PRINCE PROMISED BANDSMAN A DRINK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18044, 3 January 1927, Page 8

PRINCE PROMISED BANDSMAN A DRINK.

BUT INVITATION WAS DECLINED. (Special to the “ Star. *’) LONDON, November 17. About five years ago, when he visited Burma, and was entertained at dinner in the Government House, the Prince of Wales expressed a wish that the members of the band of the Ist Scots Guards, who were stationed there, should take wine with him. The men preferred beer, however, and a supply was procured. It proved to be sufficient to fill all the glasses but one—that of Bandsman Frederick Deacon. After the health of the Prince had been drunk he heard of Deacon’s illluck. “ That is very hard on him." he declared. “He shall have his glass when next we meet.” Yesterday was “ the next meeting." for Deacon is no%v one of the male nurses at the British Home and Hospital for Incurables at Streatham. which the Prince visited after opening London’s new” park at Norwood Grove. The Burma episode was recalled to the Prince’s mind by Mr Edgar Pen man, secretary of the institution, and Deacon was sent for. “ How do you do? I remember seeing you in Burma,” said the Prince, smiling, but made no reference to the promised glass of beer. Apparently he waited for Deacon to allude to it. But Deacon said nothing about it. Before leaving, however, the Prince suggested that the secretary should see that Deacon had his glass of beer. The ex-bandsman declined the invita- , tion when it reached him. “ I’m very sorry,” he explained, “ but it is too late, —l've become a teetotaler!” Deacon afterwards said that he gave up alcohol when he was married a few months ago. The Prince made a systematic tour of the home, and chatted with all the patients. Norwood Grove consists of about 32 acres and has been bought for £18,300. With the Rookery, a stretch of land 300 ft above sea level, the net open space covers more than 40 acres, and though less than six miles from Charing Cross it is the haunt of some of London's rarest birds.

The Prince, in accepting the title deeds, said he hoped the public who benefited from the park would assert themselves to prevent the damage and litter which at times unfortunately disfigured so many open spaces.