PRINCE OF WALES

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES

MESSAGE FROM 'PRINCE.

WELLINGTON, May 211.

The following lias boon bunded to tho Press for publication by the Prime Minister:—

“Sir, —Tiio Priuco oi' Wales baa read with great iutoreat the report which reached him in reply to his request lot information regarding tho arrangements made to convey and care for school childron at all points where they have been gathered to see him. 11,a Royal Highness lias been deeply im -I pressed throughout by tho excellence oi the provision made for tho comm the children, and would like to congratulate ali responsible lor the very complicated work of organisation wine,, must liave been necessary to ensure such ai -remarkable success. Would you kindly convey ins great appreciatom to the Secretary oi Education, the General Manager of Railways, and the -Under-Secretary of Internal Alfairs. His Royal Highness would also like to pay a tribute to tbo school masters a'ud mistresses whom lie lias not mot through out the Dominion. The obedience, wellbeing; cheerfulness and. goud manners shown by ail gatherings of children} great and small, have impressed him very much, and ho has taken the greatest interest aild pleasure in their beautiful displays of movement and drill. He realises ali this indicates a great deal of hard work and careful teaching on the part of those responsible for them, and considers that the deportment of the chilron and the displays given by them speak volumes for tho excellence of their training. Will you kindly convey his congratulations to all school masters and mistresses throughout tho Dominion and. also his best wishes for their success and happiness in the most important hud responsible work on wliick they are engaged. 1 am you obedient servant, (Signed) it. W. M. Grigg, Lieut.-Col-onel, Secretary to’ Mis Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.”

THE PREMIER’S REPLY. The Prime iMinister replied as follows : ■‘On behalf of the Government and people fo New Zealand, I desire to express our loyal and heartfelt appreciation of the farewell message received from your Royal Highness on the eve of your' departure from New Zealand. The welcomes in all parts of tho Dominion extended to your Royal Highness since your arrival, have come straight from tho hearts of the people and citizens of New Zealand. Both the Pakeha and the Maori share with you regret that your stay in this country lias been too short to enable you to sue many places whore your welcome would have been as warm as in those whit., you have been able to visit. Your notice ol the tact that Alow Zealand is a land oi equal opportunity for an, an example hi that, tlio British race may undertake the colonisation of a country without injustico to. its original miiabitants is a tribute to the pioneer settlers and founders of our Dominion, "iiie people of New Zealand thoroughly appreciated tho message you have sent them, and on their behalf 1 beg to assure you that the opinion you Luivo formed from your - vsiit,, regarding their loyalty to the. Crown, the Empire and British ideals, is well founded. Your message has been published throughout the 1 Dominion, and I can assure you that it is heartily appreciated by our people, and especially by the returned soldiers and women of New Zealand, and that all those bereaved in the Great War will in particular treasure the words of. farewell that you have addressed to them. The Territorials and Cadets will also gratefully read -your appreciation of them. With your Royal Highneßs the people of New Zealand liave been impressed by the splendid gathering of school children, who have assembled to pay their respects to you. We are glad to think that in them lies the continuance of a race which will act up to the highest traditions of that independent British character, to which you have referred. We rejoice to know you have felt so much at home amongst us, and your assurance that you are a true 1 New Zealander in heard, and one of our own kith and kin, lias strengthened oup affection for you. On behalf of the Dominion,, I can assure your Royal Highness that should the occasion arise, there will be the same response from New Zealand as was given in the last five-strenuous years. New Zealand sincerely wishes you bon voyage and a safe return to the homeland, where we trust you will not fail to convey our assurance of loyalty and dtvotion to His Majesty the King and his Royal Consort, to both of whom our hearts go out in sincere affection and respect. IV. F. Massey, Prime Minister.”

MESSAGE FROM KING. WELLINGTON, May 24. The following is a telegraphic message I'rom'His Majesty, the King:— “Please thank the people of New Zealand for the warm-heartcil and enthusiastic reception given by them to my eldest son throughout his visit to their beautiful islands, the accounts .of which have touched and gratified the Queen and myself; but we are not surprised for we preserve in our hearts imperishable memories of the loyal affectionate welcome accorded to us in New Zealand nineteen years ago. I know with what pride my son has met again men of New' Zealand’s army whose gallant deeds in the Great War will live for ever in the history of the Empire. (Signed), George R. 1.”

The Governor-General has despatched the following reply:— “On behalf of the people of this Dominion, I desire respectfully to thank your Majesty for your gracious message. I can assure your Majesty of a spontaneous welcome which His Royal Highness everywhere received throughout these islands. It was symbolical of intense loyalty which New Zealanders cherish for your throne and Empire. His comrades who served in tho New Zealand Division have been proud to renew their acquaintance with the Prince of Wales. Furthermore, children who compose the rising generation, will never forget the manner in which His Highness took every opportunity to meet them in order that they might share in the universal rejoicing.—(Signed), Liverpool.’ ’