THE DETACHED SQUADRON.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3384, 1 June 1881, Page 3

THE DETACHED SQUADRON.

It Will Positively Visit Auckland

We are glad to learn upon most reliable authority received per Arawata from Sydney, that the Detached Squadron including the Bacchante with the sons of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales on board,will positively visit Aucldaud. The Squadron is due here on the 23th of the present month and will remain at least five days, from hciice they go to Fiji. Now that definite information is to hand His Worship the Mayor, will we doubt not, initiate steps to give the distinguished visitors a suitable reception.

The following extract from the "Sydney News," with reference to the young princes, will interest our readers :—H.R.H. Prince Albeit Victor Christian Edward of Wales was bnrn on the Sth January, 1864, and H.R.H. Prince George Frederick Ernest Albert of Wales,on thcSrd June, 18G5. The former was therefore 17 years of age in January hut, and the latter will be 1G this month. It is iutended that Prince George only shall be a sailor, but the choice of the navy as a practical tiaiuing school for both piinces has given great satisfaction. Prince Albert Victor is prevented from adopting the navy as a profession owing to his constitutional position as eldest sou of tho heir apparent to the throne. The princes received some preliminary education iv the training ship Britannia, and then joined the Bacchante as cadets. During their first voyage to the West ludies they wore promoted to the position of midshipmen, and they still occupy that rank in the same vessel. In their cruise with the squadron they have mixed a good deal with ollicers of all the vessels, with whom they I seem to be highly popular. They Intve to perform their share of tho actual duties of the ship. They also receive rifle aud cutlass drill; and iustructisu iv navigation, steam and seam.auship. They have to mess with the midshipmen and cadets in the gun-room and according to report their birth aud station has not protected them from practical jokes and the customary horse play. Prince Albeit is repieseiited a3 a quiet pleasant and unassuming young gentleman, ami his younger brother, Prince George, as a more vivacious youth ; and both as pupils with keen apprehension.