THE PRINCE

Southland Times, Issue 18818, 11 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE

SOUTH ISLAND TOUR BEGUN

JOYOUS WELCOME AT NELSON

(Per United Press Association.)

NELSON, May 10. From Blenheim the Royal party set out in motor cars for Nelson, 80 miles distant. The road led through the fertile upper valley of the Wairau, every homestead passed putting out its bit of bunting to welcome the Prince. Then the mountainous region on the borders of Marlborough and Nelson provinces was entered. Favoured by fine weather, the roads were in good order, though rather dusty. WELCOME AT HAVELOCK. Havelock, at the head of Pelonis Sound, assembled all its people opposite the Post Office, the roadway being spanned by flags and welcoming streamers. An' address of welcome was presented and the children cheered their future King right lustily. Then the journey was resumed, the road following (he windings of the Pelorus River. Through little patches of Native bush, past isolated homes of backblocks settlers, and across streams still innocent of bridges the long procession of motors pushed forward. It was sometimes astonishing to come upon a small cabin by the roadside with flags flying and little children by the roadside waiting to wave and cheer. AN IMPROMPTU RECEPTION. Beyond the Pelorus Bridge the party halted for luncheon in a sequestered spot, grassy cleared slopes on one side, and on the other Native bush With the river curling down over a rocky bed. Here half a dozen residents of a hamlet a little way off came on the scene and His Royal Highness held an impromptu reception. A couple of infants in arms were among the party, and two proud mothers wended their way homeward a little later, for Royalty had taken special notice of their offspring. The cinema man got a picture of the Prince chucking the first youngster under the chin and displaying keen interest in the family’s life and doings, the whole making up a charming little snapshot. Luncheon over, a start was made to cross the steep Rai Saddle, the long, tortuous ascent, and the even steeper and more crooked descent affording plenty of momentary thrills. A stretch of level, and then another hill, the Whangamoa, had to be negotiated, which was done safely, though a couple of the cars were delayed by punctures. These were the only casualties of the trip,- and as the roads on the hills cannot be described as good, the record is a creditable one. NELSON’S WELCOME.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD. At Canvastown and Wakapuaka everyone turned out to see the Prince go by. On approaching Nelson people began to line the road in knots, and ear loads of people cheered and welcomed the Prince. The city boundary was crossed under an archway of flags and greenery. Then the Post Office belts pealed a welcome as the Prince entered Trafalgar street (which was attractively decorated and filled with cheering crowds) and guns boomed out the Royal salute. Primary school children and College girls lined part of the street, and the cadets furnished a guard of honour. During his inspection of this the Prince was cheered again and again. He then mounted the dais at the steps to the Cathedral, where the civic address was presented, and the Prince then inspected the returned troops and pinned decorations on the breasts of two or three. Cheer after cheer burst forth, and as it was taken up by the crowd along the street it resembled a billow of sound rolling along. When the Prince moved to the School of Music, where a brief reception was held, the enthusiasm reached a high pitch, and the cheering was continuous, so that eventually the Prince came out on the balcony and acknowledged the acclamation, which redoubled in fervour for some minutes. Nelcon’s welcome to her future Sovereign was one to be proud of. THE CITIZENS’ BALL. The Prince attended the citizens’ ball this evening in the Provincial Hall, which was tastefully decorated and presented a brilliant spectacle-. Trafalgar street was transformed into a glimpse of F airy land, the decorations consisting of columns draped with flags and greenery', with an ordered .system of greenery and flags strung between them, and Chinese lanterns strung along the line. The effect when these were lighted was enchanting, with vivacious crowds of merrymakers out to enjoy themselves. A fireworks display added to the light and colours of the scene. ROSE STREWN PATH.

A touching incident witnessed just before the Royal car reached the city boundary this evening. A very old lady strewed the roadway with flowers, and as the Prince drove past she endeavoured to throw a bouquet into the car, but it fell short. The Prince, observing this, ordered the chauffeur to stop and drive back. His Royal Highness accepted a bouquet from the old lady’s hands and spoke a few words of kindly appreciation, whereupon the dame, in an ecstasy of joy, burst into tears, invoking blessings upon his head for hia manly good nature and gentlemanly consideration. The view along Trafalgar street, filled with its cheering thousands and ending with packed terraces at the Cathedral steps in Selwyn Place, was one to linger in the memory. Those who have followed the tour right through are agreed that no place in proportion to population has done better than Nelson in honouring the Prince. PROBABLE TOUR OF THE EAST. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and NJS. Cable Association.) HONOLULU, May 8. According to a despatch from Tokio, the Prince of Wales is expected to visit Japan next year, and also India and Australia a second time. FUEL FOR THE RENOWN. SYDNEY, May 10. (Received May 11, 1.50 a.m.) The oil tank steamer Warkrishna has arrived from Texas with a cargo of oil for the Renown’s bunkers.