PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1920, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

SYDNEY’S WELCOME. SYDNEY, June 16

Immediately the Renown reached its anchorage, the Prince and staff entered a naval barge and proceeded to the land ing stairs, where hf was officially received by the Governor-General etc., and presented with addresses of welcome. These ceremonies ended, tho Royal progress started through the tree clad •stretches of the Domain dinl along the city’s main arteries which lent themselves to effective decorations. The progress was one of continuous demonstration, Locally, the enthusiasm of tho crowd easily surpassed Melbourne’s welcome, which was calculated at a million. A GREAT RECEPTION.' . SYDNEY. June 16. - Sydney’s narrow streets naturally lend themselves to decorative purposes and a concentration of artistic efforts en route , instead of as on previous occasions being more generally distributed, helped them to produce an effect of regal magnificence. Macquarrie street which was lined with massive whito pillars, each representative of some portion of the Empire and strung with greenery, flaring hunting, and emblematic designs, held pride of place. Bridge street boasted two elaborate arches, one carrying a golden fleece at the top, representing the pastoralists’ welcome to the Prince; the other an emblematic ship, flying tho mariner’s welcome. But everywhere along the route, on

the public an'd private buildings, were much wealth and bunting and so much decorative emulation expended as Sydney never before saw.

Special cars were allotted to Press representatives in the procession, and afforded them an excellent opportunity of witnessing the most inspiring scenic display and demonstration of loyalty and enthusiasm.

From the time the Prince stepped ashore, amid the crowded and brilliant asemblage, at the landng place, it was one slow procession through packed lines of cheering and gesticulating humanity, overflowing on to the house-tops and balconies, and clinging to every pos. sible spot that afforded an outlook. There was one vast river of faces at the •intervening streets, spreading out into pools.

crowds very orderly. SYDNEY, June 16. Everything in connection,, with the Royal progress passed off like clockwork, so smoothly and expeditiously, in. deed, that the Prince reached the terminal ten minutes ahpad of the schedul. ed fin) 6 - The immense crowds, though demonstratively enthusiastic, observed the best order, and gave the long line of carriages and detachments of troops n clear run throughout. The Prince, looking somewhat shy on facing the new prdeal, add judging from reednt comments younger than anticipated, appeared impressed by the mag. nifiecnee of the preparations, and the spontaneous heartiness of the reception. The weather, which during the after, noon turned dull, was while the main

fupction lasted, bright and sunny. Sydney's streets, with their gay de_ conations and spanned by numerous arches, never looked gayer, and t o harbour was a wonderful picture ot life and colour. , ' Inter-State visitors deolare that both as regards the preparations and the number of sightseers, Sydney far surpassed Melbourne’s efforts, which, how ever. wa s handicapped / by untoward weather conditions. t The Prnce received and returned many hearty greetings from returned soldiers, who with' other military naval units and cadets, lined the whole route. At the conclusion of the procession

the Prince inspected Victoria Cross win. Tiers and the Women’s Military Nursery units. He then visited and had lunch, eon at the Admiralty House. The remainder of the afternoon was free of engagements.

BEAUTIFUL SYDNEY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. To-night the Prince was the guest at the dovernor-General’s official dinner, subsequent to a ball in the Town Ha <■ The city and harbour was ablaze with illuminations. The whole pity portion of the Royal route was like a fairy palace coloured lights festooning each side „f the streets. Pub he and other buildings are outlined with lights and carry many beautiful designs, lie streets are pac.kpd with parading humanity. Warships and other vessels m the harbour stagd out in their hei> dressing against the background of dark water, making a brilliant spectacle, with the sea'rchights playing over all. Amongst 1 the incidents of the I rmces landing wa s a flight of aeroplanes including Sir Ross-Smith, all circling Tow over the landing place, One machine at a height of timet; hundred feet met with engine trouble and got out of eon. trol. The pilot, however, managed to plane into the harbour where the crew

were rescued. During the procession Mr Hughe had a mixed reception occasionlly being ceeted with, cheers, 'but for the most part was booted, the public taking the opportunity to signify disapproval of the recent salary grab. The Lord Mayor also came in for hooting m connection with his omissibn of the loyal toast at the. Town Hail reception to Doctor Mannix.

GREAT RECEPTION AT SYDNEY. TRIUMPH OF ORGANISATION. (Received this day at 12.25 n.m) SYDNEY, June 1/. The Organisating Committee and the police won golden opinions everywhere for their management of the Boyal procession. The handling of the huge crowds was really a triumph of organisation, far ahead of anything seen in Sydney before. The police pay tribute to the public for the orderliness and strict attention to their requirements. The Prince of Wales has already established himself as a favourite with the people. He expressed himself as delighted with Sydney and the reception accorded him. Speaking at the Commonwealth banquet, in reply to Hon. W. M. Hughes speech of welcome, the Prince enlarged upon the spirit of Empire, the unity o which the war had disclosed. His travels

[ had taught Him how deeply the root B of our common civilisation were set. The continuity of British ideals and methods I constituted the Empire’s strongest point. He was sure no nation and Empire could properly understand itself, or appreciate the links which linked the British peoples, unless they followed British listory a long way back into the past. He would he vain to suppose the wonderful welcome given him were individual. He knew they were accorded him as the King’s son and heir, because the King represented unity and continuity of British life and ideals throughout the Empire.