THE PRINCE'S VISIT

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1920, Page 3

THE PRINCE'S VISIT

PRINCE S PROGRESS. BEVIEW OP YESTERDAY'S LONG JOURNEY. A MEMORABLE TRIP. . . r Per Press Association.] HOKITIKA, May 12. The reputation given the West Co?|t for Avetness cannot be subscribed to by those who are included in the Royal party noAV visiting the district. " Wonderfully fine Aveather prevailed again to-day. The trip from Reefton to Westport and back to the Inangahua Junction, by motor, and thence to Hokitika by train was the plcasantest trip, perhaps, of the whole tour. ''' The day's tally totalled 180 miles, and' the motor portion Avas something to be' remembered. LEAVING REEFTON. His Royal Highness set out from Reefton at 9.30 this morning. The sun was^ -hardly strong enough to dissipate the mists which lay over the upland' 57afs and wreathed the peaks of .neighbouring ranges, w&ile a slight coating of rime lent a sharp "tang" to the air, that caused the blood to pulse more f rely and made life worth living.' By the tinie that Inangallia was passed, 1 and the Lower Buller Gorge was entered, the sun had gained the ascendancy, and in some enclosed parts, it "was" almost" as hot as on a summer noonday. THE' SCENERY. Those' whose first visit it was to the famous Gorge were properly enthusiastic at each turn as it unfolded some scene of rugged grandeur in toAA*ering forest clad bluff, or sharp ' escarpment, with the road winding around its face, clinging close, and threatening cA r ery moment to come to an abrupt end,' with a sheer drop into the river tumbling along far below. Again there came into ' A-iew long reaches of deep Avater, bordered by the wonderful greens and browns of the trees, overspreading small flats, or rising precipitately from the river's edge. The aA\esomc sweep round Hawke Crag AA-as safely negotiated, and the beautiful Fern Arch Avas admired, Avhile a great yelloAv gash in the face of the hill marked the site of the recent slip AA'hicH spoiled one ot the best-known spots on the road_ CINEMA ON THE SCENE. On the outward trip a cinema picture was taken of the fleet of motor cars filing past the Fern Arch. AT WESTPOHT. The coal metropolis was reached at midday, and the Westport townspeople gave the Prince a cordial Aveleome, the streets being decorated, and a general holiday atmosphere lying over the coal port. ' •• THE VISIT TO- WESTPORT. I PRESENTATIONS AND REQUEST. WESTPORT, May 12. The visit of the Prince of Wales to Westport was accompanied by. manifestations of loyalty by a large gathering, which included a great many children, who Avere brought from all i parts of the district. In addition to a qitizens address, ttie Prince was presented with a heart made of coal , from Coalbrokdale, which coal provided the bunkers that "saved the Caliope" in the historic storm at SuA'a. On the .c«al was a gold nugget, "Found on Golden West Coast of NeAV Zealand." Mr Hone Mahuika, chief of the natives, presented His Ro^al Highness with a 4 walking ' stick, on which the , donor's name was inscribed, and also a notch set in greenstone Admiral Halsey was asked to arrange f Or the "Renown," Avhen making for Australia, to steam as close as possible to Westport, tlie nearest port to Australia. The Admiral stated that, if possible, this would be arranged. Afte* hfl|lf-an-hour's stay*, a start ■was made on the return journey to the -i Inangahua Junction. "' ' His Royal /H'ghne^s to^k the wheel ! and he drbve his ' car kll the way thrugh the Gorge in good style, his 1 time being equal to anything done on ] the run. • QUESTION OF A LICENSE! i Dame Rumour had it that the Prince | would be asked by the local road-con- ! trolling authority* to explain why he -was driving without a license, but it : •is understood that tins report is quite foundation. ] It may be mentioned that His Royal i Highness holds a license to drive in Great ' Britain, and no doubt, in the s 'circumstances this Avas thought to be j good enough for the Inangahua County. ] On arrival at Inangahua the party found luncheon awaiting them in thetrain, and they certainly did justice to it. ' Passing Reefton en route to Greymouth and Hokitika, the Prince held a