PRINCE ON TOUR.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 14 May 1920, Page 3

PRINCE ON TOUR.

CROSSING THE ALPS. Christchurch, May 13. The Royal party’s journey across the Alps by way of Arthur’s Pass from Westland into Canterbury was made in ideal weather, though a brisk easterly breeze and snow on the topmost heights made the air keen and bracing. At various small settlements the people, though few in numbers, were very enthusiastic, and at Otira and Arthur’s Pass the two rail heads, between which the coaches carried the visitors over the top of the Pass, the school children made quite a brave little show. The Prince was driven over by the veteran coachman, Mr A. Ilall (Into of Otaki), the proprietor of the coach line, who in lS(it) drove the Duke of Edinburgh from Melbourne to Bendigo, and to-day used the whip given him by the Duke on that occasion. Everyone walked three miles of the steepest part of the range, and the rugged scenery was greatly admired. At Arthur's Pass the Royal train was waiting, and after the Prince had walked to the end or the tunnel, which he entered, and had inspected the workshops, a start was made on the run down to Christchurch, which was reached a little after suveu o’clock. At Glirislcliurch the Prince was accorded a right royal welcome, the streets being lined with an enthusiastic crowd. The illuminations arid decorations were exceedingly beautiful.