THE PRINCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE.

PRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN. A FAREWELL MESSAGE. THE PREMIER'S REPLY. ' By Telesraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The following has been handed to the Press for publication by the Prime Minister:— "The Prince of Wales has read with great interest the report which reached him in reply to his request for information regarding the arrangements made to convey, and care for, school children a: all points where they had been gathered to see him. His Royal Highness has been deeply impressed throughout by the excellence of the provision made for the comfort of the children, and would like to congratulate all responsible for the Very complicated work of organisation, which must, have been necessary to ensure such remarkable success.

"Would you kindly convey his great appreciation to the Secretary for Education, the General Manager of Railways, •and the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs. His Royal Highness would also like to pay tribute to tlie school-masters and mistresses whom ho has met throughout the Dominion for the obedience, well-being, cheerfulness, and good manners shown by all gatherings of children, great and small, which have impressed him very much, and he has taken the greatest interest and pleasure in their beautiful display of movement and drill.

"He realises all this indicates a great deal of hard work and careful teaching on the part of those responsible for them, and considers that the deportment of the children and displays given by them speak volumes for the excellence of their training. Will you kindly convey his congratulations to all schobUiha'sters and mistresses throughout the Dominion, and also his best wishes for their success and happiness in the most important and responsible work on which they are engaged?—l am, Your obedient servant, (Signed) E. W. M. (JRIOG, Lt.-CoL, Secretary to H.R.11. Prince of Wales." THE PREMIER'S MESSAGE. The Prime Minister sent the following message to the Prince:— "On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, I desire to express our loyal and heartfelt appreciation of the farewell message received from your Royal Highness on the eve of your departure from New Zealand.

"The welcome? in all parts of the Dominion extended to your Royal Highness since your arrival have come straight from the hearts of the people and citizens of New Zealand. Both Pakelm and Maori share with you the regret that your stay in this country has been too short to enable you to see many places where your welcome would have been as warm as in those which you have been able to visit.

notice of the fact that New Zealand is a land of equal opportunity for all, and an example tliat the British race may undertake the colonisation of u country without injustice to its original inhabitants, is a tribute to the pioneer settlers and founders of our Dominion. The people of New Zealand thoroughly appreciate the message you have sent, them, and, on their behalf, I beg to assure you that the opinion you have formed from your visit regarding their loyalty to the Crown, the Empire, and British ideals, is well founded.

"Vour message has been published throughout the Dominion, mid I can assure you that it is heartily appreciated by our people, and especially by the returned soldiers and the women of New Zealand, and that all those bereaved in the Great War will in partciular treasure the words of farewell that you have addressed to them. Territorials and cadets will also gratefully read your appreciation of them.

"With your Royal Highness the people of New Zealand have been impressed by the splendid gatherings of the schoolchildren, who have assembled to pay their respects to you. We are glad to think that in them lies the continuance of the race which will act up to the highest traditions of British character to which you have referred-

We rejoice to know you have felt so much at home amongst us, and your assurance that you are a true New Zealander in heart, and one of our own kith and kin, has strengthened our affection for vou.

"On behalf of the Dominion, I can assure your Royal Highness that, should occasion arise, there will be tile same response from New Zealand as was given in the last five strenuous years. New Zealand sincerely wishes you 'lion voyage' and a safe return to the Homeland, where we trust you will not fail to convey our assurance of loyalty and devotion to His Majesty the King, and his Royal consort, to both of whom our hearts go out in sincere affection and respect."

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S MESSAGE PRINCE HOPES TO RETURN. Wellington, Last Night. On the departure of H.M.S. Renown from Lyttelton on Saturday morning, the Governor-General despatched the following message to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales:— "1 join with my Government, and the people of this Dominion, in expressing to your Royal Highness our fervent hope that your tour, so auspiciously commenced, in these Southern seas may draw the ties of Empire still closer together, and at the same time prove a source of knowledge and pleasure to yourself. New Zealand parts with, your Royal Highness, and those who sail with you, with the deepest regret, after an all too short visit amongst us. Kia Ora.— Liverpool, Governor-General." His Excellency received on Saturday evening the following reply from Hi's Royal Highness:— '•I am greatly touched by Your Excellency's message of farewell on behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand. Pleaso convey to all my warmest thanks. I can never say how much I enjoyed my first visit to New Zealand, nor shall I ever forget the loyalty and affection with which I was welcomed everywhere- New Zealand will never be far from my thoughts, and I hope to pay I the Dominion another visit at some future time. The sooner the opportunity comes the happier I shall be, Kia Ora, —Edward P."