The Royal Visit

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 May 1920, Page 6

The Royal Visit

H.M.S.JENOWN

A WONDERFUL SHIP. ©fi . . ' 1 “SCHEME OF SHINING SILVER GREY AND WHITE.’V A scheme of shining silver-grey and white —that describes H.M.S. Renown. Outwardly she is like a great silver bird, not’mereiy on account of the delicate hue of her enamel coat, but even more on account of her graceful form, which possibly may be accentuated by her great length some 7SO odd feet. The 'Renown has a beautiful sleek coat of shimmering silvergrey that sparkles in the sunlight, and scintillates with every motion of a graceful ship that is proud to he visible. Were it not for the bands of scarlet that circle the guns as their long length emerges from the privacy of their turrets, there would be nothing to break the long line raid the towering height of delicate grey. But these colourings are not unpleasing. Lying at the railway jetty at Portsmouth the Renown is the scene of much activity and life. And lyi n g in the harbour, a bare ten minutes’ journey by a row boat, is Nelson’s Victory, as prorjd of l?er appearance as ever, and in order to emphasise her presence and her importance she 'is to be “dressed’’ on the Renown’s departure, just as are all the fullycommissioned big grey battleships moored all around, and she is to make the sound of her guns heard as the Renown leaves the harbour and heads for the open sea. H.M.S. Renown is one of the British Navy’s newest battle-cruisers, but as there-was no naval engagement after Jutland (May, 1815) she has no special actions to her credit. She was a unit in the battle-cruiser fleet during the last two years of the war. Part of the time she was stationed at Scapa Flow, and sue was later bn, one of the guards of the surrendered .Hun fleet. She took the President of Brazil to Lisbon; she patrolled the Atlantic while R 34 was flying to and from America, and finally she took the Prince of Wales to Canada..

Amidships and on the main deck- exterior interest, of course, centres round \he Quarters to be occupied by the Prince pf Wales and his staff, indicated by casement curtains of a light golden-huod linen. But it is not yet time to descend to look at the interior, as there are other features of interest on this deck. So wc go on and we go up. Go'ng on we soon come to an interesting-looking arrange ment of electric light bulbs at 4 .a; heel *■■■• »

maze of stout rope. 'This, when strctvhe.f into position between the funnel ani t.i-■ ■ • mainmast, will reveal the tie vice of !Jie Prince of Wales’s feathers. This will be a highly-effective feature of the ship a 1 night when it is a blare, of light, i!) fen l hers are whit'- • - w-r. ere in-

traduced at the base where the stems are Clustered togemer. On the otuer side of the deck an object of particular interest is a motor-oarge, a regal-iooKing crate of Royal blue, wain a band of goia and a higiiiy-buniisned brass funnel. In this the mince will make landings when . the ship lies in harbour, it occupies a good deal ot the deck-room, and quite eclipses in importance anotner motor launch lor the' ship’s officers. Still on and still up—the searchlight apparatus arrests attention, and a still further accents brings one to the bridge and captain’s quarters. iet again further up, to a small canvassurrounded platform—a look-out, put there for the Prince. A s ecluded spot commanding an uninterrupted o lit look. Ho will probably be seen from this vantagepoint when entering port. ' This look-out was specially devised for the trip down the St. Lawrence. It is an ideal vantage,’ where one could rest content and have no , thought for a populous and busy world—that is if wireless would let you. Shinboard does not afford much repose in these days of wireless tappings and locally-produced newspapers. Of course, the Renown has her wireless and is equipped for her own newsprint.

TWO MYSTERIES. Looking down from the bridge one sees the tops of two prominent structures on deck. The raison d’etre was not revealed. Authoritative contradiction is given to the statement that a billiard room had been installed in the ship—.but what about squash ■ rackets ? This is admittedly a favourite pastime of the Prince, and" he had a fine series of games a few days ago fighting,his way through to the final tie —entries numbered thirty-two—when he was beaten by Captain E. Loclcr. From'the quarter-deck - a 4in. gun has been removed, and in the -enclosed space above the mount the band will perform. It is to be the Band of the Plymouth Divisional Royal Marine Light Infantry with Lieutenant O’Donneil as conductor, and it went wiih the ■ Renown on her Canadian tour. The band enclosure has been built up. so that it comes partly nee" the Prince's dining saloon and his h. . . QUARTERS.

