PRINCE'S GIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 127, 31 May 1935, Page 14

PRINCE'S GIFT.

MALLET AND HELMET. JAPANESE SHIPS' VISIT. Twenty-eighb years ago Major-General B. S. Merlin, aiow of Wellington, was entertained in Japan by Hiroyasu Fushimi on the occasion of the engagement of Princess Nabuko, daughter of tho then Emperor Meiji to the Great Reformer, Prince Asaka. This gathering was recalled in all its splendour to Major-GeneraL Merlin when tho Japanese training squadron was in Wellington recently, for among the personnel was a young Prince Asaka, a son of that marriage (says "The Post"). Also on board was a scion of the illustrious house of Fushimi, Prince Hirohide Fushimi. and another Imperial prince, Prince Kuni, brother of the reigning Empress Nagfiko. Days long since gone by were lived again by Major-General Merlin in the company of the three princes, and as he is .able to converse fluently in Japanese, he was of considerable interest to them.

Before the squadron left' Wellington Prince Ilirohido Fushimi gave MajorGeneral Merlin two gifts. 'These , are not mere gewgaws, but valuable gifts not lightly given, so that they are to lie the more treasured. Each woighs about half a pound, and one is a silver mallet, and it is a gift highly esteemed by the Japanese. It is called Uchidenokozuchi and is a charm, the significance of which in olden times was to drive evil spirits out of the home. With it go wishes for luck and happiness to the recipient. The other gift, which is an example of splendid workmanship, is a replica of an ancient Japanese helmet. It is surmounted with a gold dragon. Close attention to detail ha's been paid in its manufacture and the finished article is one which would make a handsome addition to any collector's treasured possessions.