THE PRINCE OF WALES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17935, 14 May 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES

WEST COAST TOUR ENDED.

OVERLAND JOURNEY TO CHRISTCHUFU3JI.

SCENERY GREATLY ADMIRED.

(Pkb United Pbkss Association.) HOKITJKA, May 13. The I'oyal visit concluded at liokitika tin's morning, when the l'rinco inspected choering crowds of children and adults. His Koyul Highncss's reception was ino&t hearty throughout, tlio assemblage coming from all parts of tho district. Perfect weather prevailed, and tho whole function lias been most (successful. A miiguiiiccnt ovation was accorded the PrincS at the railway station as tho Royal drain steamed away. GRKYMOUTH, May 13.

The weather is gloriously lino ior tho visit of tho Prince. Tho town is thronged with visitors. Tho route to , Victoria Park was tastefully decorated with splendid arches, erected by local bodies. An avenue of ferns and palms was erected near the park. Over 30K) school children wcro present. Thoro was a bifj muster of returned soldiers and war veterans. Tho Prince presented medals to the soldiers -juid planted a memorial oak. Tho proceedings were markedr.with great enthusiasm. ,i Tho Prince afterwards left *for Christchurch.

OHRISTCHURCH, May 13. Tho Royal party's journey across tho Alps, by way of Arthur's Pass, from Westlaud to Canterbury was mado in ideal weather, though a brisk easterly breeze and snow on tho topmost heights made the air keen and bracing' At various small settlements tho people, though few in numbers, wcro very enthusiastic, and at Otira and Arthur's Pass ihc two railheads betwecu which the ooaehes carried tho visitors over tho top of the pass—tho school children made quite brave little shows. Tho Prince was driven over by a'-veteran—Mr A. Hall, proprietor of tho coach line,—who in 1869 drove tho I>uko of Edinburgh from MelDounio to Bondigo, and to-day he used the whip given to .him by tho Duke on that occasion. Everyonfe walked three miles of tho steepest part of tho range. The rugged mountain scenery, with its ever-recurring bluffs, (jullics, and cascades falling over tho steep cliffs and little mountain tarns coming occasionally into view' was greatly admired.

At Arthur's Pass the Royal train was waiting, and, after the Prince had walked to tho end of the tunnel which he entered and had inspected the workshops, a start was made on tho run down to Christchurch, which was reached a little after 7 o'clock.