TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9291, 28 April 1920, Page 4

TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS.

STIRRING JOURNEY SCENES

(Per Press Association;)

HAMILTON, April 27

The Prince of Wales to-day began his tour of the country. Auckland, which welcomed his arrival so warmly, gave him a cheery God-speed. . The journey south was literally a triumphal progress. At every station the people gathered to see the Royal train go by, children being much in evidence, livery where were waving flowers, and no doubt the lifting of piping voices.in words of welcome, but these could not be heard on the train.

At Pukekohe the first stop was made, and the Prince stepped on to a decorated dais with school children marshalled one one flank. A verse of the National Anthem was sung, and •then the Mayor, Mr Lawrie, presented a loyal address, to which the Prince replied in felicitous terms. The children then sang "God Bless the Prince of Wales," and his Royal Highness shook hands with a number of returned soldiers. The journey was resumed amidst the cheers of the large gathering. Mr Massey joined the train here. ...... ,..... „, ... -„ „., ■

When the train crossed the Waikatb at Ngaruawahia the Prince had his first Maori welcome. -llife train .'did not stop, but passed slowly by.' '■- A large gathering of people, ';mostly -.vlaoris, lined the platform arid 1 'the vicinity, and two burly Natives, clad m mats, held- aloft a placard bearing' 'the word:"Haeremai.? As the Royal car at the end of the train' drew near they bent low in token.•'of*'fealty to ■•■'Te Piriinihi Te Wera." A number of Maori women in several rows chanted a song of welcome to the accompaniment l'of waring greenery. •

1 As the train approached Hamilton a 'light rain came on, making the outiook, which had been brightest ,in the ;early .morning, become rather dull and lorbidding. -Passing Frankton, however, the sun came out again. On arrival at Hamilton the Royal party proceeded to the Claudelands racecourse, where a very large crowd assembled. Addresses or welcome were presented; by the Mayors of Hamilton and Camoridge, and by the chairman of Rodney County, also by the League of Frontiersmen. The Prince replied to the local bodies similarly to his speech at Pukekohe, and to the Frontiersmen he expressed appreciation of their war services and pleasure at the opportunity of meeting thorn now peace was restored. In reply to the' Hamilton Borough address the Prince said that this was once a district torn by war, but was now a picture of prosperity and peace. He congratulated the district on the progress made, and in thanking the people for their warm welcome expressed his best wishes for their future prosperity a*.*d happiness.