PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1920, Page 1

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

CBy Electric Telegraph—Copyright.; ARRIVES AT SAN DIEGO. SAN FRANCISCO, April 7. Tho Renown lias arrived at San Diego. Tlia American Fleet saluted and cheered and seaplanes flew overhead. Tlie Prince received Admiral Wiliams aiid others, and returned the Visits to) tlie flagship New Mexico, where a luncheon on the Prince’s honour was given. Tlie Prince addressed 5000 persons through an amplifier megaphone in an outdoor auditorium.

GREAT NAVAL. RECEPTION. (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, April 7. A squadron of eight American naval seaplanes, flying in a formation of a flock of wild ducks came out of the morning mist to greet H.AI.S. Renown off San Diego to-day. Far ahead, a flotilla of six destroyers swept down, parting into two lines, and took positions three on each side of the battle bruiser. Next came fourteen military airplanes manoeuvring with beautiful precision directly overhead. It was a most impressive, dramatic reception. The Prince was on the bridge of the Renown at an early hour, and was mini wisely interested and pleased. Tlie Renown saluted tlio American

flag by gun fire and the shore batteries replied. ■San Diego is an important destroyer and aircraft base of the American Pacific Fleet, which is represented by the flagship New Mexico, Admiral Wells is base commandant and Vice Admiral, Williams, acting Commander-in-Oh’ef of the Pacific Fleet. Captain Willard of the New Mexico, boarded the Renown and was received by the Prince and staff, who after-

wards returned the call and luncli; 1 on the Now Mexico. The Prince made an official landing in San Diego in flip afternoon, and received a tumultuous welcome from a gathering of yitizens, Hon. William Stephens, Governor of California, and Mr Wilde, mayor of San Diego, leading tho proceedings. Gathered near the ietty were 75 Bri-

tish war veterans who were domiciled in California, and who rushed to rile Canadian soldiers and two Australians, war a.t tho outbreak, abandoning ’.heir acquired American nationality; a'so a number of Canadian soldi ;rs and two Australian veterans of former British wars, were also present, including one from Indian mutiny. The Prince on landing, shook hands with the veterans amidst seen is of intense enthusiasm. There was a procession of motors to an immense stadium resembling a Roman Colisseum holding fifty thousand. Governor Stephens, Mayor Wilde and other officials welcomed the Prince, who replied through an electrically operat'd megaphone termed “Maga . ox”, mak- / ing every word audible to the whole audience. The Prince expressed thanks 'for the most welcome. San Diego was the first part of the Ameritna West, he had visited and he was

very proud, to be greeted and escorted by destroyers and aeroplanes. He was delighted with California, and especially interested in meeting so many British war veterans. Carnegie Ross, Consul General at San Francisco, G. D. Gerard, Consul at San Diego and Commodore Charlton, British Naval Attache, took a prominent part in the welcoming proceedings.

THE COAST ITINERARY. WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prince of Wales’ itinerary shows that he will arrive at Picton on May 10th at 8.15 a.m., and leave at 8.30; arrive at Blenheim at 9.15, and leave at 10.15; arrive at Havelock at 11.45, and leave at noon. Arrive at Nelson at 3.30 p.m., and leave next morning at 0 o’clock. Arrive Glenliope at 11.30 a.m., and leave at 11.45, arriving at Murchison at 1.15 p.m., and to arrive at Rcefton at 5 p.m.

He will leave next morning (the I.2th) at 8 a.m.; arrive at Westport at 11 a.m., and leave at 11.45. Ho will leave Reefton again at 3.30 p.m., and arrive at Hokitika at 6.30 p.rnj. Leave next morning at 9.30 a.m., and arrive at Greymouth at 10.30 a.m. | and leave at noon for Otirn, reaching Christchurch at 7.15 p.m. on the 13th.