'PROCESSION TO BE CAMMED OUT. (Eec. May 26, 0.25 p.m.) Melbourne, May 2G. ; As the day wore on the fog'in tho ■city grew thinner. There was a long, tiresome wait for the expectant crowds, which,'despito the damp, depressing atmosphere, steadily increased to ; hugo dimensions. They .received a promise of "reward at the-sound of guns booming a 'Royal salute as tho Anwio passed the anchored warships, announcing tho coming of tho Prince. The destroyer reached 'Port 'Melbourno pier shortly after 3 p;m. Tho Prince-immediately boarded tho steamer Hygeia and proceeded to 'tho landing-place at St. Kilda, which was reached shortly before 4 o'clock. 90 minutes behind schedule time. Owing to .the: lateness of the hour, and to-enable tho procession through tho streets to ho carried out, most of' the ceremonial arrangements for the official landing were cut out. The procession commenced without deky. The authorities and the public generally were greatly disappointed at the scurvy trick the fog played them. It spoiled not only the anticipated progress of'the Royal ship up tho 'harbour, but "robbed the whole of 'much of tho official setting and sparkle. In spite of their disappointment and uncomfortable conditions, tho people accepted tho position philosophically and', with good humour.—Press Assn.

■ROUTE LINED BY SURGING MASS STREETS EFFECTIVELY . DECORATED. (Rec. May 26, 10!20 p.m.) Melbourne, May 26. By "the time the procession had started, the'sun hod gained ascendancy over the, mist, and the people made light of the long, weary vigil in -the excitement of trying to catch a glimpso of tho Prince. Many had been waiting patiently from early 'morning, sinco when a continuous procession of trains, trams, and every available class of vehicle had been pouring in a human stream. The routo throughout was lined by 'a surging mass of humanity, and windows, balconies, housetops, and every available point of vantage was occupied. It is roughly estimated that something like a million peoplo viewed the procession. The streets-were festooned with-greenery, and. the buildings were lavishly decorated! with bunting, emblematio designs, and loyal greetings. The result was most effective. From start to finish the procession was marked by intense enthusiasm and -exuberant loyalty, the crowds fervidly oheering and gesticulating. The. Prince showed the keenest interest and pleasure in tho reception accorded him, ■and had-eyes for everything, and ho read-, ily responded to Hhe frequent greetings as his 'carriage slowly made its way to Federal 'Government iHouse.—Press Assn.

PRINGE?S APPRECIATIVE INTEREST

•WINS HEARTS OF PEOPLE. (Rec. May 27, 1.5 a.m.) Melbourne, '.May 26. When the fog lifted sufficiently the Renown entered the Heads and steamed to an ancborage. In view of the delay 'tlie' civic welcome was cut short, the Mayor's address and tine Prince's reply taking only a few minutes. The Prince's ready acceptance Of 'the altered arrangements resulting from the delay and his appreciative interest in the proceedings won'| tho hearts of the people and deepened the excellent impression the reports if his doings in New Zealand hod created. 'The streets were again thronged tonight 'by crowds viewing the illuminations of the buildings and the warships in the harbour.—Press Assn.

;: TRAMWAYMEN'S DEMANDS /DOUBLE PAY GRANTED IN ■MELBOURNE. Melbourne, May %. Tiie •ttamwaymen 'are to receive double pay on the day the Prince arrives, and other increases for the remaining twelve days. , The crow of the landing vessel demanded double pay, and the demand was granted last night, under instructions from the Commonwealth Government. Indications point to n carnival time. The iveallter -chart is .favourable.—Press Aissn. ' , r ... Sydney, May 20. The Railway Commissioners refused to receive a'deputation-from the tramwaymen, who arc asking for double :puy during, the Prince's visit. A mass meeting of tho men will be held on luesday to consider the refusal-.—Press Assn. (Kcc. May'2C,'9.2s ii:m.) Sydney, May 26. A meeting representing twelve thou-, sand railway 'and tramway employees decided to enforce do'ublo pay during the Prince's visit.—Press Assn.