A MILLION PEOPLE WELCOME H.R.H. PRINCE OF WALES IN MELBOURNE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7416, 27 May 1920, Page 3

A MILLION PEOPLE WELCOME H.R.H. PRINCE OF WALES IN MELBOURNE.

Arrival of Renown Delayed ~ by tog*

Australian aiid N.Z. Cablo Association. i Roc. May 27, morning. Melbourne, May 26 A fog delayed the Renown's entry into Port Phillip. The Prince of Wales transferred to ■ a destroyer and landed at St Kikla. In view of the delay tl/e civic welcome was cut short, the Mayor's address and the Prince's reply taking only a few minutes! I he Prince's ready acceptance of the altered arrangements result ing from the delay, and his appreciative interest in the proceedings, won the hearts of the people, and deepened the excellent _ impression which the reports of his doings in New Zealand had created. It is estimated that a million people watched the procession to the Federal House. Remarkable enthusiasm was dis played.

Rec May 27, 9.30 a.m. Melbourne, May 27. After the oroccssion the Prince attended the Governor-General's ball at Government House, where there was a brilliant assemblage. Though the ceremonies of landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal of ceremony, owing to the delayed arrival, there was a great outburst of cheering and wild enthusiasm by the packed multitude gathered round the St. Kilda pier, and it was probably more appreciated by the Prince than the more elaborate procedure. His Royal Highness showed his lively appreciation of the great spontaneous people's welcome, which greeted him on first setting foot on Australian soil. The route of the procession was lined with soldiers and sailors, who, during the long wait, found considerable difficulty in keeping the impatient crowds in check", and in clearing a way for the procession as it passed. The jam was so great that many women tainted. Arraugements had been made for a civic reception in the Town Hall, where there was a great gathering but at the Prince's suggestion the Lord Mayor's address and the Prince's reply were taken as read, the Prince handing his rqply to the Lord Mayor with a few words of thanks for the city's splendid reception. The Prince said . "You don't mind if I do not read it, do you ? I will see you again won't I, Lord Mayor?"

During" the progress of the procession returned soldiers made many demands on the Prince's attention, which was readily accorded. One insisted on a handshake. When the Prince tendered his left hand the soldierdemanded the right hand, and the Prince laughingly conceded. When Collins Street was reached the measured tread of the procession was abandoned, and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pace. Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans-