THE PRINCE OF WALES

Evening Star, Issue 17350, 12 May 1920, Page 6

THE PRINCE OF WALES

WEST COAST VISIT.

WESTPORT AND HOKITIKA TO-DAY. I ! [Per United Press Association.] I WESTPORT, May 12. There is beautiful weather for the Prince's visit. The town is gaily decorated. The Royal visitor is expected at noon, and will only stay for half an hour, proceeding again to Reefton. After the ceremonies at Victoria square the Prince will spend a few minutes at the Westport Returned Soldiers' Club. HOKITIKA, May 12. The Weather is perfect for the Royal visit to-night and to-morrow. The town is en fete for the occasion. The decorations and illuminations surpass anything previously attempted here. The route of procession is an avenue of fernery. There are six large arches spanning the line, which will be brilliantly lighted with electricity. An embankment of the Prince of Wales fern, on which a fountain plays, is ono of the features of the street decorations. Flooded with electric light at night, it produces a very handsome effect. Many premises are gaily decorated with bunting and greenery. The public recention takes place in Weld street, which will bo brilliantly lit. Subsequently a reception attended by soldiers' mothers, wives, nurses, and patriotic workers will be held at the Town Hall, which constitutes a handsome reception chamber. The citizens' ball will he held in the adjoining Drill Hall, to which a large marquee has been added to provide exi. .-i accommoiiation. A large mimber of voluntary committees carried out the work of decorating with admirable taste. The crowds arriving in town include visiting children from South Westland. wlm are billeted by the School Committee! Mrs R. J. Seddon is among visitors from the north.

GRETMOUTH PREPARING

GREYMOTJTH, Hay 12. Greymouth is making big preparations for the Prince's visit to-morrow. The business places are decorated, and arches have been placed in the principal streets en route_ to Victoria Park, where the reception js to be held. There is a large influx of country visitors. The accommodation is taxed _to the utmost. The weather is beautifully fine, and the prospects are good. The town will be illuminated to-night, private residents sparing no expense. A "ROYAL PEAL." fSpFCUL TO THE ' STAa.*] CHRISTCHURCH, Mav 12. The bellringers at the Cathedral" intend giving a "Royal peal" to the Prince on his arrival to-morrow night. This will consist of a peal of 10 bells, which in the Old Country is accorded only to Rovaltv, the usual peal being eight* bells, 'it 'is not generally known that Christchurch Cathedral-.has 10 bells, for thev are seldom rung. It is believed that 'when the Prince arrives in Christchurch he will hear the peal of real English church bells fur the first time since he left England. HEEFTON'S WELCOME. [Per Dsited Press Association.! •-REEFTON, May 12. Ihe weather is glorious to-dnv for the Prince's drive through the Bull'er Gorse. His Royal Highness left at 9.30 for Westport, and returns at 4 p.m., when the children from all parts of the district will assemble at the railway station, and an address be presented with a cold nugget from the district, The enthusiasm is"immense, a regular West Coast welcome bcirrg accorded the Prince.