RECEPTION BY RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17940, 20 May 1920, Page 5

RECEPTION BY RETURNED SOLDIERS.

AN IMMENSE GATHERING.

UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM.

THE PRINCE'S FAREWELL:

"KIA ORA."

The Kensington; Drill Hall wee again crowded last evening in every part, when ci reception was accorded hia Royal Highness by the Duncdin branch of the Returned Soutfers' Association, The hall was decorated on the some elaborate linee. There was the same brilliant display of lighting and festooning, and tho same enthusiasm prevailed. It is to bo regretted that in their eagerness to get a farewell look at Hie Prince a large number of the publio crowded in right up to tho stage, and rather complicated arrangements. Provision for the noxt-of-kin, who the Prince particularly wished to meet, had been made, but owing to the large crowd tho arrangements could not bo carried out. Mr J, S. Douglas, a member of tho Executive Committee, had to appeal to those who had taken up , the most prominent position in the hall to retire in favour pf nest-of-fein., Mr Douglas said his Royal Highness deeirpd to moot the noxt-of-kin of our fallen scldiers. Aβ an executive thoy had endeavoured to keep the first 50 rows of seats for the next-of-kin, Hβ wanted to appeal to ihoso occupying tho {root seats, oa behalf of the people of Daaetfin. AH

those in the front 50 rcme vrho were not hoxt-oMdn would, please, iise and go to the rear .and allow those who were next-of-kin to oome forward end take their seals. —(Applause.) They knew at a time like that it was hard and awkward for thorn id a few moments to carry out these matters to perfection, and he knew that the citizens

of- Dunedin wore loyal subjecto. and were all loyal to the next-of-kin, and that those who had got into the first 50 tows of seats would rise and go to the rear. It wae only by that means that his Royal Highness could meet the next-of-kin. Might he asrain appeal to those who were not next-of-kin of deceased soldiers to vacate their seats, and allow the others to come up.

A good many ladies responded to this RppeaX, which was very earnestly made, but it is to be regretted that many others roiTKiined where they were notwithstanding the entreaties of Mr Douglas. It should be explained that it was what was officially desoribed as "Returned Soldiers' Night," by which it is understood T.iat the function was organised entirely by the Returned Soldiers' Association, with probably gome outside assistance. The entrance of the Mayor (Mr W. Bcgg) and Dr Harrison was greeted with hearty applause, and on their taking their Boats on tho platform on which were already seated a number of returned soldiers, tho National

