PRINCE OF WALES.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1922, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES.

RENOWN’S ARRIVAL.

UNPRECEDENTED WELCOME. (IEUTEII’B TELEURAMS. TOKIO, April 12. The Prince of Wales welcome was unprecedented in the history of Japan. The Renown arrived at Yokohama to the thunder of guns of 21 warships. The Prince received various addresses of welcome, and smilingly greeted 40 000 school children lining the routes from the pier to the station. There was a continuous bombardment of daylight fireworks from Yokohama to Tokio, where the Prince Regent greeted him at the Railway Station. Light Imperial Princes and the heir of late Emperor of Korea stood iii the reception line. Grouped behind them were many famous figures in brilliant Court uniforms. A vast crowd, filling every available space, “banznied” tumultuously, waving countless thousands ot Union Jacks. The Empress awaited and received the Prince of Wales on the steps of the Palace. The Prince Regent and the Prince of Wales, after stiff salutes, warmly conversed for a few minutes. The garrison lined the streets, while several thousand police’ were on duty. There was no fear of danger to the Prince. No risks were taken. The' police compelled Hindu residents of the city to give, their word that they would remain in their own houses during the Prince’s stay, or otherwise they would have been imprisoned. The newspapers are issuing special editions, warmly welcoming the Prince. ' TOKIO, April 12. A. special Press correspondent with the Prince of Wales says: “From Yokohama to Tokio the Prince travelled through 19 miles of cheering Japanese, who received him with a fervour which made the day one of the most memorable of the tour. The Prince was profoundly touched by the sincerity of the homage from rich nnd poor alike, massed at the station, the villages, nnd on stretches of open country, and beneath acres of flags. Eiguratelv he was enr.Jried from the sea to the capital on one torrential cheer. Every child and many adults waved Union Jacks in one i hand and the Japanese flag in the other.

The Prince, in reply to the Regent’s speech, added that he might say with : equal confidence that the traditional ■ friendship of the two Island Empires! which had been confirmed bv the test!

of time, and consecrated by the ardours of a great war, would ever iomain enshrined in the hearts of the Japanese people.

PRINCE REGENT’S TOAST.

TOKIO. April 12,

The Prince Regent in toasting tli j Prince of Wales at a welcome banquet at the Imperial palace. s.,id in view of j the signature to the quadruple treaty ; it was an epoch making Washington 1 conference. It would not he amiss for him to dwell on the high, honourable j .role played by the Anglo-Jnpanese si- ! liance in the interests of peace of the Far East and upon the admirable spirit of royalty manifested by both coin- j tries living up to all their obligations, ; He had every confidence i rot when the. new instrument with its wider scope: superseded the Alliance, the same i spirit of loyalty would be manifested by I the four powers concerned. j

THE PRINCE’S REPLY. TOKIO, April 12

The Prince of Wales responding to i the Prince Regent, said the signing; of the Anglo-,Japanese Alliance twenty; years ago, was a fruitful and momen-1 tons event to the East and West. Tie . recalled, with gratitude, the loyalty in • good and evil days, with which Japan ■ observed the ties and obligations. He i fit assured that the change recently ; made would cause a loss of nothing : of the old friendship. No doubt the 1 (jiiadruj)le agreement would result .in | deepening, not only the traditional sym- ] pa thy of our countries, but the good 1 relation between llm powers and party ’ thereto. Ho was confident the cause of : civilisation and humanity of Japan would always be found to be in close co-operation with Britain and the 1 source of deep gratification of his visit contributed to foster tin* friendships.

JAPAN EN FETE. TOKTO, April 13. j The Prince of Wales traversing two - miles of streets closely lined with i many thousands of of school-children, ! cheering and singing visited the Ini- ■ perial universty and had an enthusiastic reception from five thousand students. He attended a number of brilliant official functions in the city, i The warships were sumptuously illu- , minuted at night. A Special representative, referring to the amazing sincerity of the reception, says Tokio, never, within living memory, opened its aims or its heart to a like degree to :z national hero or august visitor. Even tradition. so sacred in Japan, has broken under the tremendous impulse and . crowds who took up the refrain “God Save the King” were shattering immemorial! Custom. Tokio, which is , half buried beneath bunting and paper lanterns is clearly finding business as usual impossible during the Prince’s stay, and so all roads leading to Akaika Palace are teeming with patient, smiling crowds prepared to stand hours to catch a glance at the Prince of Wales-