THE PRINCE'S TOUR.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14041, 26 April 1920, Page 2

THE PRINCE'S TOUR.

VOYAGE FROM FIJI TO AUCKLAND. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 24. The Renown steamed out of Suva tni Thursday morning with an obligation to reach Auckland (1150 miles away)' in fifty-three hours. Instructions were posted to make all snug, as the ship would be steaming at high 6peed into heavy seas, and so it proved. Com-r mander Campbell called upon the en-gine-room for 204 revolutions per minute, producing a speed of 23£. knots. The Renown rushed forward to meet the high sea and strong south-east trade wind. Her course.was nearly due south,. so that she met the heavy weatlwrcoti her port bow. This was thenrst time since leaving England that' an "opportunity had occurred for seeing_ the Renown driven at high speed ill heavy weather. _ '.,-■. ■>*■-;. A magnificent spectacle, was -predwrted to tie watcher on the flag deck, looking forward, as the engines, developing 120,000-h.p., drove theoattle-cruiser into head seas. The immense lengtlfc-y, 780 feet—enabled the ship to ride half.a: dozen waves simultaneously. ' 'nevertheless, with her low free-board, she thrust her nose regularly into the overcoming seas, causing them to burst over the port bow, sending huge cataracts of white water high in the air, to fall, with the sound of thunder, on the steel forecastle deck, and passing off to starboard. The pumps were kept going constantly to clear the chain lockers from the "inpouring wafer. The battle-cruiser, under these conditions, conveyed a staggering impression" of sheer power. The muzzles of the big loin guns, protected by brass caps, were constantly drenched in the torrents. The little three-pounders on the flying deck were completely enveloped in waterproof coverings. The batteries of four-inchers, three on each side of *he flying deck, wore water-, proof coverings, like running' drawers, giving a singular elfect of athletes ready for a contest. It was- a fascinating spectacle to watch a.ship of 32,000 tons displacement springing forward against a high wind and heavy seas, at a speed or nearly 2S land miles per hour, hurluig immense masses of foaming water as high as the navigator's bridge, to sweep harmlesslv over the starboard side of the forecastle deck. Yet abaft the foremast nothing was visible to indicate the heavv weather. The decks wore so steady that the Prince continued his favorite exercise of squash racquets during the afternoon. Commander Cnmpbell, navigating officer, in his enclosed evne. halfway, up the foremast, pursued his calculations with rules, pencil and charts, with entire disregard of the falling torrents on the deck, remarking that most ships steaming at that speed ni the teeth of such heavy weather would be swept, bv seas from end to end. and he considered the Renown, by reason of her great length, an exceptionally dry ship. The commander mentioned that his calculations were already completed sufficiently far ahead to enable him to state the exact times at which the Renown would enter different New Zealand and Australian ports on the dates already fixed. For instance, she is timed to "enter Wellington at 10.30 in the morning.' The last stage of this wonderful voyage provides a fine test of the efficiency of t£e Renown's engines and personnel. The whole voyage from Portsmouth to Auckland, on the course travelled, is 14,056 miles, of which the last HSO were done at-231 knots. During the voyage it has been necessary, to constantly replace the dani-. aged Tire bricks in the furnaces with new bricks. This operation is difficult when the high speed is maintained continuously. At present 39 furnaces out of 42 are in use, and further repairs must wait until Auckland is reached. On the Prince's recent visit to the engine-room, he- centered a furnace, which had been allowed to cool for the purpose of repairing the nrebrieks. and he watched the men who were doing the work, in order to understand all the duties of the engine-room ratings. The supply of firebricks is almost as necessary as oil for oil-driven cruisers, and the Renown brought 12.000 spare bricks from England, of which 1000 have been already used.

