THE LIFE STORY OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19463, 9 November 1928, Page 17

THE LIFE STORY OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.

(BY WALTER AND LEONARD TOWNSEND.) [Edited by Evelyn Graham.] Read and approved by Sir Godfrey Thomas, K.C.V.0., Principal Private Secretary to his Royal Highness. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] [EXCLUSIVE TO THE PBESB.] CHAPTER XX. AFRICAN TOUR. No Eoyal Prince has been such a globe-trotter as the Prince of Wales. He will never rest content until he has visited every country of interest —especially every part of the British Empire. Having visited Canada, America, Australia, New Zealand, India, the East, and most Continental countries, Western South Africa now claimed the Prince's attention.

Perhaps during his previous tours, the remarkable enthusiasm for his personal qualities, which had been recorded had obscured the real nature and raison d'etro for his Empire tours. The Prince was not merely "doing" the Empire—that is why the word "tour" is so misleadhig in this' case. The Prince's "globe-trotting" were precisely and definitely ambassadorial missions carried out with a strict eye on this essential. That' he partook in many sports and recreations while abroad was emphasised unconsciously by the Press reports, but the fact was if he had not, during his scanty leisure, sought such relaxation his health would never have stood the tremendous strain imposed upon it by the multifarious duties which he fulfilled with an unflinching disregard of personal comfort and even safety. He did more than his duty, for he was not satisfied to carry out the official programme set down and then settle into comparative privacy in his short leisure; he carried his ambassadorial mission in a human way right amongst the individual people with whom he came into contact. His casual meetings probably spread as much influence as the orderly, well thought out official and iitate functions, and public receptions. „ On March 28th, 1925, the African tour began on H.M.S. Repulse. After a pleasant voyage the Prince landed at Bathurst where "Gambia lived a whole year in just over seven hours." The reception at Gambia augured well for a successful tour. Unlike the natives of India the temperament of

the South African tribes did not open up the difficulties of individual and mass approach which characterised the Indian tour. Yet they required studying just aa carefully as the subtle, impassive Orientals. The chiefs of all the neighbouring tribes had gathered in Gambia to greet "King Piccin," as the Prince of Wales was known to the black men. The young ambassador was greatly touched by the loyal, but not over-exaggerated devotion of his father's coloured subjects. Accompanied by many of these chiefs the Prince was conducted up the Rokelle river to the Sierra Leonian Peninsular, to view the rocky scenery of the district, 'i'he Prince in his white drill suit formed a vivid contrast to the black shining faces of the people with whom he mingled. As he journeyed from place to place black curly heads strained forward to catch a glimpse of him. The natives marked the occasion of their meetings with the Prince by wearing their "best" clothes. Many and ludicrous were the garments wornsome wore top silk hats and loin cloths, while others adorned themselves in

peculiar uniforms. The effect was bizarre in the extreme, but not without a certain expression of pathos for the undeveloped intelligence of these natives. There are two types of African natives —the Europeanised people, who Bhow an alert intelligence and powers of mimicry which stand them in good stead when adapting themselves to Western ideas; and the pagan tribes, who often live in wretched conditions, influenced by sorcery and superstition, and all the mystery of the African hinterland. The two sets of people are almost foreign, to one another, and neither show much affection for their compatriots. It was a mark of significance, therefore, that both stood shoulder to shoulder in a huge mass up the hillside above "Cotton Tree" to catch sight of the Great White Prince. The Prince received* many peculiar presents from the chiefs at the various palavers that were held, and at Accra, on the Gold Coast, where the Prince baptised the College of Achimota, half the tribes of the West Coast assembled to pay tribute to the Bon of the Great Chief. Nigeria was the next objective, but there was a plague of smallpox at the time, and it was thought that the visit would have to be cancelled. However,

the Prince managed to fulfil his programme by landing at Iddo Island, on the Elder Dempster tdnder—the Repulse standing out in the roadsted out of touch with' Lagos. A feature of his landing jvas a great shout, which was continued for half an hour. Ab usual, the Prince spent many happy hours studying local conditions in some of his leisure time, and at the particular moment he was studying especially the local geography of Lagos, for in its vicinity are crowded creeks, islands, and lagoons. A 700-mile journey brought the Prince to Karno, the commercial centre of West Soudan, where a durbar was held on the great plain, attended by 20,000 riders under the Moslem chieftains of the Northern Nigeria. Following local custom, the Prince raised his clenched fist in acknowledgement of the shouts of welcome and other greetings which were accorded him. There is rather an amusing story with a decided touch of the macabre connected with the Prince's stay in Karno. While walking down one of the streets the Prince stumbled upon the corpse of a native. Of course,

his Royal Highness made immediate inquiries, and. the native police officer in attendance explained that it was the dead body o£ a thief, who had been killed in self-defence by his officers. Anxiously he went on to explain that he had not had time to inspect the corpse so far, because he wished to watch the Prince play polo! At Lagos the Prince laid the foundation stone of the cathedral, where he suffered some amusing embarrassments by the fact that a great number of black children would not be satisfied until they had seen for themselves the Boyal pavilion. At the completion of the first part' of the Prince's tour, Sir Hugh Clifford, referring to the result of the Prince's visit, said:' "The Prince, of course, is

