PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

A USTIIAI.IAN A’ N.Z. PABI.E ASSOCIATION! DELAY RESULTS. WELLINGTON, This Day. Wellington seems likely to be the chief sufferer by, the alteration of the Prince’s programme. Rain and wind are playing havoc with the decorations, and the greenery will be faded befoie the arrival. The catering for halls and children will he much embarrassed and much of the provisions prepared will he spoiled. H.M.'S. RENOWN. AUCKLAND, May 3rd. H.M.S. Renown left for Wellington at seven this morning. THE ROYAIL TOUR. HAWERA, May 3rd.

After the royal train left Te Kui'i the clouds began to settle down and the moon which earlier in tlie evening had been shining brightly now became a watery blot in the eastern sky. At various small stations tile train slowed down, so that ns it passed, the school children collected on platforms might give the Prince a cheer. Taumaruntii was reached at 9.20. and in spite of tho late hour and short notice the people had had of the actual time of the Prince’s arrival, the demonstration was one that did the place great credit indeed. A special stand had been erected outside the station and a. c overed passage led to this, the whole erection being decorated with' ferns njkau and other greenery, and with flags and red white and blue drnptngs. Between seven and eight hundred school children niclutfiug -some from the smaller schools of district were drawn up in front of the stand and -behind these on three sides were pro bp hi v fifteen hundred adults. As the. Prince appeared the band struck up “God Save the King” and his Highness walked down between two vayks of returned soldiers lining the covered way to the main stand. Arrived there, Mayor Stedmau was presented and then various other leading local ladies and gentlemen were introduced. after- which-the returned soldiers filed by and shook hands with the Prince. The assemblage sang “God Bless the Prince of Wales” and the party- returned to the train. The crowd now took up strategic positions on the platfprm and as the train moved out che.ero.d, tlie Pirnce to the echo. Drizzling rain had n°-w begun to fall, but fortunately- had held off long enough to allow the demonstration to be got through without serious hindrance. Here again the English travellers had before their eyes the wonderful example of the Progressive character of New Zealand, in this Rotlie Potae, or King- Country, which half a century ago had not been trodden by a white man’s foot, all amenities of civilisation are to he found.

The Prince apparently had this in mind when replying to the address pro. ■seated by the. residents wishing them continued success and prosperity. The Mayor’s little daughter handed thp, Prince a bouquet and leading .Maori Chieftains came forward with a mat which she presented to his HighueSjS. The final act byre, as. in T<? Kuftb was ijo ask that the children might be-given a special holiday from school ip. remembrance. of flip visit. From Tniuuaranui onward, the journey was pursued without incident, everv one settling down to get what sleep was possible. Rain fell during the great part of the night and when daylight showed Paten was in sight. It was pathetic to observe the efforts ol the citizens to decorate the station had been spoiled. The glad rags looked bedraggled, but no doubt by the time the train returned in the afternoon thjs will have been changed, and, PaCea will give the Prince as cheery and bright a welcome as any other town.