PRINCE PROMISED A DRINK.

Shannon News, 14 January 1927, Page 2

PRINCE PROMISED A DRINK.

BUT INVITATION WAS DECLINED. London, November 17. About five years ago, when lie visited Burma, and was entertained at dinner in the Government House, th« Prince of Wales expressed a wish that the members of the band of the Ist Scots Guards, who were- stationed therft, should take wine with him. The men preferred beor, however, and a supply was procured. It proved to te sufficient to fill all the gUss«s but one—that of Bandsman Pre lenck Deacon.

After the health of the Prince had oici. drunk he heard of Deacon's illluck. "That is very hard on him," he declared. "He shall have his glass when next we meet."

Yesterday was the next meeting, for Deacon is now one of the male nurses at the British Home and Hospital for i Incurables at Streatham, which the Prince visited after opening London's new park at Norwood Grove. The Burma episode was recalled to the Prince's mind by Mr. Edgar Penman, secretary of the institution, and Deacon was sent for.

"How do you do? I remember seeing you in Burma," said the Prince, smiling, but made no reference to the promised glass of beer. Apparently he waited for,Deacon to allude to it. But Deacon said nothing about it. Before leaving, however, the Prince suggested that the secretary should see that Deacon had his glass of beer. The ex-bandsman declined the invitation when it reached him. "I'm very sorry, "he explained, '' but it is too late —I've become a teetotaler!"

Deacon afterwards said that he gave up alcohol when he was married a few months ago. The Prince made a systematic tour of the home, and chatted with all the patients. Norwood Grove consists of about 32 acres and has been bought for £18,300. With the Bookery, a stretch of land 300 ft above sea level, the net open space covers more than 40 acres, and though less than six miles from Charing Cross it is the haunt of some of London>s rarest birds.

The Prince, in accepting the title deeds, said he hoped the public who benefited from the park, would assert themselves to prevent the damage and litter which at times unfortunately dis> figured so many open spaces. __