PRINCE OF WALES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14127, 27 May 1920, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES.

MELBOURNE RECEPTION. PRINCE’S COMMONSENSE. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Received Thursday, 9.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. After the procession the Prince of Wales attended the Governor-General’s ball at Government House, where there was a brilliant- assemblage. Though the ceremonies at the landing were shortened and shorn of a good deal of ceremony owing to the delayed arrival, the great outburst of cheering and wild enthusiasm from the packed multitude gathered round the St. Kilda pier was probably more appreciated by the Prince than the more elaborate procedure. The Prince showed a lively appreciation of the great spontaneous people’s welcome which greeted him on first setting foot on Australian soil. The route of the procession was lined by soldiers and sailors, who, during the long wait, found considerable difficulty in keeping the impatient crowds in check and clearing the yvay for the procession as it passed. The jamb was so great that women fainted.

Arrangements had been made for a civic reception in the Town Hall, whqre there was .a great gathering. At the Prince’s suggestion, the Lord Mayor’s address and the Prince’s xeply were taken as read, the Prince handing the reply to the Lord Mayor with a few words of thanks for the city ’s splendid reception. The Prince said: “ You don’t mind if X don’t read it, do you? I will see you again, won’t I, Lord Mayor.” During tho progress of events the returned soldiers made many demands on the Prince ’s attention, which were readily accorded. One insisted on. a handshake, and when, the Prince tendered his left hand the soldier demanded the right. The Prince laughingly eonedded this. AVhen Collins Street was reached the measured tread of the ’procession- was abandoned and the remainder of the journey was made at a rapid pace. Special provision was made along the route for wounded soldiers and veterans. PEOPLE CONDOLE THEMSELVES. FOR LOSS OF SPECTACULAR EFFECT. (Received Thursday, 10.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. For the loss of the spectacular effect of the entrance of the Renown, which clear weather would have provided, the people console themselves with th<? fact that the Prince landed in Australia in one' of Australia’s own warships. This consolation made up for a good deal of public disappointment.

The Renown missed getting inside the schedule time by a near margin. She held clear weather until the, entrance was approached, arriving in good time. Then the fog swept down for some hours, aud it looked as if the day’s programme would be spoiled. Imter it was arranged that the Prince be taken aboard the destroyer Anzae, which had considerable difficulty in discovering the warship owing to the density of the fog. The Prince, when informed of the great crowds awaiting the procession, heartily concurred, and assisted in pushing the arrangements to get to St. Kilda in time, and thus save the waiting people from being disappointed. The mist considerably cleared from the bay by the time the Anzae started for the city, enabling her to make a fast run. The city at night surpassed all previous efforts iu the way of illumination, Public and private buildings were brilliantly outlined, and the streets were ablaze with coloured lights, designs of warships and other vessels. The liar-' hour provided a fine spectacle. The weather late in the day made amends for the misty morning, and the night was fine. . Dense, admiring crowds paraded the streets till early morning, showing an exuberance of spirit which towards the close here and there developed into horse-play and practical jokes. The Prince’s engagements to-dav include a levee and investiture at Government House; the presentation of the Federal-Parliament addresses, and a banquet.