PRINCE OF WALES

Southland Times, Issue 18832, 27 May 1920, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES

WELCOMED TO AUSTRALIA. ARRIVAL AT MELBOURNE. LANDING MARRED BY FOG. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Coble Association.;

MELBOURNE, May 26

(Received May 26, 7.45 p.m.)

A fog, the densest for years, which descended on the city and the bay during the night and enshrouded the whole landscape, seriously interfered with the arrangements

for the Prince’s arrival. The Renown arrived on time, to find the Heads smothered in mist, which delayed her en! ranee. Anticipatory reports which were circulated in the city to the effect that she entered on schedule time proved to be premature. Instead of entering she stood off, awaiting the fog clearing before negotiating the narrow channel.

Meantime destroyers had proceeded down the bay to escort the warship, and aeroplanes were aloft, but failed to locate her through the dense mist. As this showed little signs of clearing, and there were prospects of lengthy delay before the Renown was able to come through, the naval authorities arranged to transfer the Prince to a destroyer. At a later hour it was reported that the Prince had been transferred to the destroyer Anzac, which was speeding up the bay to enable the Prince to arrive in time to carry out the delayed programme. As the day wore on the fog in the city grew thinner. There was a long and tiresome wait for the expectant crowds, which, despite the damp, depressing atmosphere, iterulily increased to huge dimensions. They received promise of their reward at the "sound of puns booming the Royal salute as the Anzac passed the anchored warships announcing the coming of the Prince.

The destroyer reached Port Melbourne pier shortly after 3 o’clock, and the Prince immediately boarded the steamer Hygeia and proceeded to the landing place at St. Hilda, which was reached shortly before 4 o'clock, ninety minutes behind schedule time. Owing to the lateness of the hour, and to enable the procession through the streets to be tarried out, most of the ceremonial arrangements for the official landing were cut out, and the procession commenced without delay.

The authorities and the public generally were greatly disappointed at the scurvy trick the fog played them. It spoiled not only the anticipated progress of the Royal ship up the harbour, but robbed the whole of the preparations of much official setting and sparkle. In spite of their disappointment and uncomfortable conditions, the people accepted the position philosophically and with good humour. By the time the procession started the sun had gained the ascendancy over the mist,* and the people made light of their long weary vigil in the excitement of trying to catch a glimpse of the Prince. Many had been waiting patiently from early morning, since when a continuous procession of trains, trams, and every 7 available class of vehicle had been pouring in a human stream. The route throughout was lined by a surging mass of humanity, and windows, balconies, housetops, and every available point of vantage were occupied. It is roughly estimated that something like a million people viewed the procession. The

streets were festooned with greenery, and the buildings were lavishly decorated with bunting, emblematic designs, and loyal greetings, the result being most effective. From start to finish the procession was marked by intense enthusiasm and exuberant loyalty, the crowds fervidly cheering and gesticulating. 'The Prince showed the keenest interest and pleasure in the reception accorded him. He had eyes for everything, and readily responded to frequent greetings as his carriage slowly made'- its way to the Federal Government House.

OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS CUT SHORT,

PRINCE'S SPEEDY CONQUEST,

MELBOURNE, vMay 26 (Received May 27, 1.5 a.m.i

When the fog lifted sufficiently the Renown entered the Heads and steamed to her anchorage. In view of the delay the civic welcome was cut short, the Mayor’s address and the Prince’s reply taking only u few minutes. The Prince’s ready acceptance of the altered arrangements resulting from the delay, and his appreciative interest in the proceedings, won the hearts of the people aand deepened the excellent impression the reports of his doings in New Zealand had created.

The streets were again thronged to-night, the crowds viewing the illuminations of buildings and warships in the harbour.