THE PRINCE

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE

VISIT TO SOUTH ISLAND. MARLBOROUGH'S WELCOMEBy Telejraph Press Association. Picton, Last Night. The Renown reached Picton, after a smooth run across the Strait, just after ten o'clock and dropped anchor oft' Mabc] Island. The Prince of Wales left the ship nt 10.20 a.m., a Royal salute announcing the landing to the large asof townspeople at tho railway station. The weather was beautifully line; in fact, it was the best yet experienced on the tour.

The Prince landed in a steam pinnace and proceeded to a dais, where he was received by the Mayor (Mr Riddell) and Mr. McCallum, M.P. The usual address of welcome was presented and returned soldiers and children were inspected. The Prince boarded the train for Blenheim, amidst cheering. On arrival at Blenheim, the Prince was greeted by a loyal and enthusiastic crowd. He was driven to the college grounds, where there was a large gathering of school children, returned soldiers, and veterans. A civic address was presented, after which the Prince reviewed the guard of honor comprised of senior cadets and boy scouts. Then the Prince inspected the returned soldiers, speaking here and ther.; to those whose faces he recognised, or who displayed special decorations, or showed signs of war wounds. The children were most enthusiastic, cheering and flag waving. Maoris, under Chief Rore, sang and danced a whapori welcome. After conferring war decorations, the Prince departed for Nelson. INTERESTING MOTOR TRIP. WARM WELCOME AT NELSON. Nelson, Last Night. The Prince of Wales to-day journeyel by motor from Blenheim to Nelson, by way of Havelock and the Rac , Valley. Two bits of heavy hill climbing over the Rae Saddle and the Wliangamoa Hill were negotiated with safety, those unused to hill roads having some thrilling moments on the Devil's Elbow, and on the edge of steep declivities. Nelson was reached in good time, and gave the Prince a Royal welcome. The streets were decorated and lined by ten or twelve thousand people, whose enthusiasm was unbounded. Even af'.er the Prince left Selwyn Place, where th» civic address was presented, to attend a reception in the School of Music, he had to come out on the balcony to acknowledge the continuous acclamations. The Prince attended a citizens' ball this evening, in the Provincial Hall, which was tastefully decorated, and presented a brilliant spectacle. Trafalgar Street was transformed into a glimpse of fairyland, the decorations consisting of columns draped with flags and greenery, witli an ordered system of greenery and flags strung between them, and Chinese lanterns strung along the line. The effect when these were lighted was enchanting, with vivacious crowds of merrymakers out to enjoy themselves. A fireworks display added to the light and color of the scene. A touching incident was witnessed just before the Royal car reached the city boundary this evening. A very old lady strewed the roadway with flowers, and, as the Prince drove past, she endeavored to throw a bouquet into the car, but it fell short. The Prince, observing this, ordered his chauffeur to stop and drive back. His Royal Highness accepted the bouquet from the old lady's hands, and spoke a few words of kindly appreciation, whereupon the dame, in an ecstacy of joy, burst into tears, invpking blessing upon his head for his manly good nature and gentlemanly consideration.

The view along Trafalgar Street, filled with its cheering thousands and ending with packed terraces at the Cathedral steps in Selwyn Place, was one to linger in the memory. Those who have (followed the tour right through are agreed that no place, in proportion to population, has done better than Nelson in honoring the Prince.

FUTURE TOURS. By Telesrapb.—Press Assn.- -Copyright. Tokio, May 8. The Imperial Household Department reports a dispatch was sent to London informally inviting the Prince of Wales to visit Japan en route from Australia. It is: also announced that the Japanese Crown Prince proposes to visit the Occident shortly. This is the first time any heir to the Japanese throne has proposed going abroad.—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. Honolulu, May S. According to dispatches from Tokio the Prince of Wales is expected to visit Japan next year, also India and Australia a second time.