PRINCE OF WALES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 209, 29 May 1920, Page 7

PRINCE OF WALES

• -♦ FIRST FORMAL SPEECH IN MELBOURNE TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIA'S WAR SERVICES (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, May 28. The Princ« made his first formal speech at the official dinner at Parliament House, which was a brilliant function. The Prince paid a warm tribute to Australia's part in the war, including that of the women. His Royal Highness said it was fitting that the Australian ship Anzac should have brought him to Melbourne. He was impressed by his passage through the Australian fleet, which was a splendid example of tho forethought and enterprise of the Australian people, who must feel-' proud of their navy, realising what an' important part it had played in the war. Referring to Australia's responsibilities, the Prince said she had won her spurs in war, and-taken her place in the Council of Nations, and had become a. mandatory. Power, , responsible for the well-being and protection of a large uncivilised population in <i lato German possession. He was proud that 6he had Undertaken this responsibility. The people's welcome had touched him most deeply; never would ho forget the friendly greetings and tho magnificence of arrangements. Ho did not as a rule move about with such pomp and ceremony, and he would feel -uncomfortable if that were the only mothod they wero going to allow him to travel about tho country. He already knew the Australians through the war, and needed no further introductions to make them regard him as one of themselves.

The whole proceedings, including the speeches of welcome by Mr. Hughes and Mr. Tudor, were marked by the greatest, enthusiasm.—Press Assn.. INSPECTIofoT[HE FLEET SPECTACLE SPOILT BY THICK FOG. (Rec. May 29, 1.15 a.m.) Melbourne, May 28. The Prince, on flic destroyer Franklin, inspected (lie Fleet. The review, from the j>oint of view of the assembled crowds on shore, was a failure, as owing to thick fog only dim outlines of the vessels wero visible. The weather is now bitterly cold, with" thick white frost. The fog affeetcxl the Prince, wlio was troubled with a deep coiigh.

Moufital police- havo been' dispensed with in'connection with the visit, as His Royal Highness considers tho people might be injured by the horses among the crowd. At the Exhibition Huildiiu? this afternoon a people's reception was held, the Prince being greeted by fourteen thousand—Press Assn.