PRINCE OF WALES AT THE FRONT.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13929, 11 July 1917, Page 6

PRINCE OF WALES AT THE FRONT.

VISIT TO "STAMFORD IIILL" HUT,

A recent isue of "The Red Triangle," the official organ of the Young Men's Christian Association-contains an interesting account of a surprise visit paid by the I'rnce of Wales to the Y.M.C.A, hut, "Somewhere in France," given by the Stamford Hill Congregational Church.

"The Prince," writes 'W.O.S.' "aiicompanicd by Lord Claude Hamilton, came quietly into the lint in the evening, when the'ordinary work of the counter was in full swing. Those of the hut workers who were not already known to liis Royal Higliriess had the privilege of being presented to liim, but it was some time before liis presence behind ; tlie counter was recognised by the men in the hut. Indeed, one big Australian, ■who was helping at the tea-urii, chatted for some time with our visitors, answering questions about Gallipoli and without the slightest notion as to whom he wps talking to. When he did get to know, lie showed unmistakable signs of shock, though, as ■•nn Australian, to whom princes are as other folk, he tried, of course, to conceal it. Presently, however, men. who had seen the Prince elsewhere in France began to whisper to others the.identify our distinguished visitor, and before long we had a counter-attack" by men who evidently thought there might be a .chance, of the Prince of "Wales handing .tliem . a . .dolly. ..cake. That indeed, did not happen, but the Prince did suddenly become enamoured of our bread-cuting machine, and insisted on .trying it for himself with such zest that in a very short time our cutting-table was piled so high as to satisfy the demands for the night. During the half hour or so which he spent in the hut, his Royal Highness showed a genuine interest in our work. He asked many questions abo.ut it, and before leaving had gained a pretty good idea of how things are done in : a Y.M.C.A, hut in Prance! ; He, left with us the impression of a quiet, unassuming young officer, very keen about .his work, and honestlyinterested in all that concerns the welfare of the men, There arc many briglit memories remaining to any man who'has served the Y.M.C.A in Prance. One or two of us reckon amongst the. brightest the remembrance of having met the Prince of Wales behind the counter of our hut."