THE PRINCE OF WALES

Southland Times, Issue 19512, 11 May 1922, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES

DEPARTURE FROM JAPAN GREAT FAREWELL DEMONSTRATION (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.). TOKIO, May 9. The Prince of Wales boarded the Renown in Kagoshim harbour amidst the thunders of a royal salute. Escorted by Japanese cruisers he took farewell of Japan on the voyage to Manila. There was great enthusiasm and crowds, many travelling long distances, witnessed the farewells. The Prince sent a wireless mesage to the Japanese nation from the Renown expressing deep appreciation of the welcome. He says he realised he was coming to a country whose traditional friendship with Britain had been made a living reality but he was not prepared for the genuine warmth of the welcome he received everywhere. “I am well aware,” the message continues, “that friendship was given me as my father’s son and as a representative of that other island Empire so long and intimately associated with Japan by the closest bonds and with whom she co-oper-ated so loyally for the welfare of humanity. I am returning home realising to the full the value of the friendship that has so long existed between, our two nations.” » Extraordinary pains were taken to make the Prince of Wales’s visit enjoyable and no expense was spared. For instance £2OOO was spent to make a special road to the top of the mountain of Yashima. Gifts were showered upon him from all parts He takes home over sixty large cases of costly souvenirs, many of great historic worth. Not a word of politics was mentioned during the tour. The speeches were purely polite personal toasts but Japanese statesmen agreed that the visit undoubtedly had a marked effect, strengthening relations between the Allies besides which the Prince achieved a great personal triumph. JAPANESE PRESS COMMENTS. TOKIO, May 9. (Received May 10, 11.15 p.m.) The Press comments agree that the Prince of Wales’s visit will have a farreaching effect in removing many age old barriers between the Japanese throne and people.