THE PRINCE OF WALES

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11989, 28 January 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES

a NOTABLE FUNCTION.

United Press Association--By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, Jan 26.

The chief features of Australia T)av celebrations in, London centred round the Prince of Wales 1 attendance at luncheon at the Connaught Rooms. Five hundred were present. The Prince of Wales received, before the luncheon, the leading members of the Anglo-Australian community. It is noteworthy that the Prince has not recovered the use of Ins right hand since the Canadian tour. He shook hands with the guests with his left hand. The tables were decorated with wattle blooms. The Prince received a great ovation, He charmed the gathering by his frank manner. He elicited cheers by his reference to his comrades in arms, ‘ ‘The Diggers. 11 • , Mr Fisher, in a singularly happy speech, in proposing the Prince’s health, said; “We recognise the high compliment the King pajs| to the Dominions in sending the Prince to Australia and New Zealand. The visit will have a far-reaching effect upon the Empire. There was one thing ho would like the Prince do; namely, see as much of -the children of the country as he could. They, as his future subjects, would remember bis visit and treasure it. Much of the future belonged to the children, not to ns. Sir Thomas Mackenzie assured ms Highness that New Zealand, in common with Australia, would welcome the Prince with a welcome not inferior to Canada’s. Distance did not diminish New Zealand’s loyalty. The Prince wonld realise on his visit the potentialities of the Dominions. The Prince this evening received Viscount Grey. The Prince has instructed Admiral Halsey to hoist his flag on the Renown on February Ist as chief of staff for the tour. FURTHER IMPORTANT (SPEECHES. London, Jan 26, At the luncheon to the Prince of Wales at Australia Club, Mr Fisher added: The visit would have greater effect on the more distant parts of the British Empire than anything the Prince had yet done. It would be an emblem that the Empire was impregnable and its strength would be used in the ways of justice.

Sir Thomas Mackenzie after- assuring the Priuco of the warmth of New Zealand's welcome, suggested that the time had come to initiate some great movement to link up the various associations to provide for a meeting place for overseas representatives in Loudon.

The Prince, in responding, said that he was looking forward with interest to the voyage and the wonderful things ho was going to see in Australia and New Zealand. Apart from those things, he wanted to see the xieople of these two Dominions. He referred to his associations with the “Aussie” and New Zealand soldiers in wartime. He particularly looked forward to seeing as many returned soldiers as possible. He could never forgot that they always described him as one of themselves, ‘‘A Digger,” a compliment very much appreciated. He felt very proud that he knew their soldiers, and through them he felt he knew Australians and New Zealanders. He cordially supported Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s suggestion for a club in London for Dominions’ representatives. Ho concluded byalluding to the inference of Mr Fisher and Sir Thomas Mackenzie that his visit would do good, adding : I can assure you you are going to do mean enormous amount of good.

Major Amery, addressing the Prince, said :I believe you will come away from the great Dominions as von did from Canada, infected with the same national enthusiasm which they feel towards you. You came from Canada a Canadian, and I believe yon will come back an Australian and New Zealander as well.

The company included Sir Alex under Godlev ami John Sir Pender.