THE HUMAN TOUCH

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1927, Page 1

THE HUMAN TOUCH

girl who would not re KISSED. LONDON. February ID. One of those very •’human” touches which so greatly endear the Prince oi Wales to people wherever he goes marked his visit to the East End of London yesterday when he opened the John Bonn Hostel and Milner Hall at Stepney—a new home and club lor working as well as destitute boys. A tonr of the building brought the Prince to the kitchen, whore he stayed for some time inspecting the brightly shining new stoves and up-to-date cooking machinery. lie even examined the sink —-and it was there that he came upon old George Davis, a veteran Dragoon Gimrdsmhn, with his lean arms plunged into hot water that was full of used crockery. Old George- paused in his job of washing up, smoothed his ruffled grey hair, straightened his back ana stiffly saluted. The Prince gazed intently at him. “ I remember your face.” he said. “ Didn't 1 see you the other day? "’ ••That right, sir—about a- month ago, in Peter-street, Westminster.’ ■ 1 recollect quite well,” the Prince told 1 ft was during a night visit that he paid to a Church Army refuge for men who are ” down and out.” Old George was then in that category. The Prince took his hand and shook it heartily. " I’m so glad you’ve got something to do at last,” he said, “and T hope your luck will last/’ Old George saluted again. " Thank von. sir.” he responded, huskily. The Prince seemed to he lascinated by the working of a potato-cleaning machine, which he watched very very closely. “I think that’s jolly elite.’’ he declared. He also saw an indoor cricket-pitch for the hoys and a swimming-bath and inspected the dormitories. Little Phyllis Freeman, of Commer-cial-road. F.. provided the incident of the Prince’s arrival. She was to present a hunch of tulips and. awakened by the hand from a nap in her mother’s arms, held them out shyly. The Prince smilingly kissed her cheek and bent forward for a kiss, but Phyllis bid her face on her mother’s shoulder and pushed his hand away. Phyllis is only two.