PRINCE IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17482, 28 May 1920, Page 5

PRINCE IN AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE'S' GREETING. 1 RETURNED SOLDIERS TO FORE S MESSAGE FROM THE KING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. E (Received 12.30 a.m.) (1 A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE, May 27. Tho Prince of Wales presided at a meet- * ing of tho Privy Council at Government a House today, when the Chief Justice, Mr. l Adrian Knox, was sworn in as a Privy ( Councillor. e The Prince's engagements to-day in- £ eluded a levee and a n investiture at Gov- ' ernment House, tho presentation of addresses by the Federal Parliament, and a -i banquet. I The King, in response to a messago front the Governor-General, has sent a message expressing delight at his son's reception. After the procession yesterday tho Prince of Wales attended the GovernorGeneral's ball at Government House, where a brilliant assemblage gathered. Though the ceremonies at tho landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal c of their brilliance owing to the delayed arrival of the Prince, tho great outburst t of cheering and wild enthusiasm from tho I packed multitude gathered round St. Kilda pier wore probably moro appreciated by the Prince than more elaborate procedure. His Royal Highness showed a lively appreciation of the great spontaneous welcome of the people which greoted him on first setting foot on Australian soil. The route of tho procession was lined with soldiers and sailors, who dur- i ing the long wait found considerable difficulty in keeping impatient crowds in check and clearing tho way for the pro- . cession as it passed. The crush was so great that many women fainted. Arrangements had been made for a civic reception at the Town Hall, where a great gathering assembled, but at the i Prince's. suggestion the Lord Mayor's address and tho Prince's reply were taken as read, the Prince handing his reply to j the Lord Mayor with a few words of thanks for the city's splendid reception. * The Prince said : " You don't mind if I I don't read it, do you; I will see you ' again, won't I, Lord Mayor, during my progress!" ' The returned soldiers made many de- ' mauds on the Prince's attention, which ' were readily accorded. One insisted on ' a handshake, and when the Prince ten- ' dered his left hand, demanded the right, ' which tho Prince laughingly conceded. When Collins Street was reached the measured tread of the procession was abandoned, and the remaindor of the journey wis made at a rapid pace. Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans. For the loss of the spectacular effect of the entrance of the Renown which clear weather would have provided; the people console themselves with the thought that tho Prince landed in Australia in one of Australia's own warships. This consolation made up for a good deal of public disappointment. The Renown missed entering the bay on schedule time by a near margin. She held clear weather till the entrance was approached, arriving in good time. Then the fog swept down for some hours. The destroyer Anzac had considerable difficulty in discovering the Renown, owing to the density of the fog. The Prince was informed that groat crowds were awaiting the procession, and he heartily concurred in the proposal to land in the Anzao, and assisted in accelerating the arrangements to get to St. Kilda in time to save the waiting people being disappointed. The mist considerably cleared in the bay by the time the Anzac started for the city, enabling her to make -\ fast run. The city at night surpassed all previous efforts in the way of illumination. Public and private buildings were brilliantly outlined, and the streets were ablaze with coloured lights and designs. The warships and other vessels in the harbour provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the day made amende for the misty morning, and the night was fine. Dense and admiring crowds paraded the streets till early morning, showing exuberance of spirit which towards the close here and there developed into horseplay and practical jokes. It is officially stated that it is the express desire of the Prince that the Renown should be Tecommissioned for his visit to India. ______■■■■