brief reception of the school children at Reefton. who made a pretty picture outside the station. The chil- ] dren sang patriotic songs with great , fervour:. ' <•.:%' PRINCE'S RETUEN TO REEFTON. <"- MEETS THE CHILDREN. [Per Press Association.] , REEFTON, May 12. Reefton was en fete to-day for the Prince's visit. His Royal Highness motored to Inangahua Junction, and then took the train to Reefton, arriving at 4 o'clock. School children, numbering about 1000, assembled at the Railway Sttaion, and presented an address", and also a gold :i nugget. The Prince addressed them shortly, and congratulated the teachers of the country schools who had brought the children long distances. He also conversed with Mr Gordon, a Crimean war veteran, and Mr Raithby, a Maori war veteran.' He was heartily cheered by the children and a large assemblage. '*' Something, of a novelty was introduced the address to the Prince being read by* little girl, Miss Ivy= KcarnS: The Prince left by train at 4.10 p.m. foT Hokitika, getting a rousing S6 A hoiictav was observed throughout th The lS journey by. the train down the valley *o Greymouth, past the sawmills and the gold workings that mostly are gaunt skeletons reminiscent of the "Si*" days, when the district was in the heyday of its P«*Pen** was hardly interesting, and no one was sorry when these ghosts of the past activity wore swallowed up in

\ darkness, which, fell before the sea coast Avas reached. ' KOYAL TRAIN PASSES GREYMOUTH. i There was a very large assemblage of Greymouth people at thje Railway Station last evening before] 6 o 'clock, Avhen the Royal train Avas auc to pass through on its journey from Reefton to Hokitika. Preceded J>y the pilot train, the Royal train trrived at a couple of minutes to sii, and Avhen the Prince of Wales macje his appearance as the train passbd through the station, there was a (great outburst of cheering from the assembled croAvd. The run to Hokitilja occupied just about an hour. \ ARRIVAL AT HOKITIKA. ("Arg-us"' Special Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, May 12. The Prince of Wales and party arrived at Hokitika at 7 o 'clock • tonight. The party drove in about a score of motors from the Railivay Station to Keller's Hotel. They travelled along Stafford and Revcil Streets. A great crowd gathered in town, and lined the streets. The returned soldiers acted as a body guard for the • Royal car. I The Territorials and Cadets gave the ''Royal Salute. After introductions had been made, the Town Clerk (Mr A. AndrcArs) read an address of welcome to the Prince. . From Keller's balcony, the Prince of Wales replied. His Royal Highness then presented war decorations to Sergeants Ohorrie, Poster, and Head. v - - i The Prince was giA r en a great*' rceeptioii. He" is now going to attend the ball at the "Drill 4 Hall. The electric light is being used to-nighf. for thfe illuminations and is a great success. The decorations and displays are of the best. There is a great croAvd for the ball, AA-hieh is preceded by a function at the Town Hall where the Prince meets a largo number of citizens. <i j . HOKITIKA ENTHUSIASTIC. (Per Press Association.).', HOKITIKA, May 12. It was dark, 7 p.m., Avhen the Royal carriage reached Hokitika — so long the home of a man known in these islands as a great Imperialist. The people lived up to the old-time reputation for loyalty. The Avhole town and ; district seemd to have poured their population into the streets of Westland 's capital, and more enthusiastic crowds couldn't be found anywhere. The streets v.-ore gaily decorated, a special feature l.eiiig* the illuminated arches, at intervals along the line of the Eoyal pi - ocession 7 with many transparencies, showing legends of Aveleome and benediction on "The people's Prince of to-day and King of tomjorrow." As the procession moA-ed off from the station, coloured lights blazed up, the band played, and the people cheered, the whole scene being one of remarkable enthusiasm, Avhich Avas sustained during the time the motor made their Avay slowly to Keller's Hotel, Avhich is the irince's headquarters. rURTHEB PARTICULARS. ("Argus" Special Correspondent). The apeparance of the Pjrince on the hotel