ROYAL TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1920, Page 5

ROYAL TOUR.

PRINCE IN AUSTRALIA.

WEATHER SPOILS FUNCTIONS. By Telegraph!— Press A«an.—Copyright, Reecived May 29, 1,5 a.m. Melbourne, May 28. The Prince, on the destroyer Franklin, inspected the fleet. The review, from the point of view of the assembled crowds ashore, was a failure, as owing to a thick fog only the dim outlines of the vessels were visible.

The weather is now bitterly cold, with q. thick white frost. The fog affected the Prince, who is troubled with a deep cough.

Mounted police have been dispensed with in connection with the visit, as His Royal Highness considers people might be injured by horses among the crowd. At the exhibition building this afte*noon the people's reception was held, the Prince being greeted by fourteen thousand.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIA. VALUE OP ITS NAVY. Melbourne, May 28. The Prince made his first speech at the official dinner in Parliament House, which was a brilliant function. He paid a warm tribute to Australia's part in the war, including the work of the women. He spoke of the flttingness that the Australian ship Anzac should have brought him to Melbourne. He was impressed by his passage through the Australian fleet, which was a splendid example of the forethought and enterprise of the Australian people. They must feel proud of the navy, realising the important part it played in the war. Referring to Australia's responsibilities, he said that she had won her spurs in the war, had taken her place in the councils of the nations, and became the mandatory Power responsible for the well-being and protection of the large uncivilised population in a late German possession. He was proud that she had undertaken this responsibility. The people's welcome touched him most deeply. He would never forget the friendly greetings and the magnificence of the arrangements. He did not, as a rule, move about with such pomp and ceremony, and would feel uncomfortable if that was the only method in which they were going to allow him to travel about the country. He already knew the Australians through the war and needed no further introductions to make them regard him as one of themselves.

The whole proceedings, including the speeches of welcome of Messrs. Hughes and Tudor, were marked by the greatest enthusiasm.