THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16035, 28 January 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

AUSTRALIA CLUB’S LUNCHEON.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, LONDON, January 26.

131® chief features of Australia Day celebrations in London centred round the Prince of Wales’ attendance at luncheon at the Connaught Rooms. Five hundred were prcscst. The Prince of Wales received, before tike luncheon, the leading members of the Anglo-Australian community. It is noteworthy that the Prince has not recovered the use of his right hand since the Canadian tour. He shook hands with the’ guests with his left hand. The tables were decorated with wattle blooms. The Prince received a great ovation. He charmed the gathering by his frank manner. He elicited cheers by his reference t to his comrades i n arms, “The Diggers.” Mr Fisher, in a singularly happy speech, in proposing the Prince’s health, said; “We recognise the high compliment the King paid to the Dominions in sending the Prince to Australia and New Zealand. The visit will have a, far-reaching effect upon the Empire. There was one thing he would like' the Prince to do, namely, .see as much of the children of the country ae he could. They, as his future subjects, would remember has visit and treasure it. Much of the future belonged to the children, not to ns.

Sir Thomas Mackenzie assured his Highness that New Zealand, in common with Australia, would welcome the Prince with a welcome not. inferior to Canada's. Distance did not diminish New Zealand’s loyalty. The Prince would realise on his visit the potentialities of the Dominions.

The Prince this evening' received Viscount Grey. The Prince has instructed Admiral Halsey to hoist his flag on the Renown on February Ist as chief of staff for the tour.

FURTHER IMPORTANT SPEECHES

LONDON, January 36.

At the luncheon to the Prince of Wales at the Australia Club, Mr Fisher added: The visit would have greater effect on the more distant parts of the British Empire than anything the Prince had yet done. It would be an emblem that the Empire was impregnable and its strength would be used in the ways of justice. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, after assuring the Prince of the warmth of New Zealand's welcome, suggested that the time had come to initiate some groat movement to link up the various associations to provide for a meeting place for overseas representatives in London. The Prince in responding, said that bo was looking 'forward with interest to the voyage and the wonderful things he was going to see in Australia and New Zealand. Apart from these things, he wanted to see the people of these two Dominions. He referred to his associations with file '‘Aussie” ami New Zealand soldiers in wartime. He par-’ tic,ularly looked forward to seeing as many soldiers as possible. He could never forget that they always described him as one of themselves, ‘‘A Digger,” a compliment very much appreciated. He felt very proud that he knew their soldiers, and through them he felt lie knew Australians and New Zealanders. He cordially supported Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s suggestion for a club in London for Dominions’ representatives. He concluded by alluding to the inference o? Mr Fisher and Sir Thomas Mackenzie that his visit would do good, adding; I can assure you you are going to do me an enormous amount of good. Major Amery, addressing the Prince, said: I believe you will come away from the great Dominions as you lid from Canada, infected with the same national enthusiasm which they fed towards yon. You came from Canada, a Canadian, and I believe you will come back an Australian and New Zealander as well.

The company included Sir Alexander God ley and John Pender.