AN INCIDENT IN THE PRINCE'S VISIT TO DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume VIII, Issue 526, 1 June 1869, Page 3

AN INCIDENT IN THE PRINCE'S VISIT TO DUNEDIN.

(From the Bnux Herald.) Our reporter writes that among the competitors who entered for the late Caledonian Games in Dunedin, was Mr Hugh Brown, fanner, North East Valley, a younger brother of John Brown, the Qiieeu'sgillie,ahandsomepleasantfeatured Balmoral Highlander, who appeared in Highland costume as a competitor — more to encourage the sports of his native country, than for any monetary advantage to be gained as a prize-taker. Having been advised of Hugh Brown's relationship to her Majesty's favorite attendant previous to the Prince's arrival upon the grounds our reporter was curious to observe if the Duke would recognise in one of the competitors, the Highland bare-legged and towsie-haired laddie he used to meet in his father's cot tage during his royal mother's favorite rambles, unattended save by "Aftie" or others of her children, among the peasantry around Balmoral on errands of benevolence, it might be, or to enjoy a friendly crack with the Highland matrons of the district, in whose families' interests her Majesty showed much concern, and even yet continues to manifest a lively interest, as evinced by the fact that immediately on being published, a copy of her work was sent here to Hugh Brown, by whom it was welcomed as a token of esteem from the hands of royalty, to be treasured more than its weight in gold, and to be handed down to posterity as an heirloom to be reverenced in this far off" Britain of the south, long after Victoria's remains shall have been placed side by side with her late devoted consort Albert. The Prince held just arrived on the Caledonian Society's Grounds, and sat within the portion of the grand stand which had been so handsomely fitted up for the reception of himself and suite, when the Highland-fling was announced. Brown then crossed over to the side tent where the entries had to be made, and as he did so, I could observe from my chosen point of observation, that the Duke had recognised him, by the sudden gleam of satisfaction which lit up his whole countenance. Brown was the second competitor, and as he mounted the platform the Prince turned to his Excellency the Governor, and informed him of his former knowledge of the dancer and his parents' family ; he then motioned to his Worship the Mayor, of whom he made enquiries which confirmed his first impressions of Brown's identity. The Prinqe then sent instructions by the Mayor, of his wish to have an interview with him before leaving the grounds ; and as Brown performed his dance, I could observe the Prince's foot beating time to the music, although he did not do so during any of the previous or succeeding dances ; — this small circumstance may probably have been unobserved by the Prince himself, but to my mind it conveyed a pleasant symptom of the inward satisfaction afforded by the sight of probably the only known face observed in the colony during his visit, at all" events the only one occupying a similar position in society — as one of the crowd. The Prince shortly afterwards left the grand stand for the marquee provided for him on the grounds. He then at once sent for Brown, who met with a reception very different from that afforded our Otago celebrities at the levee on the early part of the day, where a return bow from royalty, at a distance of some six yards, was considered an honor never to be forgotten. The Prince advanced smilingly as Brown entered the tent, and gave him a most cordial shake of the hand, just as you or I would a friend we had not seen for years, and had thus unexpectedly met, and I could see the Prince's happy smile from the distance at which I stood in front of the tent. The fullest enquiries were made by the Duke in the most kindly manner as to his position and prospects. The Prince referred to his young and happy days spent at Balmoral, and informed him of his parents' and brothers' continued welfare, and the increased appreciation of their services by her Majesty. On being informed of the fact, he expressed satisfaction at the Queen's having sent him a copy of her book ; and, promising faithfully to report the interview he had enjoyed to her Majesty, he again shook hands as he bade him an affectionate farewell, wishing him every success in theJand of his adoption.