The Prince of Wales.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 126, 12 May 1920, Page 5

The Prince of Wales.

THROUGH THE BULLER GORGE. A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE. BUSH COUNTRY, WELCOMES. , [Per Press Association. 1 Reef ton, May 11. Beautiful weather all day made the Prince’s journey from Nelson through the Waimea Valley through the Buller Gorge a succession of surprising pleasures. Everywhere there was tne utmost enthusiasm at the Prince’s appearance- In the more populous older settlements in the early stages of- the journey by rail to Glenhope, the pjople turned out in full force, and the spirit shown was always one of glad welcome and goodwill. CAR OVERTURNS. A THRILLING ACCIDENT. After leaving Inangahua the party experienced 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 procession, and the others pushed ahead. Opposite the Inangahua railway station one of the leading cars stopped suddenly and the following closely at a fair speed had not time to stop. The car got almost part, but the slippery ground let the wheels skid, and in a moment the car turned a somersault, landing straddled over a big ditch. The four occupants, E. Coats, representing Reuter’s Agency, F. Morgan (New Zealand Press Association), Mr. Taylor ■(of the Internal Affairs Department) and G. W. Tuley, of the Railway Department, were shot into the ditch through a thick mat of bramble, which broke. their fall, and acted as a spring buffer to prevent the car crushing those underneath. Plenty of assistance was fortunately at hand, the Car lifted and the occupants released, shaken and scratched by brambles. The car was righted and proceeded on the journey, but the passengers were transferred to another, car.'

Those who are superstitious in any way derive satisfaction from, one feature of the incident. The car’s official number was thirteen- * ARRIVAL AT REEFTON..

The'Prince’s car reached Reeftoll' about 7.30. His Highness himself' driving over the last stage from Inangahua. His appearance was hailed by ' quite a large 'crowd with a great display of enthusiasm. After dinner the Prince attended a reception in the Council Chamber#. HOKITIKA’S' WELCOME. I ELABORATE DECORATIONS. . Hokitika, May 12. The weather is perfect for the Royal visit. Decorations and illuminations surpass anything previously attempted. ■ The route of the procession is an avenue of fernery. A feature is the . embankment of Prince of Wales ferns, on which a fountain sprays. The streets are to be brilliantly lighted by electric lights. Crowds are arriving, including school children from South Westland. Mrs Seddon is among.the visitors. CREYMOUTH’SWELCOME. , Greymouth, May 12- ~ There are big preparations for the Prince s visit. Business places are decorated and arches have been erected in the principal streets en route to Victoria Park where the reception is to be i held. There is a large influx of country visitors, and accommodation ia taxed to tlje utmost. The weather ia beautifully fine and the prospects are good.. The town is specially illuminated, and private residents are sparing no expense. RENOWN AT LYTTELTON. Christchurch,- May 12. The Renown berthed at Lyttelton at ■ 10.30 this morning.