THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14145, 17 June 1920, Page 6

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

RECEPTION IN SYDNEY. Pr CS s Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Australian andN.Z. Cable Association.; SYDNEY, Wednesday. Immediately the ‘Renown ' reached her anchorage the Prince of Wales and staff entered a naval barge and proceeded to the lauding stairs, Where they were officially received by the Governor-General, the Governor, the heads of Parliament, and other officials, who presented an address of welcome. ,

When the ceremonies were concluded the Royal progress started. The procession was from the landing stage at Farm Cove, where previous Royal landings were made, through the tree-clad stretches of the Domain to AlacQuame Street. Thence along the city ’s main arteries. Altogether three and a-half miles were embraced in the Royal progress. Sydney's narrow streets naturally lend themselves to decorative purposes, and the concentration of artistic efforts on the route, instead of, as-on previous occasions, a general bution, helped them to produce an effect of regal magnificence. Macquarrie Street, which was lined with massive white pillars each representative of some portion of the Empire, and strung with greenery, Haring bunting, and emblematic, designs, held pride of place. Bridge Street boasted two elaborate arches, one carrying a monster golden fleece at the top representing .the pastoralists’ Welcome to the Prince, the other an emblematic ship flying the mariners ’ welcome, but everywhere along the route on public and private build inns was much wealth of bunting and so much decorative emulation expended as Sydney never saw before. Special cars allotted to the Press representatives in the procession afforded them an excellent opportunity of witnessing a most inspiring scenic displav and a demonstration of loyalty and enthusiasm. From the time the Prince stepped ashore amid the crowded, brilliant assemblage at. the landing place, it was one slow procession through packed lines of cheering and gesticulating humanity, overflowing on to the housetops and balconies and clinging to every possible spot that afforded an outlook.

It was one vast river of faces at tfle intervening streets, ‘spread ! out into wide pools. It is estimated that the crowds easily surpassed Melbourne’s welcome, which was calculated at 1,000,000 persons.

Everything in connection yviili the Royal progress passed off like clockwork —so smoothly and expeditiously indeed, that the Prince reached the terminal ten minutes ahead of the scheduled time.

Tiie'immense crowds, though demonstrative and enthusiastic, observed the best, of order, and gave the long line of carriages and detachments of troops a clear run throughout. 'The Prince, looking somewhat shy on facing this new o,ideal and, .judging from recent comments, younger than was anticipated, appeared impressed by the magnificence of the preparations and the spontaneous heartiness of the reception. The weather which during the afternoon turned dull, was, ■while the main function lasted, bright and sunny. Sydney’s streets, with their gay decorations and spanned by numerous arches, never looked gayer, and the harbour presented a wonderful picture of life and colour. Inter-State visitors declare that both as regards the preparations and the of sightseers, Sydney far surpassed Melbourne's effort, which, however/ was handicapped l\y untoward weather conditions. Ths Prince received ' and returned many hearty greetings from the returned soldiers, who, with other military and naval units and cadets, lined the whole route.

At the conclusion of the procession the Prince inspected, the Victoria Cross winners and the women's military nursing units, and then visiteS and had luncheon at Admiralty House. The remainder of the afternoon was free of engagements.