Down the cdmpaniou, and so to the interior of the Prince’s quarters, pas in;' * >Ky the cabins of Lord Louis Mountbatte'i, v,: ! Sir .Godfrey Thomas, and .Sir L. Halsey, Principal interest naturally centres in this after-part of tire superstructure,' and i»j our anxiety to get theie seems a long w. y to go. Anyone who .anticipates' .beinx transported to luxurious surroundings will . exnerience a thrill of surprise. For everything is assi'mple as possible, and absolutely without ostentation. The diningsaloon is all white,fresh, new enamel ; so . is its furniture, and any fitt'ngs ?re shining brass. Chair frames . a:e of white enamel, with seats of dark red leather, but as they are-arranged-compactly round ft- the two tables nothing is to be seen but tho white frames. The shades oyer the KL eiectric. lights are of ■ tulip-*hap?,- mate cf Lqdrawn white 'silk, edged .with braiding of . dull: gold. The saloon is white and go’d -. throughout—the of spuplicily;. and the casements;, of yellow. .a-Aseen. front the outside/ are found to be oF fine textured

linen. Both the fireplaces are at present all white . and the only thing that is at ail dark is a walnut-wood pianola, with a liberal supply of music, a present received by,the Prince in NewVYork. On the walls are' figure etchings in simple frames, • mostly portraits. One exit leads into the Prince’s sleeping quarters—a not at all over-capacious compartment—again white and gold, the walls being finished with attractive little colour-drawings. At the side of the bed is a telephone; in the space beneath it there is a set of white enamel drawers, with brass handles. There is evidence, too, of intended work, for the first piece of furniture that faces you on entering is a desk. Another desk—roll-top, and painted white—hides behind a screen of black and gold in the saloon-lounge—a roomy apartment leading from the dining saloon. It is said that the Prince is never idle, and 'that both desks will give good reason for the space they take. The lounge is a comfortable room, but again the furniture is as simple as possible. The comfortable chairs and settees are covered with dove-grey linen, with a small self-tone design, and the casements match. There are two handsome electric table lamps with dark standards, but that the Prince has an.eye for brilliant colour splashes may be gauged from the 'wondrous accumulation of gay-hued silk cushions, piled casually upon the settees in happy confusion. Bright and attractive, yet not luxurious. Battle pictures of St. Vincent and Trafalgar occupy the walls of the lounge, and there is a second screen of black and gold. It is over this room that the band plays.. To-day there is an absence of little family treasures—photographs and so on—that will doubtless see the light when the Prince and his staff take possession. Passing out again through the diningsaloon one soon’ comes to the quarters of Sir Lionel Halsey, hung with curtains of printed cretonne. Lord Louis Mountbatten is not far away, and his cabin — full of possessions—is evidence that he is already in residence. It is quite a small cabin.* but also very attractive, with its furnishing of electric blue, and its picture gallery. There are some fine water colours, and Wyllie, the celebrated marine painter, is represented by two H.M.S. Renown herself steaming at full speed, and looking very majestic ; the other represents the Battle of Jutland, and shows H.M.S. New Zealand in the forefront in action. There is a nicely-illuminated copy of Kipling’s “The Scholar,” hanging opposite the entrance, with a drawing of King’s, Cambridge, in one corner. Lord Louis’s brother, the Earl of Medina—better remembered in New Zealand as Prince George of Battenberg—was in H.M.S. New Zealand in all her- actions. The picture of a submarine reminds one that Lord Louis was second in command of P 3.1, a submarine destroyer, whitfh claims to have sunk one of the last enemy submarines disposed of in the English Channel, while Lord Louis was in this position. Right forward, there is a new laundry

