THE PRINCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE.

LAST DAYS OF TOUR. CHILDREN'S DISPLAY. A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE, By Telegraph.—Press Association, • Duncdin, Last Night. For the time of the year the weather throughout the Royal visit to New Zealand has been remarkably tine in each district. With only a couple of days to go to complete the journey it may be remarked (though it were well to touch wood in doing so) that only on one day has the weather been really wet. That was the principal day of the Rotoma visit, which was marked by torrential rain. Last Friday, Christchnrch provided a little rain in the forenoon, but not enough to spoil the, afternoon's programme for children. Since then the elements have been very kindly disposed, though early this morning a sharp shower threatened to damp not only the ground, but the proceedings at the Tahuna Park showgrounds, where a children's demonstration was schedul?! to be held. The sun soon appeared, however, and drove the weeping clouds-away, so that by the time the Prince arrived at the ground everything was bathed in brightness, though r, light southerly breeze sent a chilly breath across the parade. The young people, however, cared not for this. Their blood coursed freely through their veins, their hearts were warm with regard for the visitor about to come to them, and their miinds engrossed in the business of giving him a welcome befitting the occasion, and they did this in a manner so spontaneously hearty that His Royal Highness could not have any doubt as to the loyalty and goodwill of those who, in the fullness of time, will be his subjects, and take their part !in carrying on the affairs of the country and the Empire.

PICTURESQUE SCENES. The whole display of marching, saluting, singing, and flag waving (always a pretty sight in mass) could not fail to stir the heart of every beholder. Seven thousand five hundred girls and boys of the primary and secondary schools of the city and suburbs marshalled on the parade ground, and an enormous crowd of spectators filled the stands and lined ail sides of the grounds. The scene was really a very fine and picturesque one. The girls were drawn up in long lines, each school wearing distinctive colors, which caught .the sun's rays and added to the charm of the picture. A keen south wind blew across the ground, but this did not cool the ardor of the youngsters, who greeted the Prince's appearance among them with cheers and glad cries of welcome. When His Royal Highness arrived his appearance was heralded by a fanfare of trumppts, and the band played the National Anthem. Sixteen girls, clad in white, then advanced to the Royal stand, made a deep curtsey, and two of them, one representing the high schools and thci other the pujmary schools, mounted the steps, curtesied, and presented His Royal Highness with a beautifully-made inkstand of New Zealand woods, greenstone and silver; also an album of views of the city. Each spoke a few words expressive of the children's loyalty to the Throne, and love for the Prince. They then eurtesied and withdrew. Their bearing was so charmingly graceful that it evoked warm applause from the watching thousands.

THE PRINCE'S MEMORY. The Prince then inspected the lines of the children, who afterwards marched in two columns up to the Royal stand, deployed to 'the right and left, and then proceeded back to their original positions, the whole movement being carried out with wondrous precision, which won hearty appreciation on all hands. The whole parade then advanced en masse to a position opposite the stand, where they sang the National Anthem and the New Zealand National Anthem. Cheers for the King and the Prince followed, accompanied by waving flags, which were produced suddenly (all previous movements had been done without the use of flags), and gave a most effective final touch to the scene. Quite twenty-five thousand people witnessed the display, which was the most effective of the tour. An incident characteristic of Prince Edward was witnessed just before the close of his inspection of the children. Ho had passed along the lines of little ones, and, looking back, his quick eye caught sight of a uniformed figure standing quietly to attention among his youthful charges in the rear. His Royal Highness at once made his way through the clustering and delighted youngsters to the spot where the soldier teacher (an officer who won Military Cross) stood, and asked: "Didn't I see you somewhere in France?" The Prince's memory was once more proved to be good. He had seen the officer in France, and they spent a few moments in reminiscent conversation, while the crowd, quickly grasping the significance of the little episode playing itself out before their eyes, cheered and cheered again. An army chaplain was similarly recognised a few moments later.

A REVIEW OF TROOPS. Tiie afternoon was largely spent at a review of troops, cadets, returned soldiers ami nurses, and veterans of older wars. This took place in aright, sunny weather on the Forbury Park trotting course, and was witnessed by a crowd that filled the stands and spread over the adjacent paddoek and a considerable portion of 'the course. The Prince pinned several decorations on the breasts of gallant men. The proceedings generally were the same as in other places. The review over, the Prince went to Carisbrook Park for some minutes to watch play in a Rugby football match, Otago versus returned soldiers. The latter Won easily. One man, Valintine, playing wing three-quarter, scored no less than five tries. The soldiers' win was popular, and the Prince, by virtue of his status as a "digger," was warmly cheered by the players and the crowd. The Dunedin programme was topped off to-night by a ball given by the Overseas Club and other local institutions. The Art Gallery again presented a brilliant spectacle. The Prince attended for some time, his appearance being hailed with wild enthusiasm. To-morrow, at 10 o'clock, the Ro.Vnl train leaves* for InvercargiU