IN THE SQUARE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18408, 14 May 1920, Page 7

IN THE SQUARE.

ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS. f Dong before the hour of the Prince’s tr rival the waiting crowd in the Square ad taken un their positions. There was a thickly-packed rank on either tide of the tramway, track near the bank corner, extending along the line S>t the tara arches, sno rau&d

the Cathedral corner, where a dense mass® was banked up against the Godley statue, while the crowd extended down Worcester Street to the Christchurch Club. At half-past seven the full Royal peal of ten bells in the Cathedral tower rang out their welcome, the whole ten being “ fired ” one on top of.lhe other, as a compliment to the Prince. Just before a Quarter to eight, the cheering of the crowd in High Street made itself heard in the Square, where a moment or two later it was taken, up and passed on as the Royal car proceeded. The crowd at the bank corner swayed back and forth as the car approached, and finally the two ranks, met and merged, covering up the entrance. This was a cause or disappointment to the early-comers lined np as far as the first arch, as the Royal car had to be driven along outside the crowd, breaking through again just at the arch. Everyone, however, got a glimpse of ‘the fair, slim figure in a grey overcoat, as the Prince stood in his car smilingly waving his hat to the cheering crowd. At the Government Buildings corner progress was halted for a moment ns reinforcements from the bank corner, rushing down on the other side of the Cathedral, fnado their presence felt, and tho crush completely closed tho path. Only for a moment did the halt •'last-, but in that space the crowd covered every available inch of ground around tho car, which was like an island in a surging sea. Then slow progress was made onco more, and the noise of cheering as the procession entered tho confined space of Worcester Street was deafening. When finally the club promises were reached, it was a moment or two before space could be cleared for the Prince to leave the car, and the volume of sound decreased as his Royal Highness disappeared from the elevated position in the car. Louder cheering broke out again, however, as he was seen mounting the steps to the club entrance, and continued as he passed out of sight for a moment. Then as the Prince appeared bareheaded at the upper window, the crowd broke out in a deafening roar, which was maintained until tho Prince waved his farewell and disappeared from sight.