PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

HONOLULU’S WELCOME,

(By Electric Telegraph—CoDyrigh*.

(Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) HONOLULU, April 14. •The Prince of Wales enjoyed the unique experience of the ancient Hawaiian courtesy, on arriving this morning, when aeroplanes flying low, dropped 1 wreaths of flowers on the deck of the Renown. The custom of placing these wreaths round the necks of visitors on landing in Honolulu is well known to all travellers, but this was the first time aeroplanes have been used for the purpose, of this most primitive native ceremony, expressive of friendship. This was carried out by means of the later scientific invention in welcoming the Prince. The - American cruiser Birmingham, with fourteen destroyers, escorted the Renown to the anchorage. The Governor of Honolulu (Hon. C. J. McCarthy) with his staff, and also RearAdmiral) Btary Wiley, commanding the American Navy forces, Major-Gen-eral 0. J. Morton, commanding the military forces, John.H. Wilson (Mayor) M. Fnruya (Japanese Consul General)

boarded the Renown and were received by the Prince. A special messenger brought wreaths for the Prince from Princess Kalanianaola, wife of Prince Ivuhio, who represents Hawaii in 'Congress at Washington, and Princess Kawanakoa. These two Princesses are (both members of the old Boyal dynasty of Hawaii. The Prince has experienced many warm receptions since leaving Portsmouth, but none were so steeped in quaint local colour. The old time chann of the politeness of Ameiican civilisation, super-imposed since 1898 •on the original Hawaiian culture, has produced many strange contrasts, which tills morning’s experience of seeing wreaths dropped from aeroplanes, is

only one instance. [Landing by launch at the jetty, the Prince, accompanied by his staff, inspected British and American war veterans, including a number of military nurses wearing their war ribbons. The Prince also inspected an American guard of honour, composed of national guard. He received a welcome from British Club, the ceremony entitled “Hookupu” or “G\iit” being then performed on the wharf, when two/ leading Hawaiians, tSbnator Charfe Chill ingworth and John C. Lane, formerly Mayor, welcomed the Prince placing round his neck three magnificent leis or wreaths of' Ilima, / the Hawaiian royal flowers, and carnations and stepsenites. They also presented him with a gold mounted walking stick, with calabash one hundred years old, containing native fruits. These gifts were borne by two Hawaiian youths wearing gorgeous capes, made from the feathers of Hawaiian birds now extinct, which formerly were the exclusive prerogative of the Hawaiian King to wear. There was a certain ,pathos in this spectacle, as these two graceful Hawaiians, both men of commanding physique and exquisite manners, invested with the floral insignia of affection, the young Prince from distant Britain, which has so many ties of historic friendship with Hawaii, institutions of monarchy, held in affectionate remembrance by Hawaii though now lost to them, while they themselves as a race seem destined not for long to survive their departed ruling dynasty. The Prince smiling and flushing, allowed himself to lie wreathed in the flowers, which were, as speedily as possible, transferred to Aides to carry. The population of Honolulu tjirnod out in strong force to cheer the Prince as he drove to the Island palace. On his return, calls were made on the Governor, Admiral and General cp^^zalining troops. The Prince expressed surprise at the beauty of the Throne room in lolan palace, formerly the home of Hawaiian monarchs. He inspected nlimerous portraits of the Kamehamehamea dynasty hanging ou the. walls. A great concourse of people assembled outside the palace, and acclaimed - itlip Prince, while a battery in the grounds fired a salute of-, twenty one guns. The Prince is the first member of the British Royal Family to visit Hawaii since the Duke of Edinburgh in .1858. The (islands have made great strides in recent years but yet are not free! from industrial troubles, which plague the whole world. A largo strike of Japanese demanding one dollar twenty-five cents daily, instead of soventy five Eight thousand striking on Va.hu Island, were supported by "compatriots remaining at work n+iion Tolnnds of the group.

The Prince enjoyed a short motor drive through the beautiful island scenery. He entertained officials at.luncheon on the Renown, afterwards visiting the mission pageant celebration of the centenary of American mission work in the islands. .