“PRICE OF HEARTS”

Gisborne Times, Volume LII, Issue 5463, 26 April 1920, Page 5

“PRICE OF HEARTS”

JOYOUS WELCOME IN QUEEN CITY WINNING PERSONALITY CAPTIVATES EVERYBODY H.i.S. RENOWN MAY VISIT GISBORNE

Press Association Telegram. AUCKLAND. April 21. “Veni, vidi, vici.” The. words which summarised one of Caesar’s expeditions abroad from Imperial Rome nearly nineteen hundred years ago might aptly have been used to describe the present progress of His Royal Highness tho Prince of Wales through tbe dominions of the British Empire, with the important difference that he needs no armed cohorts to conquer peoples among whom he goes. It is by his winning personality and quiet business-like manner that the hearts of Britons everywhere are captured and Auckland to-day had an opportunity of experiencing that captivating influence, to which it responded in a. manner that must have given the Royal visitor the keenest sense of pleasure as he drove through thousands of acclaiming citizens along the beflagged and garlanded streets of the northern capital of. the Dominion. The day was typical of autumn, a soft haze in the morning hanging above tbe mirror-like surface of tbe harbor, upon which a faint westerly breeze raised no ripple. People early moved towards the waterfront to vantage points on every elevated part of the city and; suburbs and to , Queen Street, some to view the panorama of the harbor as tho Renown steamed in, others to gain a vantage place to watch the procession, as it wound its way from wharf to town hall. It was indeed a wonderful picture that unfolded itself to observers who made? the ascent to any point overlooking the waters of the Waitemata. A great fleet of yachts and motor era it, like a flock of giant seabirds? floated on the bosom of the harbor and slowly made their way down to North Head, where they formed into two lines- making a. lane through which the warship came slowlv in to take the berth prepared for her at Queen’s wharf.

government and control landed only eighty years ago. Throughout the years since that foundation the people of New Zealand have continued loyal subjects of the Crown, hut never in our brief history has personal, regard for the Sovereign and the Royal Family been greater amongst i > than today; never has there been a stronger sense of the value of the King to his Empire. “You yourself, sir, have borne your full’share of the dangers and sorrows of the recent years and our soldiers who know of your service have claimed everywhere to !>e among the first to welcome you. TVo are confident that your visit . will he of advantage to this Dominion. and we hope that in the years to come your Royal Highness will have none hut pleasant memories of your stay and travel amongst its people. “Signed on behalf of His Majesty’s Ministers for the Domin'oii of New Zealand.

W. F. MASSEY, Prime Minister. PRINCE’S HAPPY REPLY. The Prince replied : “Mr. Prime Minister and Gen-

tlemen, — “This is a very great occasion for me when you, as representing the Parliament and the people of New Zealand, hid me welcome to your splendid Dominion, the Britain of the Soutli Seas. I have looked forward to this visit for a long time past,, and I shall never forget the day on which I first sr-t foot upon New Zealand soil. ft was a great disappointment to me that an unfortunate epidemic in the splendid ship which brought me out, His Majesty’s ship Renown, delayed mv start from England by a week, and i hope that you were not put to inconvenience in readjusting your arrangements for illy visit, to which I know you have given much thought and care. Now that I am here at last I feel myself no stranger in a strange land, hut one of yourselves amongst my own kith and kin. How could I, in tills great British dominion, feel anything hut at home. “I have served with my New Zealand brother officers and men in the great war which made ah nations of the British Empire doubly and trebly kin, I have seen the Ministers of New Zealand taking their place as representatives of a nation in the framing and signing of peace; I have shared to the full your pride in that achievement—the sign that this young nation has nobly won its spurs, and I have felt as deeply as you with those brave men and women who sacrificed their life, their health and their happiness for the victory of our cause.

THE RENOWN AND HER PRECIOUS FREIGHT.