installed for this voyage. Elcctrutiy is' its motive power, and specimens of the first week’s wash are good auguries for future usefulness and success. Humour says that the laundry in H.M.S. Mew Zealand was not a success. The space apportioned in the Renown is certainly sfhall, and the O.C. wonders how he is going to fold a 9ft tablecloth within its conhnes —but when the time comes round someone will have a brain-wave, and solve the problem. .Beneath the laundry’ there is a large drying room, and the O.C. laundry assures his charges that there is no fear at all of damp clothes being issued to them —which will be comforting reflection to the thousand-odd mothers who are left at including tire Queen. The ship carries a beautiful model of herself, of which the captain is very proud, and this is an object of much interest. The Renown is an oil-fuel burner though the galley ranges burn coal. She has good quarters for all her company, and lifts are there to make journeys to the boilers as little irksome as possible. It is a joy to go over this vessel, so spotlessly white within, and so delicately tinted externally. THE ROYAL CRUISER. H.M.S. RENOWN. OFFICERS ON BOA HI), The officers of H.M.S. Renown arc as follow; —Captain, E. A. Taylor; Commanders James D. Campbell, 0.8. E., and Hugh H. Rogers, 0.8. E.; LieutenantCommanders A. L. St. G. Lyater, D. 5.0., A. U. Willis, C. H. Rolleston; Lieuts. E. W. Leake, D. 5.0.. F. B. Hanson, Robert I). Oliver, John de C. Richards, Arthur L. Noakes, Leonard M. Robinson, Geoffrey N. Oliver, Henry M. Denham; Engineer-Commander John W. Milner; Engineer'-Lieutenant-Commander Rene C. Hug-ill, 0.8. E., M.V.G. ; EngineerLieutenants Frank S. C. Pepper, Alfred E. Kemp, 11. J. Watson; Captain R.iu.A; Neil I. Eastman; Lieutenant R.M., Yalen-p tine G. Clayton; Chaplain, Rev. Waller F. Scott, 8.A.; Paymaster, .Commander Win. Dawes; Surgeon Commander, Alex. ■C. Neyport; Instr. Lieutenant Harold Smith, P..E. ; Surgeon-Lieutenant Commander, K. E. Y. White, M.B, ; Surgeon-Lieuten-ant .Maurice Pearson (for. dental duties); Paymaster-Lieutenant, W. R. C, Steele;. Suo-Lientenacts, Lord Louis- F.* A. ~V; F., Mountbatten, A. B. CpmhV R. D.P. Hutchison;.Sub-Lieutenant L.C.N., K. A. Mackenzie; Payraaster-Sub-iiieutenaxit, A. G. Jones; Midshipmen; R. A. King t, Ch. Crawshay,' T. A. C. Pakenham; Midship-, men, R.A.N., J. A, V. Niabet, H. E. Carse, 11. G. Carter, S. T. M. Gower, R, B. A. Hunt, W. H. S. Rand? ; Paymaste' 1 - Midshipmen H. P. Koclleg-Gh. Gunner, Henry C. Nowmarch, M.B.E. , LESSONS LEARNED IN WAR. The Renown embodies many cf the les- 1 som learned in (he war, including a modified bulge, below wafer, as a protection against torpedoes. In fact; the ’ whole matter of anti-torpedo defence has been, wo'l worked out, the • protcctmn of the bulge being aiinplernented ]>y elaborate interna! Subdivisions of the hull of the sir'n , itself. The armament convicts of six 98toa 15-in, guns, firing a l£2o-pouhd shell.

Both the guns and the turrets arc worked hydraulically. One stroke of the plunger located on the gun above the breecli-block unscrews the latter and swings it open. The guns are elevated by the direct action of a plunger attached below tlie breech. The bringing up of the heavy ammunition is also done by hydraulic power. A novel feature is the installation of the four-inch anti-torpedo battery in. threegun shield mounts,, a compact arrangement which is in line with up-to-date development. An interesting feature is that this secondary battery of seventeen 4iu. guns is controlled by special director-firing methods from the foretop. The British system of firing is to let go with only the right-hand gun in each turret, which in. the Renown means a threegun salvo. The next salvo consists of the left-hand guns in each turret, and the third salvo of the right-hand guns. The range for the second salvo is raised 500 yards over the first, and the thirty is raised 500! yards over the second. The salvos come so rapidly then when filing at_ say, 15,000 yards’ range, there will be three of these salvos in the air 'at the same time. When they land, the splash lays a scale, as it were, down upon the water near or around the enemy, and from the three shots the fire-control officer can determine the range for the next salvo. It is known as the “ladder” system. FORWARD FIGHTING TOPS. The three covered-in platforms on the' fighting-top of the forward tripod mast contain the re-control instruments, and are occupied by the officers who do the spotting and ranging, by which the position and course of the enemy ship are determined. The motive-power cons sts -.f water-tube, oil-fired boilers and - Brown - Curtiss turbines. The oil is stored in the ■ double bottom. . When the Renown is fully fuelled for a voyage she carries IS 50 tons.

