PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

(I‘er Press Association.) REEFTON, May 11. Beautiful weather all day mado the Prince’s journey from Nelson, through the Waimea Valley, through the inouii-' tains, and the Upper Duller Gorge, a succession of surprising pleasures. Everywhere there was the utmost enthusiasm at the Prince’s appearance. In the more populous older settlement, in the early stage of the journey by rail, to Glenhope,- the people turned out in full force, and the spirit shown was always one of glad welcome and goodwill. Leaving the more settled district, Tail msr, “the place in the wilderness” added its quota to the cheering and flagwaving. Glenhope came out on masse, and gave the Royal Party a joyous sendoff as it transferred •to motor-cars, and started on its eighty mile run to Roefton, via Murchison and Inangah.ua. The rugged hill scenery en route to Murchison was admired by the visitors. The Prince was afforded first hand evidence of the work done by the pioneer settlers in bringing the wild country into a state of production.

Murchison’s welcome was warm and hearty. Luncheon was partaken of, and then the most impressive stage of the journey, from a, scenic point of view was entered upon, through the Uppci Duller Gorge.

The Prince walked a portion of the way in order to enjoy the beautiful sylvan river vistas more fully. All the visitors were greatly impressed by the windings of the river and road round the craggy points overhanging the river far below, or elbowing its way past awkward corners 'at the head of the gullies emptying into the main steam. MOST EXCITING INCIDENT.

After leaving Inangahua, the Party experienced the most exciting incident of the whole tour up to date. For the Gorge trip the Prince’s car took up its position at the rear of tlic big procession of cars. The others pushed ahead. Opposite the Inangahua Railway Station, one of the leading cars stopped suddenly and the next following closely; at fair speed had not time to stop. There was just room to pass at a slow speed, but, in the circumstances, the chance of getting past was a slight one. However, A was the only one, and Driver T. ,Watson took it. The car got almost past, but the slippery ground let the wheels skid and in a moment the car turned a somersault, landing straddled over a big ditch.

PRESSMEN IN OAR, Tito four occupants were Mr E. Cotes (representing Reuter’s Agency), Mr F. Morgan (New Zealand Press Association), Mr Taylor (of the Internal Affairs Department), and Mr G. W. Turley (of the Railway Department). They were all shot into the ditch, going through a thick mat of brambles, which broke their fall, and acted as a spring buffer to prevent the car from crushing those underneath. Plenty of assistance was fortunately at hand. The car was lifted and the occupants were released. They were shaken, and were scratched by the brambles, but otherwise were not injured, except that the driver was slightly cut by glass from the broken wind screen, which clattered down, and yet miraculously missed all the others in the ditch.

The car was righted and it proceeded. on its journey, but the passengers were ' transferred to other cars. Those who believe in omens, or who are superstitious in any way may derive satisfaction from one feature of the incident. The car’s official number was ‘Thirteen.” The Prince’s car reached Reefton about 7.30. His Highness himself drove over tho last stage from Inangahua. His appearance was hailed by quite a large crowd of people, with a great display of enthusiasm. After dinner, the Prince attended the reception in the County Council Chambers.

LABOUR MEN AND ROYAL VISIT. CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. There is a division of opinion among the Official Labour Representatives in Christchurch as to whether they will attend any of the receptions to tile Prince of Wales during his visit to this city. The Labour Representation Committee recently issued an anti-monarchial manifesto, calling on-its adherents to take no part in the receptions. Some of the Labour men, who occupy public positions, will fall into line, while others arc a little uncertain about the matter.

PERSONAL INCIDENTS. WELLINGTON, May 9. The l’rince got his first glimpse of the South Island yesterday while lie was golfing on the Miramar links. He was playing to the third hole, and paused to admire the beauty of the scene. Almost immediately afterwards ho found a ball, and said that apparently liis luck was in, and that he would have a good trip through the island. He then found two more balls, and remarked that his luck was certainiy >n. Later he picked up a fourth ball, and as he lost none, he had quite a profitable afternoon.

At the Navy League Ball the Prince was presented with a very beautiful greenstone and gold necklace for his sister. The present was from the girls of the Navy League. The Prince seemed very pleased to know that in tlm, midst of all his popularity, his sister in far-away England had not been forgotten .

The West Coast trip by motor-car promises to he a unique and interesting one. In all some 27 motor-cars will be needed to convey the party through the Buller Gorge. The Citizens’ Ball on Friday evening was unduly crowded, and pleasurable dancing was out of the question. The Prince danced only a few dances, and loft about midnight. The British journalists, with the exception of Mr Mnrsden, of the “Morning Post,” were entertained- by the Wellington journalists this evening. Brief speeches were made . by Messrs Cotes, Sand os and Murdoch. Mr Massey, who received an ovation, also spoke. Afterwards the, visiting journalists attended the Savage Club’s korcro. j Mr Murdoch, who is representing ! “Tho Times” and the “Sydney Sun” on the Royal tour, will leave the Renown j

after the Australian visit, and his placo will bo taken by Mr Long, of “’The Times” colonial department. Mr Murdoch returns via Canada, where he will attend the Imperial Press Conference. 'Hie weather continues fino, and all the visitors connected with the tour are enjoying hemselves here. Spmo have gone deer-stalking in the Wairarapa, others pig hunting and yet others have been playing golf.

WELLINGTON NOTES. WELLINGTON, May 10. The Prime Minister was anxious to visit the West Coast during the Prince’s visit here, but owing to pressure of important public business ho was un able, after all to leave Wellington. It is doubtful if be will bo able to take any part in the South Island welcomes, but if at all possible, he will proceed south to say good-byo to the Prince at the end of tho Royal tour. It is understood tha tho Prince if Wales will visit India, China and Japan next year.

. During the Renown’s four days’ stay here, she was visted by many thousands of people from the city and surrounding districts. The splendid band • f tho Plymouth division of the Renown gave several performances. No finer band has been beard in New Zealand. The bandmaster is Lieut. P. S. G. O’Donnell, Mils. Bae. (Hon.), L.R.A.M. Tire city has settled down to its ordinary life, but everyone is still talking of the Prince and the magnificent reception he received here from ill classes.

GREY PREPARATIONS. GREYMOUTH, This Day. There are big preparations lor the Prince’s visit. The business places arc decorated, with arches in the principal streets en route to Victoria Park, where the reception is to be held. There is a large influx of country visitors, and accommodation is taxed to the utmost. Hie weather is beautifully fine, and tlic prospects are good. 'The town will bo illuminated to-night. Private residents are sparing no expense.

VISIT TO WESTPORT. WESTPORT, This Day. There is beautiful weather for tho Prince’s visit. The town is gaily decorated. The Royal visitor is expected at noon, and only stays half an hour, proceeding again to Reefton after the ceremonies at Victoria Square. The Prince spends a few minutes at the Returned Soldiers’ Club.