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Press, Volume LX, Issue 17981, 26 January 1924, Page 15

Mr Harry Gullett, the .well-known Australian journalist and war correspondent, who recently returned from a health trip to Japan, is telling a good story concerning an amusing lapse into absent-mindedness by the Prince of of Wales during his visit to Japan (says the Sydney "Daily Guardian"). The Prince attended the Church of England in Tokyo, in company with Sir Charles Elliott, British Ambassador. As the collection plate approached, the Prince fumbled in his pockets foT- the'customary "deener," but without result. Then turning to his companion, he asked, "Have yonfl ferny money, Elliott?" The Ambassador produced a roll of Japanese notes, to the value of about £7O, and passed it over, thinking, of course, that the Prince would take one note and pass j tho rest back. But without looking at what had been given him, the Prince dumped the whole roll into the plate, and that was the last Elliott saw or heard of it. After an expedition to Euapehu, j Messrs A. A. Creamer and F. Grove (Auckland), and Messrs Parker and Gordon (Eotorua), returned this week. The party journeyed to the National Park by way of the Taupo-Tokaanu-Otikou road. Thoy described this as good in places, and negotiable for a distance' of 116 miles. The ascent of Euapehu was made with some difficulty, the air being, very cold after the heat in the valleys. The view from the summit was magnificent. Ngauruhoe was pouring out great clouds of ■ black smoke, the huge geyser blowhole on the Keterahi side of Tongariro being specially active. The steam and smoke, contrasting with the brilliant sunlit landscape, made a wonderful picture. The members of the party are of the unanimous opinion that the National Park and the ascent of Euapehu make one of the most wonderful trips in the Dominion. The access from Eotoroa is easy. , . The Director of Forestry has received word from the forest ranger of Waimarino stating that at the Magistrate's Court, Ohakune, on Monday, a fine of £lO was imposed on an official for allowing a fire to sprnad to the State forest at Waimarino. Under the State Forest Act, 1921, it is illegal to light a fire without the written permission of the State Forest officer, in a proclaimed forest area. The Director states that, owing to the present dry season, the lighting of fires ,in forest areas is particularly dangerous. The present, he said, was the only instance this season, 6o far as he knew, of a I lack of co-operation with tbe authorities in respect to tho preservation of forests in proclaimed areas.