THE PRINCE'S TOUR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 208, 28 May 1920, Page 7

THE PRINCE'S TOUR

MELBOURNE'S SPONTANEOUS WELCOME MORE APPRECIATED THAN CEREMONIES CIVIC RECEPTION SPEECHES TAKEN AS READ (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyrißht Melbourne, May 27. After tho procession yesterday tho Prince attended tho Governor-General's ball nt Government House, whero there was a brilliant assemblage.

Though the ecrenionies at tho landing wero shortoned and shorn of a good deal of cereraonv owing to tho delayed arrival, the great outest of cheenpg and tho wild enthusiasm of tho pocked multitude gathered round the fet JUlda Pier probably was more appreciated by the Prince'than the more elaborate procedure. His Royal Highness showed a lively appreciation of tho great and spontaneous welcome which greeted him on first sotting foot on Australian soil. The routo of the procession was lined with soldiers and sailors, who during tho long wait found considerable dilhcultv in keeping the impatient crowds in chock and clearing a way for the procession as it passed. The jam was so great that many women fainted.

Civic Reception Shortened. Arrangements had been mado for a civio recoption in the Town Hall, where t|ioro was a great gathering, but at the Prince's suggestion the Lord Mayors address and the Prince's reply were taken as read. The Prince, in handing his reply to the Lord Mayor with a, few words of thanks for the cityS splendid reception,' said: "You don't mind if I don't read it, do you? I will see you again, won't IP" During tho progress of the reception tho returned soldiers made many demands oh the Prince's attention, which ho readily accorded. One soldier insisted on a handshake, and when the- Pnnco tendered his left hand the soldier demanded the right, which the Prince laughingly conceded. When Collins Street was reached tho measured'tread of the procession was abandoned, and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pace, bpecial provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans.

The Landing in Australian Warship. For tho loss of tho spectacular effect thq entrance of tho Renown in clear weather would have provided, the people ■condole themselves by the fact that tho Prince landed in Australia in one ot Australia's own warships. This consolation made up for ft good deal of the public disappointment. The Eenowp missed getting inside in schedule time by a near margin. . She held clear .weather till the entrance was approached. and was arriving in good time, when the fog svopt down. For soma hours it looked as if the day's programme would be spoiled. After it was arranged that the Prince should be taken aboard the Anzac. tho destroyer had considerable difficulty in discovering tho warship owing to tho density of "the fog. The Princo was informed, that great crowds were waiting the procession, and lie heartily concurred in, and assisted in, pushing the arrangements to get to ht. Hilda in time to save tho waiting people rem homg digappo nted. The mist had SdoraMy cleared tho tay by thte time the Ansae started for the> city enabline het to make a fast run, thus 6avlng the situation.

Brilliant Illuminations. Tho city at night surpassed all previous efforts in the way of illumination. Public and private buildings were brilliantly outlined, and tho streets were ablaze with coloured lights and designs. The warships and other vessels m Harbour provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the. day made amends for the misty morning, and the night wag fine. ■ Dense, admiring crowds paraded the streets till? early morn M, showing an exuberance of spirit which, towards the close, here and there deve 1, oped into horsorplay and practical jokes. r-Preas Assn. LEVEE ANFIVESTITURE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT'S AD- .- P DRESSES OF WELCOME. (Rec. May 28, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, May 27. The Prince's levee and investiture at Government House this, morning was crowded, the Prince shaking hands with two thousand people. Ho made a short speech, returning thanks for the addresses of welcome.. Addresses from the House of Representatives and the Senate were presented to-night, expressing welcome to His Roya? Highness, not only as the future Sovereign, 'but as one who was held in esteem by Australian soldiers as a comrade on the-field.-Press Assn. PRIVY COUNCIL MEETING OHIEF JUSTICKKNOX SWORN IN. (Rec. May 27, 11 p.m.) Melbourne, May 27. A meeting of thq Privy Council. at Government Hoiise at which the Prince presided, the Chief Justice, the Hon Adrian Knox, was sworn in as a lmy Councillor-Press Assn.

MESSAGE FROM THE KING CR.ec. May 27, 11 p.m.) Melbourne, May 27. The King, in rosponso to a message from the Governor-General, has sent a message expressing delight at his sons reception.—Press Assn. THE VISIT TO INDIA PRINCE DESIREfTrHAT RENOWN BE RECOMMISSIONED. (Rec. May 27, 11 p.m.) Melbourne, May 27. It is Officially stated, that it is the express desire of the Pnncq that the Renown shall he reconimissioncd for the visit to India.—Press Assn.