THE PEINCE ARRIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16723, 26 April 1920, Page 2

THE PEINCE ARRIVES.

HEARTY WELCOME IN AUCKLAND FROM ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS.

HE ATTENDS ANZAC DAY SEEYICES. .

THE SETTING OP THE PICTURE. AUCKLAND AT ITS BEST. , Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 24. “Veni, Vidi, Vici.” (I came, saw, and conquered). Tlie words which summarised one of Caesar’s expeditions abroad from Imperial Pome nearly 1900 years ago might aptly be used to describe the present progress of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales through the Dominions of the British Empire, with the important differences that ho needs no armed cohorts to conquer the peoples among whom ho goes. It is by his winning personality and quiet business-like manner that the hearts of Britons everywhere are captured, and Auckland “to-day had an opportunity of experiencing that captivating influence, to which it responded in a manner that must have given the Royal visitor the keenest sense of pleasure as he drove through thousands of acclaiming citizens along the beflagged and garlanded streets of the Northern capital of the Dominion. The day was typical of autumn—a soft haze in the morning hanging above the mirror-like surface of the harbour, upon which a faint westerly breeze raised no ripple. People early moved towards the water front to vantage points on every elevated part of tho city and suburbs, and to Queen Street —some to view the panorama of the harbour as the Renown steamed in, other’s to watch the procession as it wound its way from the wharf to the Town Hall.

It was indeed a wonderful picture that- unfolded itself to the observer who made the ascent to any point overlooking the waters of the 'Waitemata. A great fleet of yachts and motor craft, like a flock of giant sea birds floated on the harbour’s bosom, and slowly made their way down to North Head, where they formed into two lines, making a lane through which the warship came slowly in to take the berth prepared for her at Queen's Wharf. It was barely 10 o’clock (sooner than many x>eopio dreamed it possible) when the Renown came into view down the harbour, and as she rounded North Head the guns at the forts boomed out their noisy welcome. Big ships, be their purpose war or peace, are no novelty, to Aucklanders, but the picture made by the long, grey hull of the Renown, with her towering superstructure and- stern looking long guns peering out from, the turrets, was one that will not easily ft\do from tho memory of the beholders. As she came _ slowly in, nearer and nearer to tho city and the waiting multitudes, loud huzzas of welcome roso spontaneously. People found themselves realising afresh, in a new light as it were, what the possession of great ships like the Renown means to Britain’s world-wide-Empire. The ship before their eyes typified the power that maintains command of the seven seas oil the world, and which protected the ideals of free-v dora and justice, for which the flag under which they sail stands. More than this, however, to-day was in the minds of the vast multitude which ■watched the great ship slowly warped into her berth. Not only was she one of our ships, but she carried a- precious freight in the person of the young Prince, destined one day) to rule -over the world-circling Empire that includes these islands, so aptly called the Britain of the South, in the farthest corner of that Empire.

It was this thought above all others that must have, pulsed through tho minds of the people then, and later when they looked upon his youthful features as he passed through their midst, smiling and saluting acknowledgement of tho acclamations of the multitude.

At last the ship was manoeuvred alongside and made fast without incident. The harbour officials had everything in complete readiness and they were not hampered by crowds, as the wharf was kept clear of all but those who had official business. THE FORMAT, WELCOME.

Tho Governor-General then arrived and proceeded on board, being received by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey on the quarter-deck, where the ship’s guard of honour was stationed. His Excellency was escorted to tho Prince and formally introduced. Then tho Prime Minister and the Hons. Sir 'William Homes. Sir William Eraser, J. G. Coates, and C. J. Parr wore presented. After the Cabinet Ministers camo Major-General Sir Edward Chaytor. Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, Colonels J. L. Sleeman and H. R. Potter. These formalities over, His Royal Highness came ashore to proceed to Government House, whither the Gover-nor-General had already gone. As the prince stepped ashore guns bred tho Royal salute. His Highness inspected a /guard of honour furnished by returned soldiers and then he was introduced to the chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr. H. D. Heather. Proceeding afoot to the gates marking the boundary between the Harbour Board and tho City Corporation territories, tho party came for the first time near enough to permit tho people to get a, clear view of the face that every eye desired to see, and as the Mayor, in his official robes, was introduced, the enthusiasm of the crowd was let fully loose. Cheer followed cheer, and like the circling waves from a disturbance on a still water surface', the sound of tho cheering undulated joyously along tho radiating streets as the people, picked up tho sound that indicated something was in progress, and passed it. It mattered not for the moment that they could not sec what caused the outburst. They were out to cheer and give a glad welcome to their future King, and they meant to do it. ... Having now been formally admitted to the city's territory, H.R.H. proceeded to Government House. He was motored there to receive the official welcome from the Government on behalf of the Parliament and neopie. of New Zealand. This wis strictly a formal function only ‘‘Ministers, with Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon, W. -D, S. Mac-

The Prince’s visit to the Dominion has opened under the happiest auspices. The Renown arrved in Auckland Harbour shortly before midday on Saturday am, tho Prince landed. After the usual formal addresses of welcome he proceeded to the City Hall and received a civic address, to which he replied in his usual felicitous manner. During his progress through tho streets the welcome of the crowds was spontaneous and wildly enthusiastic.