himself: his personality would awaken enthusiasm anywhere < . . it seems to me that through him Nigeria has received a striking testimonial, while nothing conld stimulate the spirit upon which the efficiency and the justification of our Buler alike depend more j vitally than his coming to us." The Prince's entry into Capetown was spoiled by the thick mist which had settled over the city. Later, however, this mist disappeared, and the Prince was able to see the town in all its glory. The Prince was received by the Earl of Athlone, the Governor-General, and also met General Smuts. Dense crowds, including Dutch and English, had turned out to see their distinguished visitor, and the Prince, despite his noted dislike of the instrument, had to use a microphone, so that his words might penetrate as far as possible into the enormous crowds which had gathered round the Grand Parade to hear his address. Probably the Prince made more friends in Capetown than in any other city, town, or district he visited during any of his previous tours. Everyone in Capetown seemed to he in the highest of spirits. The university students were busy with their "rags," cycling races were instituted, and a magnificent State ball was one of the features of the visit. His Royal Highness, you know, is an enthusiastic and expert dancer, a'd he was able to infuse into these somewhat awesome functions a right amount of youthful camaraderie and enjoyment, which was wholly delightful. During his stay at Capetown the Prince was elected Chancellor of , the University of Capetown, and was honoured by the degree of Doctor of Laws. Displaying his usual interest in education he arranged to lay the foundation stone of the new university at Groote Scbuur. With his usual foresight the Prince did not confine himself to the immediate precincts of Capetown. He wished to give everyone the opportunity of Beeing him, and himself the opportunity of seeing them, and accordingly he made extensive drives into the outlying districts, where the Kaffirs granted him a splendid ovation.

Prince Edward was shrewd enough to know that, although his mission was not a personal one, he himself stood for many of the ideals and ambitions of the African peoples. That is why he was so frankly pleased at his personal reception, and endeavoured beyond his official programme to make himself known.

The naval station of Simon's Town was visited, and the Prince inspected the docks there and part of the fleet that was anchored in the bay. In the evening a magnificent banquet took place, and the Prince delighted his listeners by speaking in the native language. Even the rabid republicans could not withstand this appeal to their friendliness, and much bad feeling dissolved like snow before the sun by the Prince's obvious and eager desire to cooperate with all classes of people. The Prince Wales was now to set off on a tour through the more isolated regions of Africa, where lonely veldt and C "rial solitude cor'' bring nothing like the enthusiastic crowds of the great capitals. In lonely valleys and settlements where the Prince mixed with the Dutch-speaking Nationalist, the welcome, quite restrained, was none the less sincere. At Stellenbosch a team of young Rugby players (university students) drew an ancient carr ge in which the Prince visited their college. The , president of the students' council gave an ad'ress. which probably sums up in its frank naivete one of the most lovable sides of the Prince of Wales. "We like to see a. man ... we know a man when we see one. Our presence here is intended as a tribute to your manliness, which the most persistent attempts of

the whole world have not been able to spoilt This is, however, not the only reason for our enthusiasm over your visit. Next to a real man there ia nothing we love better than a real sportsman, no matter for what side he happens io be ." yinf and it is a special pleasure to ua t- welcome here to-day one of the finest and most daring sportsmen of the Brit" h Isles ...

Following his eager interest in the welfare of those who served in the Great War, the Prinee shook hands with thousands of South Africans, and was ever ready to question and listen to tales of hardship and. suffering, offering solace here and cheery words there as the ease required. A severe strain was imposed apon the Prince on this as upon every tour. Once he was so tired during a journey that he was forced to call for frequent halts, and, at last, his magnificent fortitude giving way, sleep would no longer be denied him, and he had only sufficient energy left to send an apology to the Mayor of Riversdale for his delay, adding: "One must sleep sometimes." If anyone was unaware of the need for the Prince's tours, one has only to read the Mayor of Oudtshoorn's address to the Prince. "Irrespective of class, creed, race, or colour, we are united in a common feeling of joy at being able to welcome the Ambassador of King George, the heir to the British Throne, round which centre all our national aims 'and our national ideas. This visit will do much to create in the people of South Africa a more powerful sentiment of attachment to the Crown which has fostered liberty and furthered the cause of independence." The Prince visited every place of importance, and many of little apparent, importance, so eager was he to make his tour comprehensive. Zulus danced before him, gaily dressed girls congregated for his inspection, children gathered to sing to him, and the mayors and corporations tin'" 1 uncils of each town vied with each other to please the Prince, and he had to use great tact in order not to offend their jealous susceptibilities. When told by the popular Mayor of Uitenhage that his town was the most beautiful in all South Africa the Prince laughed merrily.' "I might get into trouble," he said, "if I say too much about Uitenhage's claim to be the most beautiful of all." '

From Uitenhage, Addo, then Grahamstown, where he was kidnapped and carried to Rhodes University to spend a youthfully enjoyable hour, the Prince travelled to Kowie West. Here he took a well-earnest rest, and as a result of it was elected a life mei ' " f he local golf club. He played 45 holes of golf that day) The Prince's staff remonstrated at such "energetic" rests, but the Prince knew 1 is own constitution better than physicians. He had never felt more fit Iti his life.