It was barely ten o’clock (sooner than many people dreamed it possible) when the Renown came into view down the harbor, and as she rounded North Head the guns at tho forts boomed out their noisy welcome. Big ships, he their mirposo war or peace, are no novelty to Aucklanders, hut the picture made by the long grey hull of the Renown with her towering superstructure and stern-looking long guns peering out from turrets was one that will not easily fade from the memory of the beholders. As she came slowly in nearer and nearer to the city and the waiting multitude, loud huzzas of welcome rose spontaneously. People found realising afresh in a new light, as it here, what the possession of great ships like the Renown means to Britain’s world-wide empire. The ship before their eyes typified the power that maintains the command of the seven seas and protects the ideals of freedom and justice for which the llag under which they sail stands. More than this, however, to-day was in the minds of the vast multitude which watched the great shin slowly warped into her berth. Not only was she one of “our ships” hut she carried a precious freight in the person of the young Prince destined one day to rule over the world-encircling empire that includes tliese islands so aptly called “The Britain of the South.” It was this thought above all others that must have pulsed through tlie minds of people then and later when they looked upon his youthful features as he passed through their midst smiling and saluting acknowledgment of the acclamations of tlie multitude. At last the ship was manoeuvred alongside and made fast without (Incident. tlie harbor officials having everything in complete readiness. They were not hampered by crowds, as the wharf was kept clear of all hut those who had official business there.

“You will understand therefore, gentlemen, that my thanks for your most cordial welcome are no mere form. I am deeply touched by your expression of devotion to mv father the King ..nd bv ynur

reference to the place which His Majesty fills in the life of the Empire to-day. I am also more than grateful for the much too generous things which you have said about myself. I know that, my time amongst you will be not onlv a keen pleasure, hut a great experience. I am looking forward to meeting old friends and making now ones throughout the Domin-

ion. and though I cannot go everywhere in a month I hope I shall see something of all parts of the

country, and of all sections of its people" before I leave. There will he much to tell you of mv experiences later in my tour. In in the meantime, Mr. Massey. I beg you to thank all New Zealand on my behalf for the warm and generous welcome which every nart of the

country lias prepared.” The address was contained in a very beautiful casket of New Zealand woods with a valuable historical greenstone tiki suspended inside the cover.

WAVE UPON WAVE OF CHEERING.

'Fhe Governor-General then arrived and proceeded aboard, being; received by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey on the quarter-deck, where the ship’s guard of honor was stationed. His Excellenev was escorted to the Pr u.-a and formally introduced. Then the Prijne Minister .and Hons. Sir William Herries. Sir William Eraser, the Hon. J. G. Coates and the Hon. C. J. Parr were presented. After the Cabinet Ministers came Major-General Sir Edward Chaytor. Brigadier-Gen-eral G. S. Richardson, Colonels J. L. Sleenmn and H. R. Potter. Those formalities over. His Royal Highness came ashore to proceed to Government House, whither the Go-vernor-General had already gone. As the Prince stepped ashore the guns fired a royal salute. His Highness inspected the guard of honor furnished by returned soldiers. Then lie was. introduced to the chairman of the Harbor Board, Mr. H. D. Heather. Proceeding afoot to the gates marking the boundary between the Harbor Board and City Corporation territories, the party came lor the first time near enough to permit the people to get a clear view ot the face that every eve desired to see. and as the Mayor in his oflibial robes was introduced, the enthusiasm of the crowds was let-fully loose. Cheer followed cheer, 'and like circling waves from a disturbance on a still water surface the sound ot cheering undulated joyously along the radiating streets, as people picked up the sound that indicated that something was in progress, and passed it oil. Tt 'mattered not for the moment, that they could not see what caused the outburst. They were out to cheer and give glad welcome to their iuturc King, and they meant to do it. ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. Having 'now been formally admitted to the citv’s territory. His Royal Highness followed his father’s footsteps to Government House. Ho was motored there to receive an official welcome from the Government on behalf of Parliament and the people ot New Zealand. 'This was a strictly formal function, only the Ministers, with Sir Joseph AVard and the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, Leader ot the Opposition, and official visitors being present. Mr. Massey read the address as follows: “His Majesty’s Ministers, on behalf of the Parliament and the People of New Zealand, desire to offer to Your Itoyal Highness thensincere and cordial welcome. AVe assure your Royal Highness that all of us recoguise tiiat the visit of the heir to the throne of the great Empire of which wo are part is an event of real public importance and a testimony of the interest with which His Majesty regards _ Ins most- distant possession. Within, a few miles-, of the' building where this address is presented the nest emigrants from the .Mother Country under an ordered system ot

AYELCOAIE BY HARBOR AUTHORITIES.