Donald (leader of the Opposition) and official visitors being present, Mr. Massey then -read the 'address of welcome (which- appeared in Saturday’s Herald). THE PRINCE'S REPLY.

Tho Prince replied as follows; “Prime Minister, and Gentlemen, — “This is a very great occasion for mo when you, as representing the Parliament and people qf New Zealand, bid me welpome to your splejrdid Dominion—the Britain of the Southern Seas. I have looked forward to this visit for a long time past, and I shall never forget the day onl which I fiijst set foot upon New Zealand soil. “It was a disappointment to me that an unfortunate epidemic in the splendid ship which brought me out, his Majesty’s ship Renown, delayed my start from England by a week, and I hope that you were not put to great inconvenience in re-adjusting your arrangements for my visit, to which, I know, you have given much thought and care. “Now that 1 am here at last, I feel myself no stronger in a strange land, but one of yourselves amongst my own kith and kin. How could 1 in this great British Dominion feel any- . thing but at home? I have served ’ with my New Zealand brother officers and men in the great war, which made all nations of the British Empire doubly and trebly kin. I have seen the Ministers of New Zealand take their place as representatives of a nation in the framing and signing of peace. I have shared to the full your pride in that achievement—the sign that this young nation has nobly won its spurs—and I have felt as deeply as you with those brave men and women who sacrificed their, life, their health, or their happiness for the victory of ouf cause. “You will understand, therefore, gentlemen, that my thanks for your most cordial welcome are no mere form. lam deeply touched by your expression of devotion to my father the King, and by your reference to the place which his' Majesty fills in the life of the Elnpire to-day. , I am also more than grateful for the much too generous things which you have said about myself. “1 know that my time amongst you will be not only a keen pleasure, but a great experience. I am looking forward to meeting old friends, and making new ones throughout the Dominion, and though I cannot go everywhere in a month, I hope I shall see something of all parts of the country, and of all sections of its people before I leave. There will be much to toll you of my experiences later in my tour. In the meantime. Mr. Massey, I beg you to thank all Now Zealand on my behalf for the warm and 'generous welcome whicheverv part of the country has prepared.” From Government House the Prince returned to the wharf, where, upon a raised dais a little way inside the gates, his Royal Highness was received by the chairman and members of the Harbour Board, and presented with an address, to which he replied as follows; , “I am very grateful for your cordial welcome and loyal address; 1 shall not forget the day on which I first entered this magnificent harbour of Auckland, which owes so much to yourea re. You have spoken much too generously of myself, but I appreciate your good wishes very much. May I wish you in return increasing prosperity; and success in yo ir most important work.” The guard of honour at tho gates was then inspected, after which tho Royal progress to tho Town Hall began. This, of course; was tho citizens’ first real opportunity of getting a .good view of the slim, boyish figure that occupies so big a place in all British hearts, and ns the x>rocsssiou moved up Queen Street at rather a rapid pace—for the programme had fallen a little in arrear—tbo scene was one of the wildest and most joymus enthusiasm. Queen Street’s affluent thoroughfares werely all densely packed, and every coign of vantage on buildings and the rising bits of ground held its full quota of people (in some cases very venturesome) bent on getting a good view as the Royal visitor passed. SCENE IN CITY HALL.

Arrivipg .at the Town Hall, the visitors were escorted through a packed auditorium to the stage, the huge audience rising as the strains of the National Anthem pealed forth from the organ, and tho people joined in singing a verse. On tho stage were also naval and military guests, the Premier, and other' Ministers of. tho Crown, Sir Jdseph Ward, tho Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, and representatives of the churches, legal and other civil authorities. The Mayor (Mr. Gimson) read an address according a welcome to the Royal guest, and expressing loyalty to the Crown. The Prince, still dressed in the uniform of a naval captain, as when no landed, then rose to reply, but he had to wait some moments_ for the great burst of applause to subside. Speaking clearly and distinctly, his Highness made ilis reply in the following words:— 'I am very grateful to you, as representing the'city and metropolitan area of Auckland, tor your, kind loyal address. Auckland is tho first city in this great Dominion in which T have had the honour of setting foot. It has long been known to me as the first capital of New Zealand, closely bound iqi with the earliest history of British government in these islands; also as one of the finest harbours in the Southern Seas.