When in the farming districts he was able to discourse with keen intelligence upon the various problems of agriculture. He impressed the commonsensed farmers very much by his comment that he knew farming was not done by itting on the otoep and waiting for the mealies to grow. At one "indaba" (parade) the Prince and his staff were the only Europeans pwent. There was no mistaking the eage- enthusiasm and pleasure of the natives at thus segregating him. The scene was a weird mixture of African "darkness" peculiarly blended with modern civilisation. The Prince, whose sense of humour is most marked, could not, spite the solemnity of the occasion, restrain his mirth without difficulty. He dare not look at one stout chieftain who gravely sat with a pompous smile on his features, attired in a secondhand bishop's hat and coloured leather leggings. The Prinoe, however, has a

keen sense of the fitness of things, and his address was a' marvel of statesmanship. His words were carried into the most remote corners of Africa.

The Prince wore many type* of dress daring his visit, bat perhaps his red tunic of the Welsh Gnsrds was the most popular. One of the most difficult problems of the tour was to deeide appropriate presents to make to the native chiefs, but i the absence of any other suitable suggestion silver-topped malaeea canes were always acceptable and appreciated.'

After visiting Queenstown, Molteno and Burjhersdorp, the Prince dx Wales left the Cape Province with happy memories of the incidents and happenings daring his 2000 miles tour fresh in mind. His objective now was the Free State Province, and the first town he visited was Jagersfontein, where he was greeted by a cosmopolitan gathering of people, representing almost every country of the world. Bloemfontein had made special preparations for the promised visit of his Royal Highness. A deputation, consisti' g of over a thousand Boers, left the city to meet him on the way, and the Prince rode into the town at the head of the triumphant procession. The reception he immediately received was boiti marvellous and inspiring. 'Mote so because it came from Boers and Britons, who not so many years before' had been the worst of enemies.

The Prince performed numerous duties during his short stay here, and then proceeded northwards to ELroonstad, Bethlehem and Harrismith. Much to the disappointment of the population of the Free States he <ras not to stay very long with them, but the shortness of his sojourn Was amply compensated by his final words to them, regretting his early leave-taking. "My welcomo was so spontaneous, so real, and so an-affe-ted." In Maseru the Prince was both amused and Interested in the superatitii. i of the natives. A grand durbar had been planned to take place, but owing to the unfavourable weather arrangements had to be cancelled. The disappointment of the natives, however, was dispelled by their joy in the belief that the Prince had brought with, him the much needed rain for their crops. Their joy was even greater when the following day, the weather brightened and the procession was able to proceed. The White man, in his benevolence, had supplied the much needed rain, yet had not robbed them of their eagerly anticipated, fete!

The only incident which cast a gloom over the exhilarating pleasure of the Prince's AfrTcan travels was the hour he spent at the Leper Colony at Basuto. His Badness, however, was the joy of the four hundred wretched sufferers who were* gratified at his sympa-! thetic thought.fulnesa. The Princo never avoids the seamy or unpleasant aspects of life. Though he does not dwell upon ■ them, he is cognisant of their existence,] and does what he can' to ameliorate,' or cheer when, voluntarily, he bripgsjj himself faee to face with examples of ij such. - , I]

At Natal the Prince Inspected the! old battlefields, and at Ladysmith the[ soige positions. At Durban the Prince had a strenuous time. A civic banquet, a congregation (of over 16,000 school! children, an inspection of 23,000 Natal Indians, a Zulu parade, a greeting of ! 8000 ex-service men, and then the opening of the new graving dock, specially called after him. PMermaritsbergh, Newcastle, Dundee, Vyrheid, all contributed to give the Prince the welcome he so richly deserved. *ln the Transvaal, the. Afrikaandera travelled great, distances to meet the Prince, and some old veterans were given the chance each to speak to the Prinee< Some expressed doubt aa to his Identity* Vl'm yow

man," Prince Edward said,sm!Hng, and held ont his hand. Long, arduous motor journeys carried the Prince through the lonely spaces of the Transvaal, where he met personally the outlying citizens and farmers,.. T-.J Prince spent his 81st birthday in Johannesburgh, and as can well be imagined, he received a that' can only be described as terrific. Messages of eongraitnlation and gifts were showered npon him. "The greatest lad we've ever''had!" was the greeting he received wherever he went. During the day the Prince opened the University of Witwatersrand, and received an honorary degree, proceeding immediately afterwards to t number of reviews and inspections .which wellnigh exhausted him. The Prince visited the Tomb of Rhodes, and thronghoat Rhodesia, as was expected,-received an immense welcome. Back to the Gape, the Prince Btayed at Kimberley, where he was shown a treasure chamber of diamonds in the De Beer offiee, and afterwards descended into a mine. The Prince then boarded the Bepulse once more and visited 8t Helena, where he plantod an olive tree near Napoleon's tomb, and stayed.long enough on the island to give the.natives. a chance to show their appreciation of his -visit.