While the earliest and the most recent Royal visits were made by warship, the tour of the Duke and Duchess of' Cornwall and York was undertaken in other circumstances. -Many people will .remember the white and graceful Ophir, the Orient steamer converted into a Royal vaeht. in which they arrived in Auckland. This vessel, which was largely re-fitted for the trip, represented the most modern developments in naval architecture at the time. The vessel was built 462 long, 53ft Gin broad and 57ft deep, with a gross register of 6500 tons. It was decided when she was designed that she should he as safe as human ingenuity could ensure. She wa= fitted with twin-screws and dnpkcafe

onlines. The boilers were seven in number, 18ft in din meter, with furnaces at each end. Triple expansion engines on aided her to develop .an average indicated horse-power of 7200. During her steam trials she developed a speed of 18 4 knots, but her average was 16 knots under sea going conditions.

RENOWN AND OALETEA. When tho Duke of Edinburgh visited New Zealand, like the Prince of Wales, lie was travelling on a, warship. The frigate Galatea which bore him was one of the fleet in tho day when “masts and yards” still provided tho principal motive power for tile navy. She also laid auxiliary stea.ni power, and was described at the time as “one of the greatest triumphs of human skill »it is possible to conceive.” Tho same description of the vessel gives the following details: —“Tounage > 3227; length 317 feet; breadth, 50 ft; horse-power, 800; speed, thirteen knots to the maesured mile.” Tho Galetea carried eighten lOiu 85 cwt guns, four 61, tons guns, throwing cylindrical shot of 1151 b and double shells of 1601 b with a bursting charge of 81b of powder.

A description of the Renown, on which tho Prince of Wales has travelled round the world, published at the time she carried him to Canada runs as follows ; In selecting the battle-cruiser Renown to carry the Prince of Wales to America, the British Admiralty chose a handsome and popular ship to carry a gallant and popular Prince on a tour of good-will. Renown has grace in 'every line of her, so much so. indeed, that one is apt to forget that she carries six of the most powerful guns afloat to-day. It is easier to credit her speed than her gun power, for she is both long and lean, and in spile of her great size, she has all the sweetness of line and delicacy of modelling which characterise tho yacht. How big is she? She is 789 ft long, 2?ft longer than the Mauretania, although there the similarity ends, for the Mauretania has been driven by her 70009 horse power turbine at a maximum speed of 25 knots, whereas fho Renown, with her 112,000 horse-power, made on her trial trip 32.6 knots t which is equivalent t,o about 38 miles per hour. As might ho expected, in order to achieve this speed, tho Renown .was given tho fine underwater lines of a destroyer. It has been stated that except in her bottom plates there is not a straight line in the whole hull of the ship, and to the practised eye, a great similarity is shown between her lines and those of the latest destroyers. There is a suggestion of her fineness in the fact that in spite of her length, she displaces only 26,500 tons, and her draught \js only 25ft 6in. Originally, this vessel and the Repulse were laid down as battleships, and work, had only just” commenced when war was declared. As a result of the success of the British battle-cruisers in finding and sinking Admiral von Spee’s fleet at the Falkland Islands, it was decided to build,the two' ships as battle-cruisers, giving them , greater speed and a heavier armament than the existing ships. of that class.

PRINCE OF WALES

THE RUN FROM NELSON. SCENIC ATTRACTIONS. ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOMES. (Per Press Association.) REEFTON, May 11. Beautiful weather all day made the Prince’s journey from Nelson, tnrougu the Waimea Valley, and through tne mountains and the Upper Buller Gorge, a succession of surprising pleasures. Everywhere there was the utmost enthusiasm at the Prince’s appearance. In the more populous older settlements, in the early stage of the jour - ney, by rail, to Gienhope, the people turned out in full fdrce, and the spirit shown was always one of glad welcome and goodwill. Leaving the more settled district, Tadmor, “the place in the wilderness,” added its quota to the cheering and flag-waving. Gienhope came out en masse, and gave the Royal Party a joyous send-off as it transferred to the motor cars and started on its eighty mile run to Reef ton, via Murchison and Inangahua. The rugged hill scenery en route to Murchison was admired by the visitors. The Prince was acordecl first hand evidence of the work done by the pioneer settlers in bringing the, wild country into a state of production. Murchison’s welcome was warm and hearty. Luncheon was partaken of, and then the most impressive stage of the journey, from a scenic point of view, was entered upon, through the Upner Buller Gorge. The Prince walked a portion of the way in order to enjoy the beautiful sylvan river vistas more fully. All the visitors were greatly impressed by the windings of the river and road round the craggy, points overhanging the river far below, or elbowing its way oast awkward corners at the head of the gullies emptying into the main stream. EXICTING INCIDENT. After leaving Inangahua, the Party ewperienced the most exciting incident of the whole tour up to date. For the Gorge trip the Prince’s car took up its position at the rear of the big procession of cars. The others pushed ahead. Opposite the Inangahua Railway Station, one of the leading cars stopped suddenly, and the next, following closely, and at a fair speed, had not time to stop. There was just room to pass at a slow speed, but, in the circumsances, the chance of getting past was a slight one. However, it was the only one, and Driver T. Yvatson took it. The car got almdst