From Government House the Prince returned to the wharf, where upon a raised dais a little way inside the gates His Royal Highness was received by the chairman and members ot the Harbor Board and was presented with an address to which lie replied as follows: — “I am very grateful for your cordial welcome and loyal address. I shall not forget the day on which I first entered this magnificent' harbor of Auckland which owes so much to your care. You have spoken much too generously of myself. but I appreciate your good wishes very much. May I wish you in return increasing prosperity and success ill your most important work.” The guard of honor at the gates was then inspected, after which the Royal progress to the Town Hall began. This of course was the citizens’ first real opportunity of getting a good view of the slim boyish figure that occupies so big a place in all British hearts, and as the procession moved up Queen Street at a rather rapid pace, for the programme had fallen a little in arrear. the scene was one of wildest and most joyous enthusiasm. The thoroughfares were all densely packed. Every coign ot Vantage on buildings and rising bits of ground held its full quota, the people (in some cases very venturesome) bent on getting a good view as the visitor passed. Arriving at the Town Hall the visitors were escorted through a packed auditorium to the stage.' the Inigo audience rising as the strains of the national anthem pealecl forth from the organ, and the people joined in singing a verse. Oil the stage were also naval and military guests, the Premier and other Ministers ot tlie Crown, Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. AY. D. S. MacDonald, and representatives of the churches, and legal and other civil authorities. TRIBUTE FROM THE CUT. The Mayor, Mr. Gunson, read an address according a welcome to the Hoval guest. and expressing loyaltv to "the ‘ Crown. The Prince, stall dressed in the uniform of a naval captain as when he landed, then rose to reply, hut had to wait some moments for the great outburst of applause to subside. Speaking clearly and distinctly HR Royal Highness made his reply in the follow mg words: — _ , ■ , “I am very grateiul to you as representing the city and metropolitan area of Auckland for your kind loyal address. Auckland is the first- city in this great dominion in which I have had the honor of setting foot. It has loilg been known' to me as the first capital or New Zealand, closely bound up

(Continued cn page 6),

THE PKINCEE’S VISIT Contd. wltli the earliest history of British government in these. islands and also as one of the finest, harbors in the southern seas* ...»If anything could enhance my pleasure in being here this morning it is the warm friendly welcome which, the people of Auckland have given me. I shall always look back upon this as one of the red-letter days of my life, for, gentlemen, this is my first sight not only of Auckland but of New Zealand, the gallant Dominion which won its place amongst other British nations as one of the Powers which fought for. framed and signed the peace of Versailles. . “I hold it a great honor to have been a comrade-in-arms of y.oiir splendid troops in the war, and 1 hope to see many of them again on parade to-day. Auckland, I know, contributed most worthily __ to the fighting strength of the hew Zealand divisions, and many also ot her sons served m H.M.S. New Zealand and other ships of the Royal Navv which once again asserted and - held for the Empire in conjunction with our gallant Allies tho command of all the seas. Your losses, I fear, were heavy, and L offer mv deepest sympathy to ail who have been visited with suffering or loss. 1 shall he proud to convev your assurance of loyalty to my father the King, who keeps the happiest memories of Ids visit to New Zealand nineteen years ago. May 1 ask you, gentlemen, to convey to all citizens of Auckland my'most genuine gratification for their welcome, and my heartiest wishes for tlicir welfare and h;i]>piness.”

A photograph of the scene was taken and the Prince then stood on . the lower step while the vast audi- ; mice filed past on their way to the . exits. , , . The It oval party then returned from the Town Hall to Government House where the Prince had luncheon. 'The route lay along Upper Queen Street, Karangahape Road and Symonds Street, and the proS ress of the Royal car was cheered by thousands of people who were tinable to participate in the earlier welcome. After lunch the Prince received addresses of welcome and loyalty from veterans and country local bodies of the province. PRINCE AMONGST THE WAR HEROES. Alter this he attended a military parade in the Domain, where 5700 returned soldiers, territorials and cadets were reviewed. The returned men and nurses totalled 509 of all ranks. His Royal Highness made a close inspection of the returned men, stopping occasionally to speak .to individuals whose faces caught 1i is eye. The members of the nursing section and disabled men near the saluting base were also objects of special attention. The terraces surrounding the parade ground were packed with a huge crowd who frequently broke out into enthusiastic applause and cheers as the Prince was observed to stop for his little- personal talks, especially to disabled men and nurses. At tho conclusion lie presented deeorations to a number of men and then returned to Government House. The route both coming and going was lined with enormous crowds of acclaiming spectators. During the evening tho Prince uns the guest of the Governor—General at a dinner at the Grand Hotel and later attended a private dance arranged at Government House for tlie entertainment of the officers of the Renown. Sunday’s programme included attendance at divine service in St. Mary’s Cathedral in the morning and the Anzac Memorial service in _Jjhe Town Hall in tho afternoon. . After the latter the Prince visited the patients in the soldiers’ hospital at Narrow Neck. Thousands of people again thronged the streets to see the Royal visitor on his several passages to these engagements; Monday morning will he occupied with a children’s review in the Domain. In the afternoon the Prince attends the races at Ellerslio and in the evening a civic reception will ho tended !um in the Tuwn Hall.

