PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

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ARRIVAL AT MELBOURNE

EGG DELAYS LANDING

MELBOURNE, May 26

A heavy fog interfered with ,tho Renown when she was proceeding up the bay to her moorings, delaying the arrangements for the landing. A strong force ol detectives are present from all tho States and New Zealand in anticipation of a. gathering of pickpockets and other undesirables who will not miss such a favourable oppor-, tunity. "

The fog Lo-day Here is the densest remembered for some years. It ascended on the city and bay dense last night, and enshrouded the whole landscape.

Tho fog seriously interfered with the arrangements for the Prince’s arrival. The Renown arrived on time, only to find the Heads smothered in mist winch delayed her entrance. Anticipatory reports which were circulated in the..city to the elfect that the warship entered on the schedule time proved to be premature. Instead of entering, she stood off, awaiting a clearing before negotiating tlie narrow channel. Meantime destroyers had proceeded down tho bay to escort the war ship, and aeroplanes were afloat; but they all failed to locate her through tho dense mist. 1

As the log allowed little signs of clearing, and as there were prospects of a lengthy delay before the Renown would be able to come through the Heads, the Naval authorities arranged to transfer the Prince to a destroyer.

At a Inter Hour it was reported that the Prince bad been transferred to the destroyer 'Anzac, which is now speeding up tlie bay to enable the Prince to arrive in time to carry out the delayed programme.

FURTHER PARTICULARS

MELBOURNE, May *26. As the day wore on, the fog in tlie city grew thinner, hut there was a long tiresome wait for an expectant crowd, which despite the damp and depressing atmosphere, steadily increased to huge dimensions. The sound of guns booming the Royal salute as the “Anzac” passed anchored warships announced the coming of the Prince. The destroyer reached Port Melbourne pier shortly after three, and the Prince immediately boarded the steamer Hygeia, proceeding to the landing place at St Kilda, which was reached shortly before four, or ninety. minutes behind the schedule time. Owing to the lateness of tlie hour and to cnablq a procession through the streets to be carried out, most of the ceremonial arrangements for the official landing were cut out. The procession commenced without delay. The authorities are disappointed that th|' fog spoiled not only the anticipated progress of the Royal ship up the harbour, but robbed the preparations’of muck official setting and of any sparkle. In spite of the disappointment and the uncomfortable conditions tlie people accepted the position philosophically and with good humour. -MELBOURNE, .May 26.

By the time tlie procession started llie sun Had gained ascendancy over the mist and people made light of a» weary vigil, in the excitement of trying to catch a glimps oof the Prince. Many had been waiting patiently from early morning, sinefe when a continuous procession of trains, and trams, and vehicles of every available class had been pouring in a human stream. Tlie route throughout was lined by a surging mass of humanity. Every window, balconies, house-tops in short, every available point of vantage were occupied and it is rough, ly estimated something like a million peo pie must have viewed the procession. Streets were festooned With greenery, and buildings lavishly decorated with bunting, emblematic designs, and loyal greetings, and the result was most effective from start to finish.

The procession was marked by intense •enthusiasm of exuberant loyalty, the crowd feverishly cheering aud gesticulating. The Prince showed keenest interest aud pleasure in the reception accorded him, and had eyes for everything. He readily responded to frequent greetings as his carriage slowly made way to Federal Government House.

HIS WINNING WAY. (Received this 'day at 8 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day

When the fog lifted sufficiently, H.M.S. Renown entered the Heads and steamed to the anchorgae. In view of the delay the civio welcome was cut short, the Mayor’s address and Prince’s reply taking only a few minutes. The Prince’s ready acceptance of the nlered arrangements resulting from the delay and appreciative interest in the proceedings, won the hearts of the people and deepened flic excellent impression that tlio report of his doings in New Zealand had created. The streets were again thronged to-night, crowds viewing the illuminations of buildings, and the warships in the harbour.