PRINCE OF WALES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17460, 3 May 1920, Page 4

PRINCE OF WALES.

TOUR RESUMED.

DEPARTURE OF TRAIN. ENTHUSIASTIC FAREWELL. COUNTRY DEMONSTRATIONS. The Prince of Wales left Auckland by the Royal train yesterday afternoon, and was given an enthusiastic send-off by a considerable number of people who assembled at the railway station. Failing the settlement of the railway strike it had been intended that the Prince should leave for Wellington''in the Renown yesterday morning, but the ending of the dispute made it possible for the tour to be continued by rail in accordance with the original programme, there being no important variations except the necessary alterations in the dates of the various fixtures. The Royal train was timed to leave at 3.45 p.m., and a few minutes before that hour the Prince, clad in mufti, and accompanied by Admiral Halsey and mem- ( bers of his staff, landed from the Renown and walked to the railway station. The street was thronged with peoplo and the walk to the station was in the nature of a triumphal procession. The Prince was greeted with rousing cheers every few yards, and as he entered the station there was a rush of people to tho platform, eager to see the last of the Royal visitor. The train was drawn up at the arrival platform and the passage to the waiting carriages was kept clear by the police. Halfway across the platform the Prince paused to chat to a soldier in uniform and at the same moment the crowd surged through the entrance to the platform. The Prince was in danger of being swept off his feet and the police were kept busy stemming the rush and marshalling the crowd along the platform. A burly constable broke into the crowd at the point where the Prince was standing and not recognising tho latter hustled him with the rest of those in the neighbourhood. A roar of laughter from those who witnessed tho incident apprised the constable of his mistake, and as the Prince looked round and smiled, the officer, very red in the face, saluted and smiled in return.

The Prince and his party entered the train and stood on the back platform <f the rear carriage, the final manifestation of enthusiasm from the assemblage beinj hearty rounds of cheers for tho Prince, tho King and the Queen. The train drew out punctually, a last demonstration of hearty goodwill being given by a large crowd assembled at Breakwater Road, at the eastern end of the station.

Among those who travelled by the Royal train were Sir William Fraser, Minister in charge of the Royal tour arrangements Mr. R. W. McVilly, General Manager of Railways, and Mr. J. Hislop, UnderSecretary for Internal Affairs. The passage of the train through Newmarket, Rermtera, Ellerslie, and other suburban wayside railway stations was witnessed by small gatherings of people, who cheered the Prince, many carrying smail flags for tho purpose of emphasising the heartiness of their parting expressions of goodwijl toward Hia Royal Highness. Mercer was reached at five o'clock, and at six o'clock the train steamed into Frankton, where another crowd of people had collected. A short stay was made there. PRINCE ON WARSHIP. OFFICERS "AT HOME.' AN IMPROMPTU DANCE. A most enjoyable and successful "At Home" was given by the officers of H.M.S. Renown to Auckland citizens on Saturday afternoon, over 1000 guests being present. This was tho concluding function in connection with the Princo of Wales' visit to Auckland, and being more or less informal was one of the most pleasant that has been held. The guesU were received by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey on the quarter-deck, and, after passing round to the other side of tho deck, were presented to His Royal Highness by Captain Dudley B. N. North. This was tho only formal feature of the afternoon, tho guests afterward* dispersing to all parts of the ship, some making tours of inspection, others content to pass the afternoon meeting and greeting friends.

The afternoon was a perfect one—the kind Auckland is famous for in late autumn, with warm sunshine and clear skies, and a crisp edge to the atmosphere that is a reminder of winter days ahead. The harbour looked particularly beautiful in the golden afternoon light, with launches flitting busily I past the great ship, and yachts with sails set, drifting slowly by in a sea of tranquil blue. It was a fitting day for the close of a round of ceremonies that will long be remembered in Auckland, and an occasion that will remain one of the most enjoyable memories of a most memorable visit.

The sides of the quarter-deck and boatdeck were enclosed in bunting and decorated with Japanese lanterns; afternoon tea was served on the boat deck, the tables being prettily decorated with gerboras and chrysanthemums. One of the principal, and most delightful, features of the afternoon was an impromptu dance, held on the quarter-deck, in which the Prince himself was the central figure. Although he appeared very tired during the long ordeal of the presentations, and used only his left hand in greeting the guests, he entered into the dancing with enthusiasm, dancing every dance, and selecting a different partner for each. The acute interest in the Prince's every movement, which has been a feature of his every public appearance, was again strongly in evidence, and a crowd of guests assembled ten deep on tho quar-ter-deck and maintained their positions until the dancing was over. The Royal Marine Band, whose playing added greatly to the enjoyment of the afternoon, rondered a fine selection of dance music, and the scone at sunset, when the coloured lanterns were lighted, and the deck illumined with a rose and golden glow that lit up the bright faces and pretty dresses of th c dancers, was one that will long bo remembered. Dancing was continued until six o'clock, when the function was brought to a close.

On Saturday morning the Prince paid another visit to the Maungakiekie CJoif Club's link,? at One Tree Hill, and enjoyed another quiet game A REVISED ITINERARY. DEERSTALKING ABANDONED. A re-arrangement of the Prince's itinerary has been found necessary owing to the delay caused by the railway strike. His Royal Highness is due to reach New Plymouth this morning at 10 a.m. Ho will arrivo at Wanganui this evening", and remain there all night. To-morrow he will proceed to Hawke's Bay, staying in Napier for the night, and going on to Wellington on Wednesday, being due in the southern city at 650 p.m. In accordance with the express wish of His Royal Highness all the centres included in the original itinerary will be called at, with the exception of Otaki. Special arrangements will be made to convey the Otaki schoolchildren to Wellington to take part in the welcome there. As the Prince will arrive in Wellington two days later than originally' l fixed, His Royal Highness, in order that the South Island programme may be carried out as originally planned, has decided to abandon his proposed deerstalking expedition.