RENOWN MAY VISIT GISBORNE. MAYOR’S REQUEST TO THE PRINCE.. SIR LIONEL HALSEY’S DECISION MIGHT BE- POSSIBLE TO AGREE TO REQUEST. Press Association Telegram AUCKLAND. April 24. When the Prince of Wales was receiving addresses Horn local bodies, on Saturday, lie expressed regret to the Mayor of Gisborne (Mr. George Wildish) that circumstances prevented him from going to that historic spot. The Mayor made the suggestion that the Renown might -lie allowed to call there on the way to Wellington. On this being referred to Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, lie agreed that it might ho possible to agree to .that course, being followed, so that the p<-cple at any rate might see. something of the ship.

• RUBN3MG TO MEW ZEALAND. STIRRING SPECTACLE OF RENOWN IN HEAVY SEAS. 1150 MILES IN FIFTY-THREE HOURS. Press Association Telegram. AUCKLAND. April 24. The Renown steamed out of Suvaat six in the morning of Tuesday with the obligation to reach Auckland, 1150 miles away, in fifty-three hours. Instructions wore posted to mack all snug, as the ship would he steaming at high speed into heavy seas. So it proved. Commander Campbell called upon the engine room for 204 revolutions per minute, producing a. speed of 231 knots. The Renown rushed' forward to meet the high sea and strong southeast trade wind. Her course was nearly due south, so that she met heavy' weather on the port how. This was tlie first time since leaving Eng-

land that an opportunity occurred of seeing the Renown driven at high speed in heavy weather. A magnificent spectacle was presented to the watchers on the flag deck, looking forward, as the engines, developing 120,000 horse-power, drove the battle cruiser into the head seas. Her immense length of 780 feet enabled the ship to ride half a dozen waves simultaneously. Nevertheless, with low freeboard,' she thrust her nose regularly into the oncoming seas, causing them to hurst over her port how, and sending huge cataracts of whitewater high in the air. to fall with a sound of thunder on the steel forecastle deck, passing off to starboard. The pumps were kept going constantly to clear the chain lockers from the 'inpouring water. The bat-tle-cruiser, in these conditions, conveyed a staggering impression of sheer power. The muzzles of the big 15-incli guns, protected by brass caTis, were constantly drenched by torrents. The little three-pounders on the flying deck were completely enveloped in water-proof coverings. Batteries of four-inchers, three on each side of the flying deck, wore waterproof coverings like running drawers, giving the singular effect or athletes ready for a contest.

It was a fascinating spectacle to watch a ship of 32,000 tons springing forward against a high wind and heavy seas as a speed of nearly 281miles per hour, hurling immense masses of foaming water as high as the navigator’s bridge, to sweep harmlessly over the starboard side of the forecastle deck. Yet abaft of the foremast nothing was visible to indicate the heavy weather. The decks were so steady that the Prince continued his favorite exercise of squash racquets during the afternoon.

Commander Campbell, navigating officer, in an enclosed evrie. half-way up the foremast, pursued his calculations with a ruler, pencil and chart, with entire disregard to the falling torrents on the deck. He remarked that most ships steaming at such speed in the teeth of such heavy weather would he swept by seas from end to end. He considered the Renown, by reason of her great length, an exceptionally dry ship. The commander mentioned that the calculations had already been completed sufficiently far ahead to enable, him to state the exact hours at which the Renown would enter the different New Zealand and Australian ports on dates already fixed. For instance she was timed to enter Wellington at 10.30 in the morning.