PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

f A IiSTKAI,! AN Jt N.Z. OABUi ASSOCIATION] 1

MELBOURNE’S WELCOME. ' (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) ] MELBOURNE, May 27. After the procession) the Prince attended the Governor-General’s ball at Government House where there was a

brilliant assemblage. Though tho ceennonies at the landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal of ceremony owing to tho delayed arrival, there was a great outburst of cheering and wild enthusiasm among the packed multitude gathered round St Kilda pier. Probably it was more appreciated by the Prince than tho more' elaborate procedure. His Highness showed a lively appreciation of the great spontaneous peoples’ which greeted him on first setting foot on Australian soil. The route of the procession was lined by soldiers and sailors who during the long wait found considerable difficulty in keeping the impatient crowds in check and clearing the way for the procession. As it passed tho jam was so great that many women fainted. Arrangements have been made for a civic reception in the Town Hall where there was a great gathering, but at the Prince’s suggestion the Lord Mayor’s address and Prince’s reply were taken as read, the Prince handing the reply to the Lord Mayor with a few words of • thanks for the city’s splendid reception.

Tlie Prince said, —“You don’t mind if I don’t read it ,do you? I will see you again, won’t I my Lord Mayor.” During tho progress the returned soldiers made many demands on the Prince’s attention which were readiiy accorded. One insisted on a handshake and vjhen the Prince tendered his left hand, he demanded the right. The Prince laughingly conceded. , When Collins Street was. reached, the measured tread of the procession was abandoned and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pace: Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans.

(Received this day at 10.35 a.m.) • MELBOURNE:, May 27. For the loss of the spectacular effect at the entrance of the Renown, which, in clear weather, would, have been pro vided, the people 'condole themselves that the Prince landed in Australia in one of Australia’s own warships. This consolation made up for a- good deal of the public disappointment. Hie Renown missed getting inside in schedule time by mere margin. She held clear weather till the entrance was approached, arriving in good time. Then “the fog swept down for some hours, and it looked as if the day’s programme wo’ id he spoiled. Later it was arranged for the Prince .to be taken aboard the destroyer Anzac, which had considerable difficulty in discovering the warship, owing to the density of the fog. The Prince when informed that great crowds waiting the procession, heartily concurred and assisted in pushing the arrangements to get to St. Kilda in time to save the waiting people being disappointed. Tne mist .considerably cleared in the Bay by the time the Anzac bad started for the city, enabling her to make a fast run. The city, at night, surpassed all previous efforts in the way of illumination. Public and private buildings were hril liantly outlined and the streets were ablaze with coloured lights and oe.’gnr. The warships and other vessels in the harbour provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the day, made amends for the mi shy morning. The night "as fine and dense, admiring c rowds ( arnd- » ed'the streets till the early morning, showing an exuberance of spirit whim towards the close, here and there developed into horseplay and or.ietidl jokes. The Prince’s engagements to-day inclTfde a level and investiture at Government House presentation of the Federal Parliament address and a banquet.