PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

(Per Press Association.)

AT BALCLUTHA

GORE, May 20

By the time Balclutlia was readied the snowstorm was left behind, but their was evidence all round that the town had been freely powdered. Another address of welcome was added to the list and more soldiers were inspected, tbe Prince’s keen eye picking out any of those who bad won distinction in the war.

The next stage of, the-journey led the travellers inland over the rolling uplands, the sea being left well behind. Though the sun came out gloriously, the air was sharp with a'breath of winter. At Winton the scene was really fine, the whole landscape being covered in a mantle of white, with the hills rising in frigid'tiers at a little distil n -e from the line. It was a winter scene of the kind to bring .baeck memories of tlie Homeland the 'Royal traveller, and his suite. Gore though Royal in its cold white garment, was thoroughly warm in its welcome to the Prince. AT INVERCARGILL. INVERCARGILL, IVIa-y 20. The Prince’s tour .was practically completed to-day with a call at Invercargill this afternoon and evening. The greater part of the country is under snow, giving the visitors a reminder of winter conditions in the Homeland. Milton, Balclutlia, and Gore all gave His Highness a warm-hearted welcome, and Invercargill excelled itself in doing honour to the Royal visitor. Great crowds cheered him in the streets and at the show ground, where a presentation of addresses took 'place. Rain fell earlier in the day, making the countryside appear wet »and cheerless, but held off in the afternoon, so tbe children were able to participate in tlie afternoon. RECEPTION AT INVERCARGILL. FINAL CIVIC RECEPTION, END OF TOUR . INVERCARGILL, May 20. At tbe citizens’ reception held in the Drill Hall to-night, tbe large building was crowded, and it was,estimated that about 7000 people were present including several hundred returned soldiers.

Tbe Prince arrived at 9 o’clock, accompanied by liis suite and the Mayor (Mr John Stead). As tbe Prince entered tbe building be was 1 heartily cheered, the demonstration continuing for some time and being renewed after the National Anthem. In the course of a short speech His Royal Highness expressed regret that his stay in Invercargill was so brief, and he was therefore unable to come into as close a contact with the people as he would have wished. At the conclusion of the function those present filed past the Royal dais and were greeted by the Prince, to whom were presented the conductors ol the Hibernian Band, the male choir, and the Orphans’ Club orchestra., which supplied .a musical programme, upon which the Prince congratulated them. The Royal train left shortly after 10 o’clock for'Lyttelton, amid an enthusiastic demonstration.

The Prince to-night presented to each member of the Quarter Guard which has acompanied him on liis tour, a tobacco pouch bearing liis monogram, and to the Sergeant of the Guard a pouch arid

pipe.. - A farewell message to New Zealand will he handed to Hon Air Massey on the Renown.

back from tnweroarctll

RENOAVN SAILING TO-AIORROW

CHRISTCHURCH, May 21

The Royal train, which left Invercargill last night, arrived this morning. The weather was very cold all the way. The Southern Alps were completely snow clad to the lowest’foothills, and presented a magnificent spectacle and daylight disclosed a white coat of frost over all South Canterbury plains.

At Middleton the train was stopped for a few minutes, while the Prince held nil informal reception j)f all officials and staff connected with • the conduct of tli,e tour. He also addressed a few words of thanks to them all for the manner in which everything had been done to secure the comfort of his party during their travels. He would never forget the kindness extended to him on nil hands in New Zealand. His Highness concluded by wishing all of them “Kia Ora.”

Photographs of tile group were then taken with the Prince in the midst of the train staff.

’ The Prince left the train at Christchurch. and is staying for the day as the guest of Capt apd Hon Airs Talma Rhodes.

To-night His Royal Highness entertains the Premier, Sir William Fraser and the Mayors of the four cities at dinner aboard H.M.S. Renown, which according to press arrangements sails for Melbourne, via Cook Strait at daylight to-morrow.