•‘lf anything could enhance my pleasure in being here this morning, it is the warm welcome which tho people ■i' Auckland have given me. 1 shall a'ways look hack upon this as one of k red letter days of my life, for, gem!men, this is my first sight nor only Auckland, but of New Zealand—the lant Dominion which won its pi; - , amongst tho other British nations as one of tho Powers which fought for, framed, and signed the Peace of Versailles.

“I hold it a great honour to have been a comrade in arms of your splendid troops in the.’war, and I hope to see many of them again on parade to-day!

Auckland, I know, contributed most worthily to the fighting strength of the New Zealand Division, and many also of her sons served in HALS. Now. Zealand and other ships of tho Royal Navy, which once again asserted and held for the Empire, in conjunction with our gallant Allies, command of tho seas. “Your losses, I fear, were heavy, and I offer my deepest sympathy.to all who have been visited with suffering or loss. I shall be proud to convey .your assurances of loyalty to my father the King, who keeps the happiest memories of his visit to New Zealand 19 years ago. “May I ask you, gentlemen, to convey to all the citizens of Auckland my most genuine gratitude for their welcome, and my heartiest wishes for their welfare and happiness.” A photograph of the scene was taken, and the. Prince then stood on the. lower step while tho vast audience filed past on their wav to the exits. The Royal Party returned from tue Town Hall to Government House, whore the Prince had luncheon. The route lay along Iloper Queen Street, Karangahape Road, and Symonds Street, and the Royal car’s progress was cheered. by thousands of people unable to participate ;n the earlier welcome. . . After lunch the Prince received addresses of welcome and loyalty from veterans and local bodies of the province.

PARADE IN THE DOMAIN

After this he attended ajmilitary parade in the Domain, where 5700 returned soldiers, territorials and cadets wore reviewed. The returned men and nurses totalled 569 of all ranks. His Highness made a close inspection of the returned men, stopping occasionally to speak lo individuals whose faces caught bis eye. Members of the nursing section and disabled men near the saluting base were also subjects of special attention. The terraces surrounding the parade ground were packed with a lingo crowd, who frequently broke out into enthusiastic applause and cheers as the Prince was observed to stop for his little personal talks, especially to disabled men and nurses. h

At the conclusion the Prince presented decorations to a number of men and then returned to Government _ House. The route both coming and going was lined with enormous crowds of acclaiming spectators. During the evening the Prince was the guest of the Governor-General at dinner at the Grand Hotel, and later he attended a private dance arranged at Government House for tho entertainment of the officers of the Renown. AUCKLAND, April 25. Sunday’s programme included attendance at divine service in St. Mary’s Cathedral in the morning and the Anzao memorial service in the Town Hall in the afternoon.

