THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 4

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

DUNEDIN VISIT. CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION AT TAHTJNA PARK. [Per Press Association.] DUNEDIN, May 19. For the time of year the weather throughout tho lloyal visit to New Zealand has been remarkably fine in each district as it was traversed. With only a couple of days’to'go to complete tSio journey, it may be remarked (though it were well to touch wood-in doing so), that only on one day has the weather been really wet. That was the principal day of the Rotorua visit, which was marked by torrential rain. Last Friday Christchurch provided a little rain in tho forenoon, but not enough to spoil tho afternoon’s programme for the children.

Since then tho elements have been very kindly disposed, though early this morning a sharp shower threatened to damp not only the ground but tho proceedings at Tahuna Park Show Ground, where the children’s demonstration was scheduled to bo held. Tb© sun soon appeared, however, and drove the weeping clouds away, so that by tho time tho Prince arrived, at the ground everything was bathed in brightness, though a light southerly breeze sent a chilly breath across tho parade ground. Tho young people, however, cared not for this. Their blood coursed freely through their veins, their hearts were warm with regard for the visitor about to come to them, and their minds were engrossed in the business of giving him a welcome befitting tho occasion, and they did this in a manner so spontaneously hearty that his Royal Highness could not have any doubt as to the loyalty and goodwill of those who in fullness of time will bo his subjects and take their part in carrying on the affairs of the country and Empire- The wholo display of marching, saluting, singing, flag waving (always a pretty sight in mass) could not fail to stir the hearts of every beholder. Seven thousand hoys and girls of the primary and secondary schools of the city and suburbs were marshalled on the parade ground and an enormtfas crowd of spectators filled the stands and lined all sides of tho ground. The girls were drawn up in long linos, each school wearing distinctive colours, which caught the sun’s rays and added to tho charm of the picture. When his Royal Highness arrived his appearance was heralded by a fanfare of trumpets, after which the band played the National Anthem. Sixteon girls, clad in white, then advanced to the Royal stand. They made a deep curtsey and two of them, one represc tiling the High Schools and the other the Primary Schools, mounted the stops, curtseyed, and presented his Highness with a beautifully made inkstand of New Zealand woods, greenstone and silver, also an album of views of tho city. Each spoke a few words expressive of the children’s loyalty to the Throne, and love for tho Prince. They then curtseyed and withdrew. Their bearing was so charmingly graceful that it evoked warm applause from the watchiug thousands. The Prince then inspected the lines of children, who afterwards marched in two columus up to tho Royal stand, and deployed to right and left, and proceeded back to their original positions, the wholo movement being carried out with wondrous precision which won hearty appreciation on all hands. The whole parade then advanced en masse to a position opposite the stand, where they sang the National and New Zealand National Anthems. Cheers for the King and the Princo followed, accompanied by the waving of flags, whicn were produced suddenly (all the previous movements had been done without the use of flags), and gave a most effective final touch to the scene. Quite 25,000 people witnessed the display, which was one of tho most effective of the tour

An incident;, characteristic of Prince Edward was _ witnessed just before the close of his inspection of the children. He had passed along the lines of little tines and looking back his quick eye caught sight of a uniformed figure standing quietly to attention among his youthful charges in tho rear. His Royal Highness at once made his way through the clustering, delighted youngsters to the spot where the soldier teacher (an officer who won the Military Cross) stood, and asked, “ Didn’t I see you, somewhere in Franco?” Tho Prince’s memory for faces was once more proved to bo good. Ho had seen the officer in France, and they spent a few moments in reminiscent conversation, whilo tho crowd, quickly grasping thb significance of the little episode playing itself out before their eyes, cheered and cheered again An army chaplain was similarly recognised a_few moments later.