Anthem was sung by the immense assembiige with great spirit and heartiness, the ith Regimental Band (conducted by Lieutenant George) leading off. The musical programme was then proceeded with, the Dunedin Orchestral Society, under the baton of Mr James iJoombs, playing "Suite Franoaise" and Uounode "La Reine de Saba" in capital ntylo. The latter was one of the best played selections heard during the Royal visit, and was loudly applauded. Tho Mayor said he was delighted once again to see such a vast representative gathering to weloome their honoured guest. Not only was their guest their Prince and their Heir Apparent, but they had found out something more than that of him—they had found that he was one of themselves.— (Applause.) He had noticed in a press report of a' gathering the Prinoe had attended somewhere in the north that the mayor of that city had made the statement that the Prince, when visiting tbb city, would find himself further away from home than he had ever been before. Now, what they wanted to do in Dunedin was to make the Prinoe feel at home.—(Applause.) It had been hoped, and it wae the Prince's desire, " that he would meet the next-of-kin of deceased soldiers that evening. It had been , arranged, as far as possible, that that was to be the platform, but uniortunately plans had) miscarried. (A Voice: Why?) "For the simple reason," replied the Mayor, "that ■'' there are so many people present here tonight that the returned soldiers' organisation tried to stem the crowd, but were swept by." Mr Begg added that when the matter was put to tho Prince he would endeavour to meet the next-of-kin in some other way. They had a splendid musical programme,to go through, the items being supplied by the Dunedin Orchestral Society, the bands, and the far-famed Peace Ohoir, and last, but not least, the newly-organised Soldiers' Choir. They had got quite sufficient to keep them entertained until the' Prince arrived at 9.30. They would notice that Dγ Harrison was down for an address, but by Royal command addresses had been out out, but he had not the slightest doubt they would be pleased to have a word or two : from Dr Harrison later. The musical programme was continued, the Dunediin Returned Soldiers' Choir giving a very fine rendering of the part song "Comrades in Arms," with which the audience wae so pleased that "The Soldiers' Chorus," from "Faust,! , had to be added; The Peace Choir sang the part song "The Men of Harlech" in' an excellent manner, and the item being encored, "God Defend New Zealand" was given. An admiiablyplayed selection by the St. Kilda Band followed, and met with such appreciation that a supplementary piece had to be provided. The Peace Choir created a most favourable impression in its singing of the "And the Glory." It was certainly a very praiseworthy performance, and showed the capabilities of the choir in a marked degree. Dr Harrison at this stage spoke very briefly. He said that, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association, he wanted to apologise to those ticket-holders for the trouble they had had that evening. The crowd had been great, and all had wanted to got in at once. The returned men they had had as doorkeepers and ushers had not been nearly sufficient for the crowd that sought to get in. Tho association apologised for the trouble that hadi teen caused, but wae very pleased to seo such a large gathering to honour the Prince on "Returned faoldiers Night." An arrangement had been made which they expected would be carried out, and that was to provide his Highness with an opportunity of shaking hands with the next-of-kin. That, unfortunately, was not to be thought of. The association did not exactly look upon it as its fault that such a thing had occurred. He, thanked those in the hall for their presence. On Dr Harrison resuming his seat the Returned Soldiers Choir sang "The Song of the Bow" admirably, and narrowly escaped an encore, and the Dunedin Orchestral Society rendered a pretty little piece ''very nicely. The Peace Choir, which sang under the direction of Mr Paget Gale, rendered "Hail to the Chief" with excellent effect. . His Royal Highness, who arrived about half-past 9 o'clock, was met at the entrance to the hall by the Ofnoial Reception Committee and Dγ Harrison, president of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Association, and escorted to the stage. The cheering was 'deafening as the Prince walked up towards the stage, and the tumult was accompanied by a display of handkerchiefs and hats held aloft, and kept in a state of violent agitation. The expression of feeling was ke.p up during tho whole of the time the Prince was making his way on to the stage, and was continued for some minutes after he had ascended to it. The choir struck up " God Bless the Prinoe of Wales," but the audience did not by any means leave tho singing to the choir alone. A great many joined in singing the music, and the handkerchief and hat waving was renewed with even additional vigour. Indeed, it was a minute or two after the close of the singing before the audience settled down again. The musical programme had become pretty well exhausted; but some of the items were repeated, and were enjoyed s quite as much as before. Mr Jas. Coombs was- presented to tho Prinoe, and the singing 'of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by the Peace Choir followed.

On rising to address the audience the Prince was received with clamorous applause. Speaking in a,clear voice, he made a most felicitous speech. He said:—

Ladies and Gentlemen,—lt has been a

very great pleasure to me to have been able to attend this concert this evening. I thank you for the very kind welcome you have given me. I know that the audience this evening consists chiefly of returned soldiers and their families, and I should like to take this opportunity of congratulating both the men and ■women of this oity and of the province of Otago on the splendid part they played in the great war. And you returned soldiers, I want to thank you, all of you, for giving me the opportunity of seeing so maiiy of you, and may the same success that attended you in the great war attend you all now that you have returned to civil life.—(Applause.) I know that a good may seats in the hall this evening have been retained for the next-of-kin, and to all of them I offer my very deep sympathy in the great loss that they have sustained through the death of those near and dear to them. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last big audience that I shall address in New Zealand, so when I say good-night to you I also say Kia Ora. —(Uproarious applause.)

The musical bodies present, under Bandmaster Smith, then sang "God Save the King," the audience joining in, and throe vooiferous cheers followed, the reception concluding with a lusty rendering of " For He's a Jolly Ctood Fellow." Just a few minutes before the conclusion of the reception heavy rain was heard falling on the roof of the hall. The festivities which have marked the Royal visit had now, however, practically concluded. His Highncse has been favoured with beautiful weather during his brief stay in Dunedin.