PRINCE OP WALES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1920, Page 2

PRINCE OP WALES

QUESTION OF ROUTE

(By Electric ’lelegropn LONDON, Jan. 12. • The arrangements for the tour of the Prince of Wales are practically completed, and an official announcement of the date of sailing, the route, his staff, and the duration of his tour is expected to be made shortly. A difficulty has arisen regarding the voyage through the Panama Canal, which it is desired to make the outward route. The Admiralty thinks that it is questionable whether the Renown s oil fuel capacity will permit of the long Pacific journey without awkward delays in replenishing. Rear-Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey will consult the Admiralty hydrographers to-morrow. The Panama route is regarded as preferable, because Suez is unsuitable for a vessel of the Renown’s dimensions. Officials desire that the Cape should be avoided in order not to create a jealous demand for an official visit on the outward or homeward voyage. A South African tour is contemplated in the middle of 1921 if the Indian ceremonies are ended by that time. The Prince feels that a seven months Australasian voyage will mean a crowded life, and he wishes to spend every possible minute in makingthe acquaintance of the peoples of Australia and New Zealand.

PREPARATIONS IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, Jan. 21.

The Melbourne City Council hag set, aside £IO,OOO to be spent on the enter- j tainment of the Prince of Wales when he arrives in that city. Similarly ela- | borate preparations are being made by j the Federal Government. When some of the other City Councils and the State | Governments begin to make appropriations for the same purpose, there may be interesting developments. Australian Bumbledom is permeated with, men whose boast is that ‘‘they are up agains t the English aristocracy.” There, is a solid Labour phalanx in the Sydney City Council, and there will be a fine howl if it is proposed to spend anything like £IO,OOO on the reception of the Prince in Sydney. A score of Labour demagogues will arise to point out what might be done with the £IO,OOO in Sydney’s slums.

It is proposed to permit the Prince a very close look at Australia. The Federal Government already, has commenced the organisation of a tour which will embrace the back country as .well as the capital cities. It is proposed to show him something of tlie desert, and of the far-out station life.” The organisation of special trains, special conveyances, and hotel accommodation for a large party is expected to prove a task of several weeks’ duration.

Although there are some pronounced anti-British and anti-aristocracy elements in this country, the Prince is assured of a warm welcome. His unaffected boyishness made him a favourite with the Australian soldiers, and through them he has found his way already to the hearts of the Australian people. He will be rushed by the wealthier classes, of course, and if reasonable tact is observed, tlieje will be no difficulty with the masses. Queensland will provide the greatest problem. There is an extremist Premier and an extremist Lieutenant-Governor in office there non’.

The occasion has stirred the imagination of the prohibitionists,#ami it wns seriously suggested that the Prince’s visit he marked by Ike abolition of liquor from all officiul functions. The idea caused a good deal,of amusement, and was finally laughed right out ot court—although the prohibitionists continue vigorously -to canvass the proposal. DETAILS COMPLETED. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jan- 28. All arrangements have been completed in London for tlie Prince ot Wales’ tour. The authorities are awaiting Australian confirmation before issuing the details.