THE ROYAL TOUR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12063, 27 May 1920, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

United Press Association— By Eleo trie Telegraph —Copyright. MELBOURNE, Last Night. The fog, the densest for years, which descended on the city bay , during the night, and * the whole landscape, seriously intei " fered with the arrangements for the Prince’s arrival. The Renown a- , rived on time, to find the heads , smothered in mist .which delated . her entrance. ’ Anticipatoiy repo j which were circulated in the city to the effect that she had entered on schedule time, proved to be premature. Instead of entering, she stood off awaiting the clearing of the fog before negotiating the narrow channel. Meantime, destroyers had proceeded down the bay to escort the warship, and aeroplanes were aloft, but failed to locate her through the dense mist. As this showed little signs of clearing, and there were prospects of a lengthy delay before the Renown would be able to come through, the naval authorities arranged to transfer the Prince to a destroyer. . ~ , As the day wore on the fog in tin. city grew thinner. There was a long, tiresome wait for the expectant ( crowds, which, despite the damp, de- i pressing atmosphere, steadily in- j creased to huge dimensions. They received a promise of reward at the j sound of guns booming the Royal j salute, as the Anzac passed and I anchored, the warships announcing - j the coming of the Prince. The de- j stroyer reached Port Melbourne pier i shortly after 3 o’clock and the Prince immediately boarded the steamer , Hygeia, and proceeded to the landing- j place at St. Kilda, which was reached shortly before 4 o’clock, 90 minutes behind schedule time. Owing to the lateness of the hour, and to enable the procession through the streets to be carried out, most of the ceremonial arrangements for the official landing were cut out. The procession commenced without delay. The authorities and public generally were greatly disappointed at the scurvy trick the fog had played on them. It had spoilt not only the anticipated progress of the Royal ship up the harbour, but had robbed .the whole preparation of much of their official setting and sparkle. In spite of their disappointment and the uncomfortable conditions, the people accepted the position philosophically and with good humour. By the time the procession had started, the sun had gained the ascendency over the mist, and the people made light of the long, weary vigil. In the excitement of trying to catch a glimpse of the Prince, many had been waiting patiently from early morning, since when a continuous procession of trains and every available class of vehicle had been pouring in a human stream. The route throughout was lined by a surging mass of humanity, and windows, balconies, housetops and every available point of vantage were occupied. It is roughly estimated that a million people viewed the procession. The streets were festooned with greenery, and the buildings lavishly decorated with bunting and emblematic designs and loyal greetings. The result was most effective. Prom start to finish the procession was marked by intense enthusiasm and exuberant loyalty, the crowds fervedly cheering and gesticulating. The Prince showed the keenest interest and pleasure in the reception accorded him. He had eyes for everything, and readily responded to the frequent greetings, as his carriage slowly made its way to the Federal Government House. When the fog had lifted sufficiently, the Renown entered the heads and steamed to her anchorage. In view of the delay, the civic welcome was,, cut short, the Mayor’s address and the Prince’s reply taking only a few minutes. The Prince’s ready acceptance of the altered arrangements, result- | ing from the delay, and his appreciative interest in the proceedings, won the hearts of the people,, and deepened the excellent impression which the reports of his doings in New Zealand had created. The streets were again thronged to-night, the crowds viewing the illuminations of the buildings and warships in the har- . bour. 1