PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES’ TOUR.

(Per Press Association.)

AT STRATFORD.

STRATFORD, .May 3

The Prince was accorded a great welcome at Stratford and was presented with a local address and album typical of the district. At the Prince’s'request the people were admitted to the railway platform after the ceremony. He departed amid a scene of wild enthusiasm. THE TOUR CONTINUED. NEW PLYMOUTH, May 3. Early though the hour Was as the train passed through Hawera, Elthain, Stratford and Inglewood, en route to New Plymouth, considerable crowds, children predominating, gathered at the railway stations, evidently intent on getting at least one good view of the Royal equippage, mindful of the danger that at the big demonstration later in the day they might get shut out from the picture. One unrehearsed incident of tho morning had its beginning in Hawera. with that deep rooted curiosity which feminity has always been supposed to possess in such marked degree. A lady got on the carriage.just to have a look at the quarters provided for travellers in the Royal train. She became so ihterested that she did not notice, the train moving and when at last she realised the fact alarm took possession of her. However the officials soothed her and pointed out that not everyone got a ride through the country with a real live Prince. The lady soon calmed down and accepted the position. She left the train at Stratford to await one that would take her home again. The Royal train made a halt at Waiongona for breakfast, special dining cars having been sent out from New Plymouth last night, so that the meal could be prepared with a minimum of delay and inconvenience. It was a happy thought that prompted this step, the cars standing in the midst of green fields dotted with plantations and Egmont pushing his snow clad cone up above tlie undulations of the land to the left, made up a scene of fresco beauty which elicited the warm commendations of the visitors. Breakfast finished, the train drew out to make New Plymouth on schedule time, and begin the programme of the day. The weather was dull on arrival at New Plymouth at 10 a.m., but Mount Egmont had cleared. The Prince was received by a guard of honour of High School Cadets and drove immediately to Pukekora Park where tho official reception took place. Afterwards medals were presented by the Prince who also inspected the returned soldiers, South African and Maori war veterans, scouts and cadets, amid great enthusiasm. The sun shone forth as the party left tho Park to rejoin the train, at 11 o’clock, leaving amid tumultuous cheering. AT WANGANUI WANGANUI, May 3. When the Prince reached Wanganui his welcome was stirring. The pleased smile of the Prince betokened the keenest appreciation at the exhibition of goodwill. Territorials and hoy scouts formed a guard of honour and streets were lined by thousands as a procession set out for Cooks Gardens. Here were gathered probably 10,000 on terraces flanking the sports grounds. On tlie level were drawn up 500 returned soldiers, nurses, and sailors and territorials, with the band along with the Wanganui College Cadets. The Mayor (Mr Mackay) read an address and the Prince in reply tributed tho courage of pioneers in overcoming difficulties and leaving such splendid land as a heritage for their children. The Prince presented a number of decorations. After making a round of tho parade, he entered a ear, to which soldiers and nurses attached a rope and drew him once around the ground, he remaining standing and acknowledging the applause during the whole circuit. To-night the Prince attended a soldiers entertainment at 9 o'clock, a concert at 9.30 and a supper in the Sargent Art Gallery at 10. To-morrow at 9.15 the Prince leaves for Marten, en route to Napier. The Prince to-night caused to be presented to him Mrs Rouise, mother of the late Lieut-Colonel Cecil Humphries one of New Zealand’s illustrious soldiers.

LABOUR APPEAL. CHRISTCHURCH, May 3. An appeal lias been issued to all class conscious workers and all lovers of social justice not to take any part in officially welcoming the Prince of Wales. The appeal has been issued by the Christchurch Labour Representation Committees. The appeal takes the form of a lengthy manifesto.