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, April 24. "Veiii. vidi, viei," the words which summarised one of Caesar's expeditions abroad from Imperial Rome nearly 1900 years ago, might aptly be used to describe the present progress of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales through the Dominions of the British Empire, with the important difference that he needs no armed cohorts to conouer the peoples among whom he goes. It is by his winning personality and quiet businesslike manner that the hearts of Britons everywhere are captured, and Auckland to-day had an opportunity of experiencing that captivating influence, to which it responded in a manner that must have given the Royal visitor the keenest sense of pleasure as he drove through the thousands of acclaiming citizens along the beflagged and garlanded streets of the northern -capital of th'elDominion. The day was typical of autumn, a soft haze in the morning hanging abo\-e the mirror-like surface of the harbor, upon which a faint westerly breeze raised no ripple. The people early moved towards the waterfront and to vantage points on every elevated part of the city and suburbs to view the panorama- of the harbor as the Renown steamed in, others again to watch the procession as it wound its way'.from the wharf to the Town Hall. It was indeed a wonderful picture that- unfolded itself to the observer who made an ascent to any point overlooking the waters of Waitemata.

A great fleet of yachts and motor craft, like a flock of giant sea birds, floated on the harbor's bosom, and slowly made their way down to the North Head, jvhere they formed into two lines, making a lane through which the warship came slowly in to make the berth prepared for her at Queen's Wharf. It was barely 10 o'clock (sooner than many people deemed it possible) when the Renown came into view down the harbor, and as she rounded the North Head the guns at the forts boomed out their noisy welcoriie. Big ships, be their purpose war or peace, are no novelty to Aucklanders, but the picture made bv the long grey hull of the Renown, with her towering superstructure and stern-looking long guns peering out from her turrets, was one that will not easily fade from the memory of the beholders. As she came slowly in nearer and nearer to the city, and the waiting multitude's loud hurrahs of welcome rose spontaneously, the people found themselves realising afresh, in a new light, as it were, what the possession of great ships like the Renown means to Britain's world-wide Empire. The ship before their eyes typified the' power that maintains the command of the Seven Seas, and protects the ideals of freedom and justice, for- which the flag under which they, sail stands. More than this to-day, however, was in the minds of the vast multitudes which watched the irreat ship slowly warped into her berth. Not only was she one of our ships, but she carried a precious freight, in the person of the young Prince destiued one day to rule over the world-circling Empire that included these islands, so aptly called the Britain of the South. In the farthest corner of that Empire it was this thought above all others that must have pulsed through their midst, smiling and saluting in acknowledgment of the acclamations of the multitudes.

At last -the ship was manoeuvred alongside and tnade. fast without incident, the harbor officials having everything in complete readiness. They weyj not hampered by crowds, as the" wharf was kept clear of all hut those who had official business there. The Gover-nor-Genera] then arrived and proceeded aboard, being received by Admiral Sir Lionel Halse.v on the. quarter-deck, where the ship's guard of honor was stationed. His "Excellency was" escorted to the Prince and formally duced. Then the Prime Minister and the Hons. Sir William Herries, Sir William Fraser, J. G. Coates, and C. J. Parr were presented. After the Cabinet Ministers came Maior-General Sir Edward r Ghaytor, Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, Colonel J. L. Sleeman, and Colonel H. R. Potter. These formalities over, Hi 6 Royal Highness came ashore, to proceed to Government House, whither the Governor-General. Lad already gone. As the~Prince step-f rted ashore guns fired the Royal salute:'; His Royal Highness inspected the, guard

Then he was introduced to the Chairman of the Harbor Board (Mr H, J>. Heather). Preceding afoot to the gates marking the boundary between the Harbor Board arid the City Corporation territories, the-party came for the first time near'euough to permit the people to get a clear view of the face that every one desired to 6ee, and as the Mayor, in official robes, was introduced, the enthusiasm of, the-crowds was let fully loose. Cheer followed cheer, and like circling waves from a'disturbance on the still water surface, Ithe sound of cheering undulated joyously along the radiating streets, as the people picked up the sound that indicated something was in progress and passed it on. It mattered not for the moment that they could not see what caused the outburst Thev were out to cheer and give glad ; welcome: to their, future King, and they meant to do it. ■-., - 'THE OFFICIAL WELCOME. - Haying now been form aly admitted to the city's.territory, -His Royal Highness followed, in his father's footsteps to Government House. He was motored there to receive the official welcome •from-the Government on behalf ot_tne Parliament and, people of New Zealand'. This was a strictly formal function, onlv the Ministers, with Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. W. p. b. Mac Donald (Leader, of the; Opposition) being present. Mr Massey read the address, as "follows:- "•■'"' "His Majesty's Ministers,, on behalf of the Parliament and people of New-. Zealand, desire to offer- your Royal Highness a sincere and cordial welcome. We assure your-Royal Highness that air of us recognise that the visit of the heir to the Throne of the great Empire of which we arc part, is an .event of real public importance, and a testimony of the interest with which His Majesty regards his most distant possessions. Within d tew miles of the building, where this address .is presented, the first emigrants 'from the Mother Country, under an ordered system of irovernment and control, landed only eighty years ago. Throughout the years since that foundation, the people of New Zealand have continued loyal subjects of theiCrown, but never in our brief history has personal regard for the Socereign and the Royal Family been greater amongst-us than to-day ~ Never has there, been a stronger sense of the value of the' King. to his Empire. You, yourself, Sir, have borne your full share of the dangers and sorrows of the recent years, and our soldiers who know of your service have claimed everywhere to be among the first to welcome you. We are confident that your visit will be of advantage to this Dominion, and we hope •that in the years to come your Royal Highness will have none but pleasant memories of your stay and travel amongst its people. } "Signed, on behalf of His Majesty''; Ministers for the Dominion of New Zealand, this 24th day of April, 1920, " W. F. MASSEY, "Prime Minister. ' .

