PRINCE OF WALES AT THE FRONT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 July 1917, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES AT THE FRONT.

VieiT TO THE " STAMFORD

HILL " HTJT

A RECENT issue of " The Red Triangle," the official organ of the Young Men's Christian Association, contains an interesting account of a surprise visit paid by the Prince of Wales to the V.M.C.A. hut, "Somewhere in France," given by the Stamford Hill Congregational Church.

ti " The Prince," writes W.0.5., "accompanied by Lord Claude Hamilton, came quietly into the hut in the evening, when the ordinary work of the counter was in full swing. Those of the hut workers who were not already known to His Royal Highness had the privilege of being presented to him, but it was some time before his presence behind the counter was recognised by the men in the hut. Indeed, one big Australian, who was helping at the tea-urn, chatted for some time with our visitors, answering questions about Australia and Gallipoli, without the faintest notion as to whom he was talking to. When he did get to know, he showed unmistakable signs of shock, though, as an Australian, to whom princes are as other folk, he tried, of course, to con" ceal it. Presently, however, men who had seen the Prince elsewhere in France, began to whisper to others the identity of our distinguished visitor, and before long we had a " counterattack " by men who evidently thought there might be a chance of the Prince of Wales handing them a dolly cake. That, indeed, did not happen, but the Prince did suddenly become enamoured of our bread-cutting machine, and insisted on trying it for himself with such zest that in a very short time our cutting-up table was piled so high as to satisfy all demands for the night. During the half-hour or so which he spent in the hut, His Royal Highness showed a genuine interest in our work. He asked many questions about it, and before leaving had gained a pretty godd idea of how things are done in a V.M.C.A hut in France. He left with us the impression of a quiet, unassuming young officer, very keen about his work, and honestly interested in all that concerns the^welfare of- the men. There are many bright memories remaining to any man who has served the V.M.C.A in France. One or two of us reckon amongst the brightest the remembrance of having met the Prince of Wales behind the counter of our hut."