After the latter the Prince visited patients in the soldiers’ hospital at Narrow Neck. Thousands of people again thronged the streets to see the Royal visitor on his several passages to these engagements. Monday morning will be occupied with a children’s review in the Domain, and in the afternoon the Prince attends the races at Ellerslie, and in the evening a civic reception will he tendered to him in the Town Hall. TO-DAY IN AUCKLAND. GREAT DISPLAY BY CHILDREN, AUCKLAND, April 26. ! Children held pride of place in the morning’s programme fpr the entertainment of the Prince of Wales. It was their day out and they made the most of it. Many thousands of parents, friends, and the public generally filled the space on the rising banks above the level sward on which the evolutions took place. * When the Prince arrived, about 10 o’clock the scene was one of great interest. Eight thousand school children were drawn up in ordered ranks, the girls in sections.clad in red, white and blue and carrying flags of the same colours. The chairman of the Education Board, the'Mayor, Ministers and other officials were at the grand stand when the Prince's c£ir arrived, which was the signal for an outburst of cheering. The band from the Renown played “National Anthem,” and then the front portion of the 1500 children resolved itself into the word “Welcome,” formed by the girls, who, as the Prince took his place in the stand, curtseyed, and then the whole assemblage of children gave three cheers for the Prince, who stood and saluted. The girls then moved to the sides and 2500 boys.marched up from tho back and went through physical drill, evoking the warm commendations of all beholders. The hoys then retired and a transformation of wondrous beauty followed. In a moment, as it were, the girls moved from the front, sides, hack and corners in towards the centre, forming the Union Jack as they carried out exercises with flags. Tho effect was almost beyond description, and the beholders were unstinted in their acclamations. At the conclusion tho Prince congratulated those, in charge of the display and then entered his car and made a circuit of the ground, when there was an unrehearsed incident which made a piquant and pictui'esquo touch to the finale. The girds in the flags broke away and swarmed round the Royal car, the Prince standing and raising his hat to the little ones. The car had thus to make the circuit through scurrying crowds of gailydressed and highly delighted girls. Meantime the boys on parade at the back of tho ground remained steady ns a *\.t;k, not one moving a foot from the appointed place till the Prince drove away off the ground. It was indeed a great day and one that will live in tho children’s memories and afford the subject for stories to their children in years to come. Tho streets to and from the Domain held cheering thousands to watch the Prince’s passing and the march of the Royal Marinos’ band from tho Renown with a detachment of bluejackets and marines evoked great enthusiasm on all sides. The Prince this afternoon is the guest of tho Auckland Racing Club at a special meeting at Ellerslie. THE VOYAGE FROM SUVA. . RENOWN SHOWS HER, SPEED. OVER THE LAST LAP. AUCKLAND, April 24. The Renown .steamed out of Suva at six o’clock on Thursday morning with an obligation to reach Auckland, 1150 miles away, in 53 limns. Instructions were posted to make all sung, as the ship would bo steaming at high speerj into heavy/ seas. So it proved. Commander Campbell called upon the engineers for 201 revolutions per minute, producing a speed of 234 knots. Tiie Renown rusher) forward to meet a high, sea and a strong south-east trade wind. Her course was nearly due- south, so that sire met heavy weather on the port bow. This was tho first time since leaving England that an opportunity occurred of seeing the Renown driven at high speed in heav,y weather, and a magnificent

spectacle was presented to a watcher on the flag deck looking forward. As the engines were developing 120,000 horse-power they drove the battle cruiser into the head seas and its immense length enabled',■ the ship to ride half-a-dozen waves simultaneously. Nevertheless, with a low freeboard, she thrust her noso regularly m-. to the oncoming seas, causing them to burst over the port bow, sending bugo cataracts of white water high in the air, to fall with ibc sound of thunder on the steel forecastle deck, and then passing off. The starboard pumps were kept going constantly to clear the chain lockers from the inpoiiring water. The battle-cruiser,- in these conditions, convoyed a staggering impression of sheer power. The muzzles of rhe big 10-indi guns, protected by _ brass cups, were constantly drenched in tor-, rents, and the little three-pound gnus" on the flying deck wore completely enveloped in water-proof coverings, while the batteries of four-inchers, throe on each side of the flying deck, wore water-proof coverings like running drawers, giving a singular effect or athletes ready for a contest. It was a fascinating spectacle to watch, tne ship of 82,000 tons springing forward against tho high wind and heavy seas at a speed of nearly 28 land miles per hour, hurling immense masses of foaming water as high as tho navigator’s bridge, to sweep harmlessly over the starboard side of tho forecastle deck. Yet aloft thero was nothing visible to indicate the heavy weather. The decks were so steady that the Prince continued Iris favourite exercise of squash racquets during tho afternoon. Commander Campbell, the navigating officer, in an enclosed l eyrie half-way np tho foremast, pursued his calculations with a ruler, pencil, and charts with entire disregard of tho falling torrents on deck. Ho remarked that most ships steaming at that speed in tho teeth of such heavy weather would be swept by seas from end to end. Ho considered the Renown, by_ reason of her great length, an exceptionally dry ship. The commander mentioned that calculations were already sufficiently far ahead to enable him to state the exact times at which tho Renown would fmter the different New Zealand and Australian ports on the dates .already fixed. For instance, she is timed to enter Wellington at 10.30 in the morn-, ing. The last stage of this wonderful voyage provides a fine test of efficiency of the Renown’s engines and personnel. The whole voyage from Portsmouth to Auckland on the course travelled, is 14,056 miles 1 , of which tho last 1150 were done at 23| knots. During the voyage it has been necessary constantly to • replace damaged fire bricks in the furnaces with new bricks, and this operation is difficult when a high' speed is maintained continuously. At present 39 furnaces out of 42 are. in use. and further repairs must wait until Auckland is reached. On the Prince’s recent visit to the engine-room he entered a furnace which had been allowed to.cW for the purpose of repairing firebricks, and he watched the men who were doing'the work in order to understand all the duties of the engine-room ratings. The supply of fire bricks is almost, as necessary as oil for oil-driven cruisers 1 , and tho Renown brought 12,000 spare bricks from England, of which 100 have been used already.