The address was contained in a very beautiful casket of New Zealand woods, with a valuable historical greenstone tiki suspended inside the cover. The Prince replied:—"Erime Minister and Gentlemen, —This is a very great occasion for me. when you, as representing the Parliament of the people of New Zealand, bid me welcome to your splendid Dominion—the Britain of the Southern Seas. I have looked forward to this -visit for a long time past, and I shall never forget the day of which I first set foot upon New Zealand soil. It was a great disappointment to me that the unfortunate epidemic in the splendid ship which brought me out — H.M.S. Renown — '■■: delayed my start from England by a,week, and T hope that you were not put to great inconvenience in readjusting:','your arrangements for my visit, to which I know you have given much thought and care. Now that. I am here at last, I feel myself no stranger in a strange land, but one of yourselves, amongst my own kith and kin. How could I feel anything but at home.. I .have .served with my New Zealand.-brother officers and men in the great war, which made all nations of the .British Empire doubly and trebly kin. I have seen the Ministers of New Zealand taking their .place as representatives of a nation in the framing and signing of peace. I have shared to the full your pride in that achievement, the sign that this young nation has nobly won its spurs, and I have felt as deeply as you for those brave men and women who .sacrificed their life, their health or their happiness for the victory of our cause. You will understand, therefore, gentlemen, that my thanks for your most cordial welcome are no mere form. I am deeply touched by your expression of devotion to my father, the King, and by your reference to the place which His Majesty fills in the life of the Empire to-day. lam also more than grateful for the much too generous things which you have said about myself. I know that my time amongst you will be, not only a keen pleasure, but a great experience. I am looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones throughout the Do-, minion, and though I cannot go everywhere in a month, I hope I shall see something of all parts of the country and of all sections of its people before I leave. There will be much to tell you of my experiences later in my tour. In the meantime, Mr Massey, I beg you to thank all New Zealand, on my behalf, for the.warm and generous welcome which every part of the country has prepared." THE PRINCE AND THE PEOPLE. From Government House the Prince, returned to the wharf, where, upon a raised dais, a little way inside the gates, his Royal Highness was received by the Chairman and members of the' Harbor Board, and presented with an address, to which he replied as follows: "I am very grateful for your cordial welcome and loyal address. I shall not forget the day on which I first entered this magnificent harbor of Auckland,,which owes so much to your. care. You have spoken much too generously of myself, but- I appreciate your goodwishes very much. May I wish you, in return, increasing prosperity and success in your most important work."

Tne guard of honor at the gates was then inspected, after which the Roval progress to the Town Hall began. This, of course, was the citizens' first real opportunity of getting a good view of tVe slim, boyish figure that occupied so high a place in all British hearts, and as the procession moved up Queen street at a rather rapid pace, for the programme had fallen a little in arrear, the scene was one of the-wildest and most joyous enthusiasm. The affluent thoroughfares were all densely packed. Every coign of vantage on buildings and rising bits of ground held its full quota of people (in sonie cases very venturesome), bent on getting a good view as the Royal visitor passed. Arriving at the Town Hall, the visitors were escorted through a packed auditorium to the stage, the huge audience rising as the strains of the National Anthem pealed forth from the organ, and the people joined in singing the verse. On the stage were also the naval and military guests, the Prime Minister and other Ministers of the Crown. Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. W. D. S. Macdonald, and representatives of the churches, legal, and other civil authorities.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr Gunson). read the address according welcome to the Royal guest and expressing loyalty to the Crown.