balconj', with Mr T? E. Y. Seddon, member for the district, and the Mayor, Mr Geo. Perry, 0i8.E.. and the County Chairman" Mr T W. Bruce, was the signal for fresh prolonged cheering. Addresses of welcome from local bodies were presented. The Ptince made a happily worded reply. He referred to the Avarmth of the "receptions accorded him at each place he had visited on the Coast. At the same time he wished the people a return and a continuance of the .glorious Jprosperity Avhifh their .district had known *in years gone by. THE. PRINCE S REPLY. Mr MayQT, Gentlemen. — I am very happy to receive the loyal address which you have presented to me on behalf of the Borough of Hokitika, •the District of Westland, the Hokitika Harbour : Board and the Hokitika School Committee. The cordial Avelcomes which you have given me has touched me very much and I shall be proud to convey your assurances of devotion to my father, the King. My visit to New Zealand is proving not only a very pleasant but also a Very valuable experience. It is a great pleasure to me to be seeing again so many of your gallant soldiers whom I first met* on active service in the great war, especially as I can now see them in their homes, amongs; their kith and kin. It is my desire to be regarded as belonging just as much to this Dominion as to the Old Country, and I appreciate deeply the warmth and friendliness ofthe welcome which has met me heTe and everywhere throughout New Zealand. I am -very glad to have been able to include the West Coast in my journfev which is much too short for all that I should like to sec. May I wish you a" very prosperous and happy future? . Before proceeding to dinner tne Prince left his party, and went and conversed at some length with Sergt. Halligan, D.C.M., M.M., of Ross. THE BALL. LateT in the evening- His Royal Highness attended a public reception and a Citizens' Ball iri the Drill Hall, Avhich AA-as very finely decorated for the ocacsion. The function was really a brilliant success. Indeed' it may be said that Hokitika 's Aveleome to the Prince was extraordinary in the intensity of patriotic feeing displayed. THE OFFICIAL SET. The Ladies of the official set Avere: — Miss Perry. Miss Mary Bruce. Mr s R. J- Seddon. Mrs J. 3>. Lynch. Mrs S. P. Evans. Mrs J. Grimmohd. Mrs H^ L. Michel. Mrs H. M. Coulson. The Prince led off with Miss Perry. The Prince danced on tAA'o occasions with Miss Oily Breeze, of Hokitika. The Prince also danced Avith Miss Stecre ( Grey mouth). The Drill Shed was densely crowded in fact over crowded. There were many very beautiful and very costly gowns. There was no standing room at the Drill Hall

I There Verc fully 300 couples on the floor. n One girl, in particular, in a biue crepe dc Chine and an overdress of black net arid old' gold and blue sequins; was exceptionally -we'll gowned, ami stood out prominently. The decorations' Avcre magnificent, tho leading feature being a fernery of tho Prince of Wales feather ferns with a fountain playing on tfliem. This beautiful sight was on the corner of' Re veil and Weld Street, opposite Keller's Hotel. The Hokitika "Guardian 7 "' was decorated by two red, white and blue clusters, andtwo lamps of 100 c.p. each on the parapet and was also beautifully decorated with ferns ' and evergreens. The "Argus" reporters are indebted to the "Guardian" manager, Mr Berijamin, for his courteous assistance last night. To-morrow the Royal party, riiakes its -way across Otira Gorge en route to Christchurch, TO-DAY 'S PROGRAMME. DECORATIONS. After meeting the children of Hokitika this morning, the Prince of Wales and party will return to Greymouth. Yesterday the decoration in Greymouth were brought to completion and the result generally Avas .excellent. The Town Hall is beflagged, festooned, and clothed in greenery, A\-hile the Band Rotunda, as the result of the work of ; the ladies, is beautifully decked with .ferris, ribbo,ns, streamers, and flags. The business community generally along the route have arrayed their premises Avith floral decorations, and the final stretch to tlie Park entrance has the appropriate aspect of an avenue of native trees. The several arches are also a feature of the route, and the