PRINCE OF WALES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 May 1925, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES.

SUCCESSFUL TOUR CONTINUES. rtV CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. CAPETOWN, May S. The Prince of Wales’ tour of the .south-eastern districts was equally successful with his visits Ix> Capetown. Everywhere he was received with unbounded 1 enthusiasm. In all towns and villages along the route' people turned out eager to greet him. The popular tion of these districts' is largely Dutch. The Prince’s evident pleasure in mixing with them was much appreciated. At various townships he was met and escorted by 'large commandoes. Everywhere features of the welcomes were the crowds of children and ex-service ■men. He visited the famous Congo caves. THE PRINCE’S TRAIN. .Special trains were built for the tour of the Prince of Wales. There are 14 saloons altogether—all fitted with every' up-to-date contrivance for comfort. With the exception of the Prince’s coach, which is entirely new, tlie saloons are of the same type ao those which conveyed the Empire Parliamentary delegation. . Throughout the Prince’s tour, two trains* will, be run. The Royal train is preceded by a pilot train, which consists of trucks for motor cars., a, refrigerator waggon, a van for staff and baggage, and three passenger coaches. The journalists’ coach, at the end of the train, has an observation platform.

The Royal train, comprises a van, three saloons for officials and servants, and a “twin coach” for the Prince. Tlie Prince’s coach embodies a new principle—it is in two sections, with a covered gangway connecting them, oasried on three bogies. Coupled together, the two coaches run as a single unit, and it is claimed that steadier running is secured, and that there is greater' accommodation than in the old type of saloon.

The Prince ha® a ba.throomj measuring 7ft iby Gift, a bedroom lOJft by Gjl-t, a study 7ft by 6.lit, and a saloon 14}'ft by BJ-ft. All the windows are provided with copper wire .gauze as a protection against mosquitoes, and inside there are dainty blinds and curtains. The body framings are of teak, finished in selected South African timbers—stinkwood, Rhodesian teak and mahogany. The main saloon has large rear windows. It is furnished with a settee, chairs, club easies, and tables. There are a four-branch electrolier and six roof lights, a telephone to the next coach, bells and ceiling fans. Brown cork linoleum and carpets cover the floor. All the fittings are gold-plated. The study, with bookkease, writing desk and drawers, is at the end of the saloon, and opens into the bedroom. Here there is a large berth of the naval type, with drawers underneath. A wardrobe with a large oval mirror and a dressing table complete the furniture of the bedroom.

In the adjoining bathroom the floor is tiled. Hot and cold watei- is. provided. All the saloons are heated in cold weather bv means of radiators.