The Prince, who was still dressed in the uniform of-a naval captain, as when •he landed, then rose to reply, but had to wait some moments for the great burst of applause to subside. Speaking clearly and distinctly, -his Royal Highness made his reply in the following words: "I am very grateful to you, as representing the city and metropolitan area of Auckland, for your kind and loyal address. Auckland is the first city in this great Dominion in which" I have had the honor of setting foot. It has. long been known to me as the first capital of New Zealand, arid closely bound up with the earliest history of British government in these islands; also as one of the finest harbors in the Southern Seas. . . H; anything could enhance' iny pleasure in being, here jfchis morning it is- the'waroi arid . friendly welcome which the; people of Auckland have given me. I snail always look back upon this as one of the red-letter days of my life, for, gentlemen-/ r -tKs\.is" sight, not only of Auckland, but;of New' Zealand, the gallant Dominion: which: won its place amorigsttfie nations as "one., fought for, v peace of i ;hpnb?.;.td:Jia^*l)e^

and Phope to see many of them again on parade to-day. . Auckland, I know, contributed most worthily to the fighting strength of the New Zealand Divi- i sioiij and many, also, of her sons served on H.M.S. New Zealand and other ships of the Royal Navy, which once again has asserted and held for the Empire, jn conjunction with our gallant Allies,. the. command of.all the seas. Your losses, I fear, wore heavy, and I offer my deepest sympathy to all who have been visited with suffering or loss. I shall be proud to convey your assurances of loyalty to my father, the King, who keeps the happiest memories of his visit to New Zealand 19 years ago May I ask you, gentlemen.' to convey, to all the citizens of Auckland my most genuine gratitude for their welcome, and my lieartiest wishes for their welfare and happiness." A photograph of the scene was taken, and the Prince then stood on the lower step while the vast audience filed past on the way to the exits. . THE PEOPLE'S OVATION.

The Royal party returned from the Town Hall to Government House, where the Prince had luncheon. The route lay along Upper Queen street, Karangahape Road and Symouds street, and the Royal progress was cheered _by thoiisimds of unable to pate jin.'the earlier welcome. After lunch' the; Prince received the addresses of Welcome and jpyalty from the veterans" and 'country local bodies of the: province. ■ I After this he attended a military-parade in the Domain, when -5700" returned soldiers, Territorials, and Cadets were reviewed. The returned men and nurses totalled 569 of all ranks; His Royal Highness made a close inspection of the returned men, stopping occasionally to speak to individuals whose faces caught his eye. Members of the nursing section and the disabled men near saluting bases were also objects of special attention. The terraces surrounding the parade ground were packed with a hug* crowd, who frequently broke out into enthusiastic . applause and cheers as the Prince was observed to stop for his little pergonal tali 6, especially to disabled men and 1 nurses. At the conclusion he presented decorations tea number of men, and tien returned to Government House. The -route, both coming and going,' was lined with enormous crowds of acclaiming spectators. During the evening the Prince was •the guest of the Governor-General at dinner at the Grand Hotel, and later attended a private dance arranged at Government House for the entertainment of the officers of tha Renown.

A PEACEFUL SUNDAY. AUCKLAND. April 25. Sunday's programme included attendance at diyince service in SJ:. Mary's Cathedral in the- morning and the Anzac memorial service in the Town Hall in the afternoon.- After'■the latter the Prince visited patients in the soldiers' hospital at Narrow Neck. Thousands of people again thronged the streets to see the Royal visitor on his several passages to these engagements. When the Prince was receiving'local bodies' addresses he expressed regret to the Mayor of Gisborne' that circumstances prevented him from going-to that historic spot. The Mayor then made the suggestion that the Renown might be allowed to> call-thereon the way to Wellington, and on this being referred to Admiral Halsey, he agreed that it might be possible to agree to that course being followed, so that the people at any rate might see something of the ship. ,