wharf side of Mawhcra Quay has been given a festive aspect by the use of greenery of all kinds. A score of men yesterday gaA'e quite a sylvan apeparance to the Railway Station and its surroundings, and a great quantity of floral and other decorative material Avas utilised, including a wealth of native trees? many flags, and the design of a crown fully worked above the Avorrls "Welcome to His Royal Highness." With the promise of a fine day, the toAvn of Greymouth AA r ill in its scenic aspect greet the Prince of Wales in no unworthy manner. PRINCELY PAES. (By "Nosey.") When the Hoyal train left for Reefton the other morning some little diversion was caused by the shrill -whistling of the cngicn. It appears that a communication cord had been installed, connecting up the Royal carriage and the engine, for use in case of emergencies. By some means or other the arrangement started to AA'ork as soon as the train got moving, Avith the result that a continued whistling brought the train to a standstill. The defect was eventually remedied, and it is to foe hoped the Prince will have no occasion to use the cord on his journey north to-day. There was a perfectly Avorkablc bar yesterday, but no A'cssels put in an appearance. One suspicious Avatersider said that this was due to all the U.B. trucks being commandeered to convey the country <hildren to Greymouth to-day, and therefore the ves'se^s^were holding back until the truck? could be utilised to deliver cargo for outgoing A r essels! What peculiar ideas some- people get into their heads! Tho Otira express arrived in Greymouth on Tuesday ni sfnt minus a largo consignment of perishable go^ds, these having been left at Otira and brought doAvn by the slow train next day It is said tfiat there are ,i vs t five vans Avith tlie Westinghouse brake attached on this section, and as three of these are to bo run Avith the Royal train, the express on Tuesday Avas short of its usual complement. But AA-hy worry? This might be the frrst and only time we "Aill haA-e the privilege of seeing the Prince of Wales on the Coast, and perishable goods arrive by every express from Christchurch. Praiseworthy efforts have been made to camouflage the ugliness of one part. ( of the route the Prince of Wales will take on his journey to the Park today. It is hoped that Avith a plentiful supply of greenery' at hand, aided by a thick double line of the public, His Royal Highness may miss a few of the ramshackle buildings en route West Coast girls have always been known to possess a good share of the sporting instinct, but it is on the cards that this "virtue was fully tested fit the Royal Ball at Hokitika last night. For weeks, pail; the/most wonderful of feminine creations 'have been Teaching the southern town to be donned try fair maidens who have lived in hopes that the Royal eye would seek them out for a dance. There are sure to'Tse some friendships severed after last night's hop. N If the Prince put bis head out ot the window Avhen passing through Greymouth last " night he would have noticed an elaborate "Welcome" in Tainui Street. If, however, he was holding a "full hand" at the time, the chances are that the decoration would be passed unseen. ' ' to waste its fragrance on the desert air." It's to be hoped it keeps fine to-, day, especially for the school kiddiesRiding in open trucks is a delightful means of travel in fine weather, but quite tho reverse Avhen the rain comes doAvn. What's the betting that His Royal Highness opens the Greymouth Returned Soldiers' Clubrooms? According to some offiical telegrams published in the Press, the odds are heavily ao-ainst such a proceeding. However, they say, "Teddy" is a good sport., so that until the time when all hope of it is dead, at- may yet expect to see him defy tho ruling of the "heads" and do a little impromptu stunt— that would certainly increase his popularity with t\e "Diggers" ot the locality^ __ I hope the piece of ground in AvhicH The PTince Avill plant an oak tree on Victoria Park to-day has" already been tested, as the chances are he will strike a rock! Such a calamity would cause a hitch to the proceedings. My word, Avon't Master Hugh Lynch be a proud boy to-day. t