ROYAL TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1920, Page 5

ROYAL TOUR.

PRINCE IN AUSTRALIA, THE MELBOURNE WELCOME. Br Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Melbourne, May 27. Though the ceremonies of landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal of ceremony owing to the delayed arrival, there was a great outburst of cheering and wild enthusiasm. A packed multitude gathered round the St. ICilda Pier, which was piobably more appreciated by the Prince than a more elaborate procedure would have been. His Royal Highness showed lively appreciation of the people's great and spontaneous welcome, which greeted him when flrat setting foot on Australian soil.

The route of the procession was lined with soldiers and sailors, who, during the long wait, found considerable difficulty in keeping the impatient crowds in check and clearing the way for the procession. As it passed, the crush was so great that many women fainted. Arrangements had been made for a civic reception at the Town Hall, where there was a great gathering, but at the Prince's suggestion the Mayor's address and the Prince's Veply were taken as read. The Prince handed his reply to the Lord Mayor, with a few words of thanks for the city's splendid reception. He said: "You don't mind if I don't read it, do you? I shall see you again, won't I, Lord Mayor?" During the procession returned soldiers made demands on the Prince's attentionj which was readily accorded. One insisted on a handshake and, when the. Prince tendered his left hand, demanded his right, which the Prince laughingly conceded. When Collins Street was reached, the measured tread of the procession 'was abandoned, and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pace. Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans.

1 After the procession the Prince attended the Governor-General's ball at Government House, where there was a brilliant assemblage. For the loss of the spectacular effect of the entrance of the Renown, which in clear weather "would have been pro-' vided, people could console themselves with the thought that tHe Prince landed in Australia in one of Australia's own warships. The consolation has made up a good deal for public disappointment- " ' The Renown missed getting inside tbe heads by a near margin. She held clear weather till the entrance was approached, arriving in good time; then the fog swept down for some hours, and it looked as if the day's programme would be spoiled. Later it was arranged that the Prince should be taken on board the destroyer Ansae, which had considerable difficulty in discovering the warship owing to the density of the fog. The Prince was informed that great crowds were awaiting the procession. He heartily concurred, and assisted in pushing the arrangements for getting to St. Kilda to save the waiting people being disappointed. The mist had considerably cleared in the bay by the time the Anzac started for the city, enabling her to make a fast run, thus saving the situation.

The city at night surpassed all previous efforts in the way of illuminations. Public and private buildings were brilliantly outlined, and the streets were ablaze with colored lights and designs. The warships and other vessels in the harbor provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the day made amends for the misty morning. The night was fine, and dense admiring crowds paraded the streets till early in the morning, showing an exuberance of spirits which towards the close here and there developed into horseplay and practical jokes. The Prince's engagements to-day include a levee, investiture at Government House ai)d the presentation of Federal Parliament addresses, and a, banquet.

ADDRESSES OF WELCOME. Received Mav.2B, 1- am. Melbourne, May 27. The Prince's levee and investiture at Government House this morning was crowded, the Prince shaking hands with two thousand people. He made a short speech, returning thanks for the addresses of welcome. Addresses from, the House of Representatives and the Senate were presented to-night, expressing a welcome to His Royal Highness, not only as the future sovereign, but as one who was held in esteem by Australian soldiers as a comrade on the field.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Afisn.

MESSAGE FROM THE KING. RENOWN FOR INDIAN TOUR. Received May 27, 11 p.m. Melbourne, May 27. The King, in response to a message from the Governor-General, sent a message expressing delight at his son's reception. At a meeting of the Privy Counoil at Government House, the Prince presiding, Chief Justice Knox was sworn in as a Privy Councillor. It. is officially stated it is the express desire of the Prince that the Renown should be recommisßloued for his visit to India.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.