Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, MAY 13th, 1920. OUR PRINCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, MAY 13th, 1920. OUR PRINCE.

The multitude who gathered, to meet the l’rince of Wales last night, took him straight to their hearts. His simple, but evident heartfelt words in his address were emphasised more and more as flip evening went on, and when he retired at night, it was safe to say that every man, woman and child who came into close touch with him wgrg more than captivated by the charm of his manner, and the unassuming way he went about making himself at home. Prince Edward will always have hosts of champifyPg ip Westland, and when in after years we rpad yf his words and actions we shall all feel wp Ittjow him as one of our selves, and will be prepared to trust him firm in the lielief tiimi, lip will worthily and truly fill the great career which is before him. The populace were not ovcp demonstrative last night, but they were ap orderly, respectful gathering doing honor to tlieif future King. That the sentiment was firmly implanted in the breasts of the people was demonafrated perhaps best at the informal levee held in flip T.,wp Hall. There were assembled .the mother# and wives of the soldiers, nurses and pajtriotic workers, and 1 though the hall was crowded fh,e people moved with what might be described as a respectful reverence and paid their homage with a degree of sincerity which could not but he remarked upon. Later, j)) the ball-room where His Highness expressed a desire to "shake hands with the five or six hjipdred people present, there was lighter jon,e in the proceedings—a note of gaiety almost, The people were (beginning fo realise the manliness of the Prince, end (that charm of .manner which can tip insfanjly magnetic and win friends. Instantly everybody was on good terms with His Highpass. Hie barrier of position was swept away. Hero was a man of themselves, and so it fhat the people appropriated him, and bp .became “Our Prince.”, Then when the tmip/o ,set the crowded ballroom in motion, the prince , .was as democratic as anyono ?;i the : ■room. It WHjjj- ;j.n objeqt lesson, and the ; lesson wag quickly absorbed. It was a' grepf privilege for all to gather' in such j close conflict wi.th ppe so notable, but j of .stiffness there wM pot a jot, and all j went merry as a piaynag..- bell. The freedom of manner of fhe royal guest ; was the passport (o flp> hearts of the people,, and he bore himself with such modesty, that lie became one or flic tliroiig and was often swallowed up 'n the crowd. of dancers. On every appearance in the street, His Highness had a most cordial reception, Hjpwds waited for two hours in the streets to witness his departure for his return to the hotel, and he was cheered and .cheered again. Hokitika felt very much at heme with the Prince, and by common consent thy popple have taken him completely to their teceff.