PRINCE OF WALES

Southland Times, Issue 18833, 28 May 1920, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES

MELBOURNE’S WELCOME. OFFICIAL CEREMONIES CUT SHORT. ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.-—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, May 27. For the loss of the spectacular effect of the entrance of the Renown, which clear weather, would have provided, people consoled themselves with the reflection that the Prince landed in Australia from one of Australia’s own warships. This consolation made up for a good deal of public disappointment. The Renown missed getting inside to schedule time by a near margin. She had dear weather till the entrance was approached, arriving in good time; then the fog swept down for some hours, and it looked as if the day 'a programme would be spoiled.

Later it was arranged that the Prince should be taken on board the destroyer Anzac, which had considerable difficulty in discovering the warship owing to the density of the fog. The Prince was informed that great crowds were awaiting the procession, and heartily concurred and assisted in pushing arrangements to get to fit. Kilda in time to save the waiting people being disappointed. The mist had considerably cleared in the bay by the time the Anzac started for the city, enabling her to make a fast run.

After the procession the Prince attended the Governor-General’s ball at Government House where there was a brilliant assemblage. Though the ceremonies of landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal of ceremony owing to the delayed arrival there was a great outburst of cheering and wild enthusiasm. The packed multitude gathered round St. Kilda pier was probably more appreciated by the Prince than the more elaborate procedure. His Royal Highness showed lively appreciation of the great spontaneous people’s welcome which greeted him on first setting foot on Australian soil. The route of the procession was lined by soldiers and sailors who, during the long wait, found considerable difficulty in keeping the impatient crowds in check and clearing a way for the procession as it passed. The crush was so great that many women fainted.

Arrangements had been made for a civic reception at the Town Hall where there was a great gathering but at the Prince’s suggestion the Lord Mayor's address and the Prince’s reply were taken as read, the Prince handing his reply to the Lord Mayor with a few words of thanks for the city’s splendid reception. The Prince said: “You don’t mind if I don’t rend it, do you? I will see you again, won’t I, my Lord Mayor?” During his progress the returned soldiers made many demands on the Prince’s attention which were readily acceded to. ■ One insisted on a handshake and when the Prince tendered his left hand he demanded the right. The Prince laughingly acceded. When Collins street was reached the measured tread of the procession was abandoned and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pare. Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans.

The city at night surpassed all previous efforts in the way of illumination; Public and private buildings were brilliantly outlined and the streets were ablaze with coloured lights and designs. The warships and other vessels in harbour provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the day made amends for the misty morning. The night was fine, and dense admiring crowds paraded the streets till early morning, showing an exuberance of spirit which towards the close here and there developed into horseplay and practical jokes.