OVER THE RANGES.

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

OVER THE RANGES.

JOURNEY BY COACHVISIT TO THE TUNNEL MOUTH. On the box seat, behind a spanking four-horse team, the Prince set off from Otira at 2 p.m. yesterday on his journey across tho ranges into Canterbury. Tho driver was Mr A. Hill, who drove tho Duke of Edinburgh from Melbourne to Bendigo in 1869. The weather was clear and crisp, with a sharp breeze from tho south-east that quickly forced the party to don top-coats and mufflers. As the grade stiffened the view increased in beauty and grandeur. High above tho wooded foothills towered Mount Rolleston and Mount Franklin, with a white expanse of glacier in the distance. Later, when the call came to dismount, tho Prince walked on with Sir Lionel Halsey, stopping frequently at prominent bonds in the road to admire tho jutting headlands of sheer rock and the shining ribbons of falling water that are suoh an impressive feature of gorge scenery. After crossing the saddle, the Princo and members of, his staff climbed back to- the seats and the descent began at a brisk trot. Coming down, tho rugged beauty of tho landscape never ceased to interest and attract. With the handle of his whip tho driver pointed out the famous Wilkins Fall and the Devil’s Punch BowlA few minutes later the coaches were clattering along tho level portions of tho Bealey road as it twists and turns into the township of Arthur’s Pass. AT ARTHUR’S PASS.

At ten minutes to four an enthusiastic little crowd of two hundred people saw tho slim, boyish figure of tho Prince sitting inside tho first of the passenger coaches to pull into the station road. Simultaneously thero was a hearty round of cheers, followed by three others. The Prince stood on tho platform bowing for a few moments, and then turned round to receive from Miss Edith Faris, of Christchurch, a buttonhole of violets, which ho pinned into the lapel of his coat. Ho chatted to Miss Faris and thanked her for her gift. Next came a personal touch that seemed to appeal particularly tq residents of tho district. Tho Priuco walked back to his coach and was soon deeply, engaged in conversation with tho driver, asking him about his experiences with the “ribbons,” and complimenting him on his splendid handling of tho bay horse team. IN THE TUNNEL. His Royal Highness next threw off his heavy tweed overcoat and, lighting up a long-stemmed pipe, set off to inspect the workings at the tunnel mouth. He was accompanied by representatives of the Public Works Department, and evinced an intelligent interest in the method of construction and the high importance of the work. a At 4.30 p in. the Royal train slowly steamed out in the gathering darkness to the accompaniment of general cheering right along the platform. It was preceded by the pilot train and followed by an emergency train, all three carrying members of the special police detachment, and repair gangs. At o p.m. the Royal train passed through Cass, and, before darkness finally shut in, the Prince caught a glimpse (of the great riveir-bod of the Waynakari/ri, half hidden in the- shadow of snowcapped peaks and scarred by stretches of gravel. A FAST TRIP. Over the rest of tho journey the train made fast time. Some time after six o’clock it slid out of the last of tho sixteen tunnels that mark the vicinity of Staircase Gully. A few splashes of light marked Springfield and Sheffield, and from then ion very little was seen of any landmark on the Canterbury plain. Before arriving at Rolleston Junction the blaze from a bonfire on tho southern horizon attracted general attention, which was revived when an out-ward-bound passenger train thundered by. Near Templeton thero was an effective display of fireworks, and at ten minutes past" seven long chains of electric lights announced close proximity to the city.

DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

In addition to Rear-Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, K.C.M.G., KXJ.V.O., C. 8., other members of the Pnnce s staff who arrived in Christchurch last evening are:— .Secretary—Lieutenant-Colonel E. W, M. Grigs,' C.M.G., C.V.0., D. 5.0., M.C.. who served with distinction during the war, rising till ho was Chief of Staff of the First Division of Guards. Personal Secretary—Sir Godfrey v. Thomas, M.V.0., who held special appointments under the War Office during the war. . Kqucrrv—Captain tiro Lon 1 mis Legit. 0.8. E., M.V-O. Several officers from H.M.S. Renown also traveled with tho Prince’s party

from the West Coast, including:— Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Willis, R.N., who took part in the battle of Jutland, and Surgeon-Commander A. C. W. Newport, R.N., who served in the North Sea throughout the war. Other travellers wore: —Sir William Fraser, Minister in charge of the tour; Mr J. Hislop, Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs; Mr T. E. Y. Soddon, M.P.; .the Hon J. Griinmond, M.L.0., and the Hon H. LMichel, M.L.CJ.; Colonel R. Young, O.C. Canterbury Military District; Captain Tabu Rhodes, Military Secretary to the Governor-General; Mr J. O’Donovan, Commissioner of Police; Mr W. Stringlemon, District Traffic Manager for Canterbury; and the following newspaper correspondents: —Messrs ECoates (Reuter’s), John Sanders (London “Daily Telegraph” and “Sydney Daily Telegraph”), Keith Murdoch (London “Times” and Sydney “ Sun”), Dr Guy Schofield (official correspondent for the New Zealand Government), Mr E. Brookes (official photographer) and Captain Barker (official kinenmtograph operator). STILL TO ARRIVE.

Three well-known members of. the Princo’s staff are Expected to arrive in Christchurch from Wellington this morning. They are:— Captain Lord Claud Nigel Hamilton, D. 5.0., M.V.0., who served throughout; tho war.

Sub-Lieutenant Lord Louis Mountbatten, R.N., a brotlior of tho Earl of Medina, -who as Princo George of Battenberg was on H.M.S. New Zealand. Captain Dudley B. N. North, C.M.G., M.V.0., R..N., who also visitpd the Dominion in H.M.S. New Zealand.

WEST COAST VISIT. [Pee, Plums Association-.? HOKITIKA, May 13

The Royal visit concluded this morning. The reception was most hearty throughout, tho assemblage coming from all parts of the district. Perfect weather prevailed and tho* whole function was most successful. A magnificent ovation was accorded at the railway station as the Royal train steamed away. GREYMOUTH, May 13.

The weather was gloriously fine for tho visit of tho Prince and the town was thronged with visitors. Tho route to Victoria Park was tastefully decorated with splendid arches, and tho local bodies land an avenue of ferns and palms erected near the park. Over three thousand school children were present, and there was a big muster of returned soldiors and veterans- Tho Prince presented medals to the soldiers, and planted a memorial oak. The proceedings were marked with great enthusiasm. The Prince afterwards left for Christchurch.