pastT but the slippery ground let the wheels skid, and in a moment the car turned a somersault, landing straddled over a big ditch. PRESSMEN IN CAR. The four occupants were -Mr. %. Cotes (representing Reuter’s Agency), Mr. F. Morgan (New Zealand Press Assocition), Mr. Taylor (of the Internal Affairs Department), and Mr. G. W. Turley (of the Railway Department). They were all shot into the ditch, going through a thick mat ol brambles, which broke their fall, and acted as a spring buffer to prevent the car from crushing those nndernath. Plenty of assistance was fortunately at hand. The car was lifted and the occupants were released. They w" 1 > shaken, and were scratched by the brambles, but otherwise were not injured, except that the driver was slightly cut by glass from the broken wind screen, which clattered own, and yet miraculously missed all the others in the ditch. The car was righted and it proceeded on its journey, but the passengers were transferred to other cars. Those who believe in omens, or who are superstitious in any way may derive satisfaction from one feature of the incident; the car’s official number *,vaa 15. The Prince’s car reached Reefton about 7.30. His Highness himsell drove over the last stage from Inangahua. His appearance was hailed by finite a large crowd of people, with a great display of enthusiasm. After dinner, the Prince attended tiio reception in the County Council Chambers. VISIT TO REEFTON. (Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, May 11. For several days past great prepara tions have been in progress in connection with the visit of His Royal Highness and never has the town looked so pretty as it 'does on the present occasion. In Broadway two magnificent arches had been erected, the framework covered with various kinds of evergreens, ferns, etc., while throughout the whole length of Broadway were numerous stands, on each of which were placed a number of flags The outside of all business* places was tastefully deeprated with flags and evergreens, and at night when the electric lights were lit Reefton looked extremely gay. The Post Office had been decorated with a large number of electric lamps, add great credit is due to the officials of the various Departments, notably tire Public Works, for the manner in which the decorations on this building were v ° carried out. Outside the Council Chambers a largo stand had been erected, close upon forty feet long, under the direction of. Mr Brett, th County Engineer and Mr G. Stephenson of the Consolidated Company. This deserves special mention for the excellent manner in which the work was carried out.

Word had been received during the afternoon that His Highness would not arrive in R'eefton till close upon seven o’clock, as he decided to walk for a few miles when passing over Dublin Terrace, the bettor to admire the splendid scenery but long before six o’clock crowds began to wend' their way throughout the length of Broadway, and by seven o’clock there must have been fully 2500 people waiting anxiously to give their Prince a hearty welcome to this district. A few minutes after seven o’clock rockets were let off near the Railway Station advising that the Prince had passed by, and in a short time he duly arrived. This was the signal of renewed cheering, the members of the Inangahua Silver Band playing the National Anthem.

Drawn up in front of Dawson’s Hotel, were the Territorials and a large number of returned soldiers. His Highness on alighting was introduced to the officers, and also to the returned soldiers, shaking hands- with each onc ; and here and therg stopping to inquire what regiment such and such a one , was in, when at the Front. v public'reception took place outside the Council (Chambers. At 9.30 His Royal Highness, who was . escorted by a, guard of honour consisting of returned soldiers and,headed by the band duly arrived. He

inspected the Cadets and Territorials. The Prince then was introduced to the members of the County Council and to the members of the Reception Committee, also to the wives and mothers whoso sons had gone west during the late war. After the County Chairman (Mr T. R. Watson) had called for cheers for His Highness, which were lustily given and suitably acknowledged by the Prince, the Chairman read the following address of welcome to the Inangahua district: — To:

His Royal Highness Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David', Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, in tho peerage of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall in the peerage of England, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Garrick, and Baron of Renfrew in the peerage of Scotland, Lord of the Isles, and Great Steward of Scotland, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Military Cross, etc. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS We, tho Chairman and Members of the Inangahua County Council, for and on behalf of the inhabitants of Reefton and surrounding district, desire to accord your Royal Highness a most hearty welcome on this your visit to Reefton, and to assure you of our unswerving loyalty and attachment to tho Throne and person of our Most Gracious Sovereign tho King. Wo have followed your career on the battlefields of Europe, and" are filled with admiration and pride for the manner in which yon (although heir to the Throne of the mightiest Empire the world has known) endeavoured by your example, in common with' the soldiers of the Empire, to uphold tho great principles of liberty and justice upon which tho British Empire is founded. We respectfully desire to express tho great pleasure it gives us fo meet and welcome you to this remote corner of His Majesty’s Dominions, realising that coming into such close contact with the people of the Empire must prove of incalculable value to your Royal Highness when, in the natural course of events, you will he called upon to assume tho responsibilities to which you are heir. In conclusion, we pray Almighty God to preserve and watch over you, and that His blessing may ever attend you. We have tho honour to remain, Your most humble and obedient servants, and well wishers, T. R. WATSON. County Chairman. JOHN O’REGAN, J. B. AULD, GEO B. M’INKOE. T. W. BANNAN, E. J SCANTLEBURY, W. IRVING, mem hers of the Council. Reefton, New Zealand, May 11th, 1923. To: His Royal Highness Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, in tho Peerage of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall, in tho Peerage of England, Duke of Rothsay, Earl of Carrick, and Baron of Renfrew, in tho Peerage of Scotland. Lord of tiie Isles and Great Steward of Scotland. Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Kni lit Grand Cross of tho Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Military Cross etc.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, We, the children of Inangahua County respectfully ask your acceptance of the accompanying token, emblematical of the staple product of our District, and trust that,, in days to come it will remind you of the loyal hearts of your youthful well wishers in this part of New Zealand. We have the honour to he, t , On behalf of the Children of the County, Your most humble and obedient servants, IVY A. KEARNS, AUBREY L. PANKHURST. Reefton, New Zealand, May 12th 1920. His Royal Highness then replied as follows : “Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlennn, —I am very grateful for your cordial welcome and for the loyal address which you have presented on behalf of Reefton and the surrounding district. You havn spoken much too kindly with regard to myself, but I greatly appreciate all that you have said. I am very happy to be able to pay this visit to the West Coast of New Zealand and am enjoying it very much. I hope that all this district has a prosperous future awaiting it, and I whh yon all possible well-being and happiness. “Reefton, May 11th, 1920.” His Royal Highness then shook hands with each one of the public as they passed in front of him, men, women and chilafter which he was driven amidst continued cheering to Dawson’s ' Hotel For some weeks past this hotel had been thoroughly renovated under the supervision of Mr Gillies, of the Public Wnks Department, Greymouth, the work of reran ating bad been carried out in a sp'cndid manner by the workmen employed.

A wovrl of thanks is due to Messrs Wilby and Crumpton, the lessees of th-; Electric; Company’s works, for the splendid light which was supplied, and winch added no little to the splendid display cf illuminations also to Messrs Wilis and Sherlock for the decorative work, they had carried out with such success. A social was held after the reception in the' Drill Hall, and was a thorough success, the building being packed. It was heped His Highness would have been able to attend for a short time, but owing to the long motor ride from Nelson, Sir Lionel Halsey attended and apologi iod for the absence of the Prince. This social was ci’ganised by the members o| the Retained ’Soldiers in this district, and we heart'iy congratulate them on its being so tu-ccss-iul Great preparations are being made for the holding of the schools picnic in .Mr Morrison’s paddock to-mor v ow, when it is expected fully a. thousand children will be present. The weather, promises to be splendid, and it is hoped will continue while His Royal Highness- is on the Coast. DEPARTURE FOR. WESTPORT. GLORIOUS WEATHER. (Special to th© Star.) REEFTON, This Day. The Prince left Reef ton at 9.30 this morning- for Westport. A large -number of residents were present. The weather was splendid. , The Prince returns at four p.m, when he meets the school children of the district, and will be presented with an address' of welcome and'a nug get;of gold contributed by the children of the district, leaving immediately afterwards for Hokitika. Complete arrangements, have been made for entertaining all the child-

