THE LAST DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 May 1920, Page 5

THE LAST DAY.

PRINCE'S TOUR ENDS. .A DAY IN SOUTHLAND. WINTRY WEATHER MET WITH. ; By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, Last Night, Then tour of New Zealand by the Prince of Wales practically concluded to-day so far as official engagements are concerned. It is a pity that the visit to Southland, whose capital lias the honor of bidding His Royal Highness a publio farewell, should be marred by rain. The final stages of the journey south from Dunedin were marked by changes of climate of a remarkable character. A cold southerly brought rain with it during the niglij, and the dawn showed a dusting of snow on the highest hills in Hie neighborhood. The sun came out brightly, however, and when the Royal train's time of departure approached all avenues to the station and all good observation posts along the railway were filled with people, who gave .bonny Prince Edward, the conqueror of the city's collective heart, a remarkably enthusiastic send off. It was a real Scots speeding of the parting guest. _As soon as the train was clear of the city and environs evidences of a cold' snap became increasingly apparentLittle patches of snow lay near the ,line, and the hills reared white heads to the Bky, making the landscape of green and white particularly striking in the bright sunshine. IN A SNOWSTORM. Milton was the first stop, the people turning out in force to participate in welcoming the Prince. A few flakes of snow now began to fall, and along by Stirling it developed into quite a storm, a strong southerly wind driving a flurry of white before it in real winter fashion..

At Stirling and the small wayside stations people turned out unmindful of the snow to cheer the King's son on his way. As Balcltilha came in sight the sun asserted himself and the grey pall of cloud lifted- Balclutha added its quota to the expressions of loyalty and homage that have been showered upon the Royal visitor wherever he appeared, and the train proceeded on its way. As the train left the neighborhood of the sea and the higher levels about Clinton were travelled a wonderful panorama of rolling uplands, thickly capped with snow, with hills on either hand completely mantled in white, spread out bef<)re the travellers, the faze giving a reminder of familiar winter scenes in the Homeland. Ttfe fiun still smiled down warmly, but his rays could not banish the crisp tang of cold from the atmosphere. It wa3 still fijio when Gore was reached, but before the people's welcome to the Prince was completed flakes of snow began, to fall again. There had been a lot of rain in the morning and conditions underfoot were very sloppy, but this did not damp the patriotic fervor of the people, who gave His Royal Highness a warmly cordial reception and parting cheers. INVERCARGILL'S. WELCOME. At Mataura snow began to fall anew, but a little further on the train ran into green fields again, though all sodden by rain that fell some hours previously. The sun struggled through the clouds fitfully for awhile; then the clouds conquered again, and the landscape became blurred with mist. At three o'clock the train pulled into tnvercargill, which lay all wet and muddy under foot- The town's chief thoroughfare, Dee Street, was very creditably decorated with lines of greenway strung across its great width. Midway along the thoroughfare was a very fine fern arch in which numbers of colored electric lights stdoH out like huge glowworms, giving a particularly pleasing effect when darkness fell later on. The street was lined with cheering thousands as the Royal party drove to the show ground, where a great concourse . gathered. Several thousand school ciiTldren were massed in front of a huge stand, which was packed with spectators. A large number of territorials and cadets were on parade; also a long line of returned men and nurees, who came in for hearty individual greetings and hand-shakes, which the Prince never omits in the case of those who served in the forces oversea.

HAPPY CHILDREN. Then followed H»3 Royal Highness' progress through the ranks of the children, who forgot the discomfort of the wet, muddy ground in the joy, of having a real P/ineo, their own Prince, in such close, personal touch. The little faces that, a moment before looked pinched with cold, became wreatfted in smiles, and the young voices made the air resound with glad 'Cries of welcome. It was a wonderful illustration of the power of this young man from a far country, yet of their own kith and kin, to reach the hearts of those with whom he comes in contactReturning to the Grand Hotel, where lie is quartered, the Prince visited eoldier patients in the Southland' hospital, tie spoke a few cheery words to the men, shook hands with all, and received from them a present of a leather bag worked with tikis for Queen Alexandra. Before dinner he went for a stroll with some of his staff, the party's appearance in such an informal and familiar manner among them arousing the people's enthusiasm to the highest pitch. DEPARTURE FOR LYTTELTON. A citizens' reception was held in the Drill Hall to-night, the large building being crowded. It was estimated about 7000 people were present, including several hundred returned soldiers. The Prince arrived at i) o'clock, accompanied by his suite and the Mayor (Mr. John Stead). As the Prince entered* the building he was heartily cheered, the demonstration continuing for some time, and being renewed after the National Anthem. In the course of a short speech, His Royal Highness expressed regret that his stay.in Invereargill was so brief, and lie was, therefore, unable to come into as close contact with the. people as ne would have wished. At the conclusion of the function those, present filed past the Royal dais and were greeted .by the Prince, to whom were presented the conductors of the Hibernian Band, male choir, and Orphans' Club orchestra, which supplied the musical programme, upon which the Prince congratulated them. The Royal train left shortly after 10 O'clock for Lyttelton amid an enthusiastic demonstration. The Prince to-night presented to each,