PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

(Per Press Association.) SOUTH ISLAND TOUR. PICTON AND BLENHEIM. PICTON, May 10. H.M.S. Renown reached Pic ton alter a smooth run across the Strait, just after ten o’clock, and dropped anchor off Mabel Island, and tho Prince of Wales left tho ship at 10.20, tho Royal salute announcing it to tho large assem. binge of townspeople at the railway station. The weather was beautifully fine, in fact it was the best yet experienced on the tour. The Prince landed in a steam pinnace and proceeded to a dias where he was received by Mayor Riddel and Mr MeOallum M.P. The usual addresses of welcome were presented, tho returned soldiers and children inspected and then the Prince boarded the train for Blenheim, amidst cheering. On arrival at Blenheim he was „rceted by a loyal enthusiastic crowd, and was driven to the college grounds, where there was a large gathering of school children, returned soldiers and veterans. A civic address was presented after which the Prince reviewed the guard of honour, comprised of senior cadets, boy scouts and returned soldiers, personally speaking here and tlieie to those whose faces he recognised or who displayed special decorations or showed signs of war wounds. The children wcie most enthusiastic, cheering and flag waving. The Maoris under Chief Korc, sang ami danced a Whopori welcome. . After conferring war decorations, the Prince departed for Nelson, after a half hour in which to some of those present was impressed the impression of a lifetime.

NELSON’S WELCOME. NELSON, May 10. The Prince of Wales to-day journeyed l>v motor from Blenheim to Nelson, by way of Havelock and Rai Valley. The two bits of heavy hill climbing over Rai Saddle and Whangamoa Hill were negotiated with safety, those unused to the hill roads having some thrilling moments on the Devil’s Elbow and on the edge of the steep declivities. Nelson was reached in good time and the residents gave the Prince a royal welcome. The streets were decorated and lined by ton or twelve thousand people, whose enthusiasm was unbounded even after the Prince left Selwyn Place where a civic address was presented. to attend a reception ill tile School of Music. Ho had to come out on the balcony to acknowledbe the continuous acclamations.

The Prince attended a Citizens’ Ball this evening in the Provincial Hall which was tastefully decorated and presented a brilliant spectacle. Trafalgar Street was transformed into a glimpse of fairyland, the decorations consisting of columns draped with flags and greenery, with an ordered system, of greenery and (lags strung along in a line. The effect when these wore lighted was enchanting, with vivacious crowds of merry-makers out to enjoy themselves. A fireworks display added to the light and colour of the scene.A touching incident was witnessed just before the Royal car reached the City boundary tin's evening. A very old lady strewed the roadway with flowers and as the Prince drove past, she endeavoured to throw a bouquet into the car, but it fell short. The Prince, observing this, ordered his chauffeur to to stop and drive back. His Royal Highness accepted the bouquet from the old lady’s hands, and spoke a few words of kindly appreciation whereupon the dame, in an ecstacy of joy, burst into tears invoking a blessing upon his head for liis manly good nature and gentlemanly consideration. The view along Trafalgar Street, filled with its cheering thousands and ending with packed terraces at the Cathedral Steps in Selwyn Place, was one to linger in the memory. Those who have followed tlie tour right through are agreed that no place in proportion to population has done better than Nelson in its honoring of the Prince.