THE PRINCE

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE

WELCOME AT WELLINGTON. | THE CHILDREN'S TRIBUTE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, May 7. The Prince attended the children's demonstration in front of Parliament Buildings, where 10,000 scholars oi the various city and suburban schools were gathered, while many more thousands of their eiders were packed in the adjacent streets. The Renown's band played at the'foot of the steps to the main entrance. The Prince's car was wildly cheered all the way from Government House, and, on arrival at the Parliamentary grounds, th-! scene was one of indescribable enthusiasm as His Highness entered the grounds an.! proceeded past the Seddon .statue to the steps, whence he took the salute of the assembled children. The band playing, flags and streamers fluttering in thousands in little hands, and the crowds cheering (led by Mr. Seddon with uplifted hand), as if (hey had never cheered before and were determined now that the floodgates of enthusiasm had been opened to let themselves go to the last gasp, made up a furore of sound and a kaleidoscope of color and movement unprecedented in the city. It was the youngsters' day, and it was a great daj'. The State schools, a score of private schools, and the Navy League children wore all represented, and the cadets lined the drive through the grounds. The weather had been dull, but as the ■hour of the Prince's arrival approached the sun shone out and lit up the scene in all its splendour of color and animation. The children sang ''The Britsh Grenadiers," ''God Bless the Prince,'' Hearts of Oak," and the National Anthem.

At the conclusion of the children's demonstration the Prince planted a pohutakawa tree and then proceeded to th« Legislative Council Chambers, where V was presented by the Returned Soldiers' Association with the gold badge of life membership of the association. Dr. Boxer, president, read an address and made the' presentation amid cheers and cries of "Good old and "The Prince of Diggers." The Prince responded, thanknig all the branches of the association for the way the men turned out to see him.