MILITARY REVIEW. The afternoon was mainly spent at a review of troops, Cadets, returned soldiers and nurses and veterans of older wars. This took place in bright, sunny weather on the Forbury Park trotting course, and was witnessed by a crowd that filled the stands and spread over the adjacent paddock and a considerable portion of tho course. The Prince pinnod soveral decorations on the breasts of gallant men. The proceedings, generally, were the same ns in other places. Many of the crowd whose position did not enable them to see the star attraction, turned their attention to “barracking ’’ anyone whom they considered an impediment to their vision. They got a good deal of enjoyment out of these littlo attentions, but it was noticeable that the objects of the more or less witty sallies found an early opportunity to retreat to less conspicuous positions. The most amusing diversion was caused by a .bare that got among the troops on parade. The ranks generally stood steady, but the sporting instinct was too strong for some of tho supernumeraries, who made several ineffectual efforts to secure a kill or, at least, a catch- The haro won every time though, and the crowd laughed heartily at the would-be coursers’ discomfiture AT A FOOTBALL MATCH. The review over the Prince went to Oarisbrook Park for some minutes to watch tho play in a Rugby football match, Otago versus Returned Soldiers. The latter team won easily. One man, Valintine, playing wing three-quarter, scored no fewer than five tries. The soldiers’ win was popular, ■ and the Prince, by virtue of his status as a “ Digger,” was warmly cheered by the players and the crowd. IN THE EVENING. Tho Dunedin programme was topped off by a ball given by the Overseas Club and other local institutions.. The Art Gallery again presented a brilliant spectacle. The Prince attended for some time, his appearance being hailed with wild, enthusiasm. To-morrow, at ton o’clock, tho Royal train will leave for Invercargill. dominion NEWSPAPERS. PR INCE’ S ACK N 0 WLEDGMENT. rPKU Press Association.) 1 ■ DUNEDIN, May 19. Sir George Fenwick, chairman of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union, has received tho following letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Gngg, secretary to M.R.H. the Prince ot ‘ l l am directed by tlio Prince ol Wales to convoy to you bis sincere

thanks for the loyal address presented to him on behalf of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union. No one realises more fully than his Royal Highness the great importance of the work of • tho Press in maintaining the best understanding between all parts ol the Empire, and ho wishes the union all possible prosperity and success. He is grateful for your good wishes and will be happy to convoy your assurances of devotion to his Majesty the King. . “ His Royal Highness also wishes me to convey through vou, as chairman of the New'Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union, his sincere appreciation of the manner in which the Press of New Zealand has shared in the wonderful welcome extended to him throughout the Dominion. Ho knows that ins rapid movements through the country have entailed much extra care and labour to all those who aro concerned in the writing and production of the daily newspapers, and ho would liko to than., the editors and all their staffs for the trouble which they have taken to assist in making his movements known, tnus helping him to meet the largest possible numbers of his New Zealand k’itl and km. Ho has been very pleased to recognise in tho Press of New Zealand a close counterpart to the Press of the Old Country, and he washes it in tht future sound influence and well-desery-ed prosperity.” LYTTELTON RECEPTION. • The Mayor of Lyttelton has received tho following reply to a telegram sent to Sir William Fraser in connection with the reception to the Prince of Wales on his arrival at Lyttelton on Friday evening:— “ Regarding civic reception to his Royal Highness on arrival git Lyttelton on Friday, I have now to advise that hie Royal Highness has been pleased to accede to your request. The Prince will arrivo by train at Lyttelton railway station at 6.5 p.m., and the re--coption should be held in the British and Foreign Sailors’ Society’s buildings. Will you kindly make arrangements wdth the society for_ the use of their buildings, where it is desired vou should receive him. After you have been presented to his Royal Highness you will present your councillors to him. Please note that no speech can be delivered. The reception must not exceed more than five minutes and should conclude with the National Anthem.-—W. Fraser.”

THE AUSTRALIAN VISIT. By Telegraph—Frets Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cab lb Atsociktion. SYDNEY, May 19. The City Council is protesting against the’ action of the committee controlling the welcome to the Prince of Wale 9in ignoring councillors by eliminating them from their proper place in the Royal procession. OIL FOR THE RENOWN. The British Light brought a cargo of oil worth £IOO,OOO for the Renown. The minesweeper Geranium, which left wdth the fleet to meet H.M.S. Renown and receive the Prince, i(eturned to port with one case and three suspecjtod cases of influenzal aboard. She h<is been quarantined.