THE PRINCE’S TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1922, Page 5

THE PRINCE’S TOUR.

TRIUMPH IN JAPAN. A FAREWELL MESSAGE. CEMENTING FRIENDSHIP. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Tokio, May 9. Extraordinary pains wore taken to make the visit of the Prince of Wales enjoyable. No expense was spared. For instance, £2090 was spent making a special road to the, top of the mountain of Yashima. Gifts were showered on him from all parts. He taKes home over 60 large cases of costly souvenirs, many of great historic worth. Not a word of politics was mentioned during the tour. The speeches were purely polite and personal toasts, but Japanese statesmen agree that the visit will undoubtedly have a marked effect in strengthening relations between the I lilies, besides which the Prince achieved a great personal triumph. The Prince boarded the Renown in Kagoshima harbour amidst the thunders of a roval salute and, escorted by Japanese cruisers, took farewell of Japan and started on the voyage to Manila. There were great and enthusiastic crowds, many having travelled long distances to witness the farewell. The Prince sent a wireless message to the Japanese nation from the Renown, expressing his deep appreciation of his welcome. He said that he realised he was coming to a country whose traditions of friendship with Britain made a living reality, but he was unprepared for the genuine warmth of welcome he received everywhere. ‘1 am aware that this expression of friendship is given me as my father-s son and a-s the representative, of that other Island Empire so long and intimately associated with Japan by the closest bonds, and with whom she cooperated so loyally for the welfare of humanity. I am returning home realising to the full the value of the friendship which has existed so long between our two nations.” . Received May U>, U-4-> P-™-Tokio, May 9.

Press comments agree that the Pr ‘" c ' of Wales’ visit will have far r “ c & effects in removing many age-old bar riers between the Japanese Throne ana the people.