THE ROYAL TOUR.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3497, 27 May 1920, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

AN UNFORTUNATE FOG,

RENOWN COMPELLED TO STAND * OFF THE HEADS.

MELBOURNE, May 26

A fog, the densest for years, which descended on the city and hay during the night and enshrouded the whole landscape, seriously interfered with arrangements for the Prince's arrival. The Renown arrived on time, to find the Heads smothered in mist, which delayed entrance. Anticipating 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 destVoyers had proceeded down the hay to escort"the warship, and aeroplanes were aloft, bui failed to locate her through the dense mist. As this showed little signs of clearing, and there were prospects of a lengthy delay before the Renown wa s able to" come through, the naval authorities arranged to transfer the Prince to a destroyer. At a later hour it was reported (hat the Prince had 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. Heavy fog interfered with the Renown proceeding up the bay to her moorings, delaying arrangements for the landing.

MELBOURNE'S WELCOME,

MELBOURNE. May 26

As the day wore on, the fog in.the city grey thinner. There was a long, tiresome wail for the expectant crowds, which, despite the damp and depressing atmosphere, steadily increased to huge dimensions. They received tbe promise of reward at the sound of the guns booming the Royal salute as the Anza.c passed, the anchored warships announcing ihe coming of the Prince. The destroyer reach- , ed Port Melbourne shortly after 3. The Prince immediately, boarded the steam- . er Hygeia : and proceeded to the landing place at St. Kilda, 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 carried out, most of the ceremonial arrangements for the official landing were cut out. Theprocession commenced without delay. The authorites and 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 preparations of much official setting and sparkle. In spite of their disappointment, and the uncomfortable conditions, the people accepted the position philosophically and with good humour. By the time the procession started, the sun bad gained ascendancy over the mist, and the people made light of the 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 and trams and every 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 was occupied.' It is roughly estimated that something like a million people viewed the procession. The streets were festooned with greenery and buildings were lavishly decorated with bunting and emblematic designs and loyal greetings. The result was most effective. From start to finish the procession was marked by intense enthusiasm and exuberant loyalty, 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 the carriage slowly made its wav t° tne Federal Government House. When the fog lifted the Renown enterd the heads and steamed to her anchorage. In view of the delay the civil welcome was cut. short, the Mayor's address and the Princes' reply taking only a few minutes. The Prince's ready acceptance of the altered arrangements resulting from the delay, and his appreciative interest in tbe proceedings, won the hearts of the people and deepened the excellent impression the reports of his doings in New Zealand had created. The streets were again thronged to-night,, crowds viewing the illuminations of buildings and warships in the harbour.