PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

(Per Press Association.) ENTHUSIASM AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, May 19. . Tahuna Park was the scene of this morning’s. Childrens’ Day, in honour ol the Prince of Wales’ visit. 7,500 girls and boys of. the primary and secondary schools of the city and suburbs were marshalled on the parade ground, and an enormous erowu of spectators filled the stands, and lined all the sides' of tlie ground. Light rain fell early in the morning, but by the hour that the demonstration commenced, the bright sunshine had dissapated the lowering clouds and dried the grasp. The scene was really a very line and picturesque one. The girls were drawn up in long lines, each school wearing distinctive colours, which caught the sun’s rays and added to the charm of the picture. A keen south wind blew across the ground, but this did not cool the ardour of the youngsters, who greeted tlie Prince’s appearance among them with cheers and glad cries of welcome when His Royal Highness arrived. His appearance was* heralded, by a -fanfare of trumpets and then the Band pla,vc\. the National Anthem.

Sixteen girls clad in white advanced to the Royal stand and made a deep curtsey and two of them representing the High Schools and other primary schools mounted the steps, curtseyed, and presented His Highness with a beautifully made inkstand of New Zealand woods, greenstone and silver; also an album of views of the city. Each spoke a few words expressive of the children’s loyalty to the Throne and love for tlie Prince. 'They then curtseyed! and' withdrew. Their lljearing was so charmingly graceful that it evoked warm applause from the watching thousands. The Prince then inspected the lines of children who afterwards marched in columns up to the Royal stand and deployed to the right and left, and proceeded back to their original position. The whole movement was carried out with wondrous precision, which won hearty applause on all hands. Thp whole iwirade- then advanced (In' masse to a. position opposite to the stand where they sang tho National Anthem.

Cheers for the King and Prince followed, accompanied by the waving of flags which wpre produced suddenly, (all previous movements had been done without the use of flags), and it gave a most’ effective final touch to the scene. About twenty-five thousand people witnessed the display, which was ,one of the most effective of the tour.