PRINCE IN ARGENTINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20842, 8 April 1931, Page 9

PRINCE IN ARGENTINA.

IMPORTANCE OF VISIT. BRITISH EMPIRE EXHIBITION. ORATION IN PERFECT SPANISH. [from our own correspondent.] BUENOS AIRES. March 14. After an absence of five years, the Prince of Wales has returned to Argentina, to capture the hearts of the people as ho could not possibly have done on his former visit. On that occasion Britain and Argentina were both prospering, not only in their mutual exchange of commodities and manufactures, but the sea-borno trade of each was pleasantly hovering near the zenith of profit. Then

the Princo was a social ambassador, an influence of goodwill; now both countries are near the low-level of depression. The Prince means business this time. He realises that ho has to live up to the reputation ho has acquired from his world tours, of Britain's leading commercial traveller. He is out to get orders for British manufacturers; of that aspect of his tour he has left no doubt since he touched South American soil. Before the exhibition opened to-day the first result of the Prince's tour was apparent in causing the temporary lifting of the depression, as far as this city is concerned. Thousands who were living on State and municipal charitable benefactions have got work in the erection of the pavilions at' the exhibition and in a score of other ways associated with it. Quite apart from the value of the buildings erected, exhibits valued at £4,000,000 had to bo landed, transported and set in place. There are now practically no unemployed, and, during the currency of the exhibition, work will continue to be found for hundreds of men. Lifting of the Depression. Tho hotels, restaurants and theatres aro booming for tho first time in years. Tho British delegation numbers 5000; there are 200 in tho mission sent from Canada, headed by Sir George Perley. At a reasonable estimate, they are spending £15,000 a day, which circulates into many avenues to provide work for workless. It is this feature of the Prince's visit that will perhaps bo remembered by tho simple working folk more than its value in cementing world goodwill. He cured the depression for them as no other influenco could possibly have done.

Lord D'Abernon's trade mission to Argentina three years ago paved the way for the Prince's, which is the biggest drive Britain has made to restore her pre-war supremacy. In the present display nothing has been left to chance. Britain's supremacy in speed in the air and on land is illustrated by the presence of Sir Malcolm Campbell's automobile, the seaplane in which Orlebar won the Schneider Cup, and the motorboat in which Sir Henry Segrave gave his life to set a new world record. A pronounced Argentine accent in better Spanish than that of most of those who have resided here fgir twenty years marked the Prince's oration in opening tho exhibition before a representative gathering of citizens. The delight of the people at hearing the heir to the British Throne express their native tongue in such faultless. style broke all bounds. His fluency and correct pronunciation astounded them. It was to them, as well as to millions elsewhere, an example of what could be done in short, intensive study, even if the student were one of the world's busiest men. Ceremonial Sidelights. There were some interesting sidelights in the opening ceremonies. The band of the Camerons, sent from England for the occasion, played popular Argentine airs. Children, patiently coached in the pronunciation of English, sang " God Save The King." When the Prince entered, hundreds of pigeons, their plumage dyed in British and Argentine colours, were released. The exhibition covers 25 acres, and embraces practically every important British industry, with special attention to engineering and transportation industries. Tho automobile show includes every type of car, from tiny runabouts, not much larger than a baby carriage, to huge, six-wheeled lorries run by steam. Many landmarks of London were reproduced —tho Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, streets, alleys and buildings; low, rambling Tudor architecture; sections of English villages; touches of British lands over the seas.