ren to-day, a large number of whom have arrived by trains from Buffer and Grey Valleys. AT WESTPORT. (Per Press Association.) WESTPORT, This Day. There is beautiful weather fcr the Prince’s visit. The town is gaily decorated. The Royal visitor is expected at noon. He only stays half an hour, proceeding again to Reef ton after the ceremonies at Victoria Square. The Prince spends a few minutes at the Westport Returned Soldier’s Club. HOKITIKA PREPARED. THE TOWN EN FETE. (Per Press Association.) HOKITIKA, This Day. The weather is perfect for the Royal visit to-night and to-morrow. The towns is eii fete .for the occasion. The decorations and illuminations surpass anything previously attempted here. The route of the procession is an avenue of fernery. There are six large arches spanning the line brilliantly lighted with electric light. An embankment of Prince of Wales fern, on which a fountain plays, is tine -f the features of the street decorations. Flooded with electric light at night, it produces a very handsome effect. Many -premises are gairy , ec'n-ated with hunting and greenery. The public reception takes place : n Weld Street .where the location is brilliantly lit. Subsequently a reception of soldiers’ mothers, and wives, nurses and patriotic workers will be held in the Town Hull, which confutes a handsome reception chamber. The citizen’s ball w : ll he held in the adjoining drill hall to which a large marquee annexe has been added to provide extra accommodation. A large number of voluntary committees carried out the work of ""orations with admirable taste. Crowds are arriving in town including visiting children from South who are billeted by the school committee. Mrs. R. J. Seddon is among the visitors from the North. DECORATION COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME. NOW COMPLETE. Greyrnouth is being rapidly decorated for the visit of the Prince of Wales, and the town, when His Royal Highness arrives will present a scene unequalled in the history of the West Coast. ' TOWN HALL. All the decorations are of marked beauty and of varied characteristics. At the Town Half the flags of the Mlies are waving in the breeze above ferns and evergreens. BAND ROTUNDA. The band r otunda has been convert ed ’into a miniature fairy palace under 1 the capable hands of a number of the ladies who have generously volunteered their services. Around the steps of the rotunda are ferns and ribbons which are finally crowned by a circle of flags.

THE ROUTE. Along the route to the Park is one continuous line of native ferns and greenery. From Boundary street to the entrance of the Park is a magnificent belt of large native ferns. BUSINESS PREMISES. Along Mawhera Quay the business people have evidently endeavoured to make their premises as festive as pos sible in anticipation of the arrival of our Royal visitor. A wondrous transformation, has been effected 'in the ordinarily prosaic atmosphere of this busy thoroughfare. SPECIAL FEATURES. There is no doubt that the Prince when he drives along the Quay, will -he impressed with the fine effect secured. The panorama is one which wou.lyl delight an artist—arches and native ferns and nikau palms alternating in this vision of beauty. The decorations of the large cities will no doubt surpass in grandeur those of the West Coast but the local arrangements will present a charm peoulintly their own which fact will be readily noticed by His Royal Highness. So many native ferns are distributed along the streets that he must appreciate the fact that the people of this part of the Dominion have gone to great trouble in order to honour his presence. THE ARCHES. Three massive arches, which give an impression of grandeur and stability, have been erected on Mawhera Quay. The first opposite the Royal Hotel has been erected by the rturbo ui- Board, the second at Fogarty and Williams corner by the County Council and the third at the junction of Mawhera Quay and Boundary St, by the Borough Council. The arch ea are decked with ferns, nikau palms and greenery and are important features in the decoration scheme preparations. Yesterday numbers of school enildren brought ferns and greens from the bush which were gratefully received by the ladies who have undertaken the difficult work of decorating the wharf side of Mawhera Quay. Both sides of the street are fringed with Terns and hung with festoons of greens relieved with many coloured flowers. AT THE RAILWAY STATION. The Greymouth railway station will by to-morrow be transformed into a miniature fairyland. Approximately 20 men are engaged in decorating the approached to the station and the station itself. The whole of the outer structure is being covered by ferns and native hush which is arriving in truckloads. Interspersed with the greenery on the outer wall of.the station, are a number of flags whilst over the sign “Welcome to His d Highness” is a large crown. The platform is being decorated in a similar

