THE PRINCE OF WALES

Southland Times, Issue 18852, 18 June 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES

SYDNEY’S WELCOME, GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S BANQUET. ROYAL VISITOR ON BONDS OF EMPIRE. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, June 17. Speaking at the Governor-General’s banquet in reply to Mr Hughes’s speech of welcome, the Prince enlarged upon the spirit of Empire unity which the war had disclosed and developed. His travels had taught him how deeply the roots of our common civilisation were set. The continuity of British ideals and methods constituted the Empire’s strongest point. He was sure no nation of the Empire could properly understand itself or appreciate the bonds which linked (he British peoples unless they followed British history a long way back into the past. He would be vain to suppose that the wonderful welcomes given him were individual. He knew they’ were accorded him a? the King’s son and heir because the King represented the unity and continuity of British life and ideals throughout the Empire. The organising committee and the police have won golden opinions everywhere for the excellent management of the procession Their handling of the huge crowds was really’ a triumph of organisation far ahead of anything seen in Sydney’ before. The police pay a tribute to the public for their orderliness anti strict attention to requirements. The Prince has already established himself as a favourite with (he people. He expressed himself delighted with Sydney and the reception accorded him. A QUIET DAY. STATE GOVERNOR'S DINNER AND BALL. SYDNEY, June 17. (Received June 18, 12.20 a.m.) To-night the Prince attended the State Governor’s dinner and a ball at Government House. The city and harbour illuminations again attracted large crowds, but they were forced to disperse nt an early hour hy heavy’ showers of rain, which show signs of continuing. A feature of yesterday’s invasion of the city hy visitors was the small patronage of the restaurants, largely the result of (lie increased prices. Instead of the expected rush to the restaurants people brought their own supplies or bought packet lunches. Generally since the tariff was raised patronage of the restaurants has steadily decreased. The city is taking itself quietly to-day after yesterday's supreme effort. The Prince also had a comparatively quiet day. The chief functions were (he investiture of ■•ecipients of civil and military honours, a levee at Government House and the presentation of loyal addresses by a large number of public bodies. Many hundreds of aeople availed themselves of the opportunity of shaking hands with (he Prince.