manner and the portion where the Royal carriage will stop is being lavishly decorated. The effect produced reflects the greatest credit .oa those responsible for the general decorative arrangements. The line of streamers being set up also adds considerably to the colour scheme. The paintwork is being 'done under the supervision of leading painter Fletcher, and reflects credit on that official and his colleagues. Altogether the decorations are such as to suggest that the greatest ingenuity has been displayed by the Railway Department in this district. PRINCE PASSES THROUGH. The Royal train which left Inangahua Junction this afternoon will pass through Greymouth at about 6 p.m. to-day and it is to be hoped that a large crowd' of citizens will assemble at the various crossings and at the railway station in order to give the Prince a rousing cheer. TO-MORROW. Bush-clad from the summit of its buddings to the ground Mawhera Quay presents a scene of grandeur and beauty, and viewed to-morrow during the procession of tile Royal Party a memory never to be forgotten will be imprinted on the minds of spectators. TO-MORROW’S PROGRAMME. .1 Arrival of His Royal Highness at the Greymouth Railway Stav tion, and reception by His Worship the Mayor, J. D. Lynch, Esq., Members of the Greymouth Borough Council, the Chairman of the Grey County Council (Jas. P. Irvine, Esq) and the Chairman of the Greymouth Harbour Board (Jesse Steer, Esq.) 2. The Royal Party and the Members of the Local Bodies will then proceed to Victoria Park, via Mawhera Quay and Boundary Street. • 3. Guard of Honour and .Royal Salute on arrival of His Royal Highness at Victoria Park. 4. Inspection of the Guard of Hon our and Returned Soldiers. 5. National Anthem (one verse), led by school children. G. Presentation of Address by His Worship the Mayor, from Citizens of Greymouth and Residents of the Grey County, and reply by His Royal Highness. 7. “God Bless the Prince of Wales,” sung by school children. 8. Presentation of War Medals to:

35123 Private C. H. Nailer, of A Paroa, D.C.M. • 32958 Sergt. S. 11. Mills,'of Grey mouth. Military Medal. i|| 30007- Private Richard James Ward, of Ahaura, Military, i Medal, , £ 9. "Three Cheers for the Red, « White and Bine,” sung by school ; children. 10. Planting of Royal Oak in Victoria Park, and Presentation of Gold Spade to His Royal Highness. 11. Return from Victoria Park to Railway Station, via Boundary Street and Mawhera Quay. J. D. LYNCH, Mayors ‘ —"God Save the King!” — CHILIfIIEN’S- REFRESHMENTS. Children attending the celebrations at Victoria. Park to-morrow will be supplied with refreshmnets at 12 noon. They are requested to bring their own drinking utensils. SCHOOL ESSAYS THE “STAR’S” OFFER. In order to impress the school children with the events that take place during the visit of His Royal High ness the Prince of Wales to this portion of the Dominion, we have decided to offer a series of prizes for essays by school children. The subject will be “The Prince on the Coast. The conditions are as follows: — 1. The competitions will be open to * all schools on the West Coast from Reefton in the north to Okura in the South. 2. The essays will be divided into two sections. 3. The first section will be for children in Standards 111 and IV. The first prize will be £2 2s, the second £1 Is and the third 10/6. 4. The second section will be for children in Standards V and VI. The prizes will be as follows First £2 2s, second £1 Is and third 10/6. 5. Tiny essays are to be written on Monday, (May 31st, under the teachers’ supeiwision and during school hours. 6. The essays not to exceed one column of the “Greymouth Star.” 7. The teacher is to select, a nom <le plume for the pupil and also for the school, neither the name of the pupil nor that of the school to appear on the copy. 8; The Editor of the “Greymouth “Star” to act as Judge, his decision to be final. 9. The “Star” to reserve the right of publishing the prize-winning essays v in each section. We trust that the children will take full advantage of the competition. All cannot be prize-winners, but all can record their impressions of the Royal visit in a manner that will be in keeping with the high standard of efficiency earned by our West Coast schools. PRESENTATION SPADE. A WORK OE ART. At the conclusion of the planting of the Memorial Oak at Victoria Park to-morrow, His Royal Highness will be presented with a gold spade as a souvenir of the occasion. .. The spade, which was designed by Mr. J. Cairney, goldsmith, Mawhera Quay, ia an excellent specimen of the gold worker’s, art. It is of pure gold and weighs about one ounce, ft bears the inscription "Greymouth,. New Zealand, West Coast Gold.” The spade is continued in a handsome case of New . Zealand birch. The wood is a fine speciman of West Coast timber and is beautifully polished. It is the work of Mr. C. Uddstrom, Cabinetmaker, Maokay Street.