THE PRINCE IN WAIKATO

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14348, 27 April 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE IN WAIKATO

GREETINGS IN HAMILTON FROM ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS BIC GATHERING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN FINE MILITARY DISPLAY

For the first time in its history Hamilton to-day- was given an opportunity of doing honour to a person of Royal Biood to the Prince Wiio is some- day to become King of tile greatest Empire tlie world has ever known, an Empire of nations and dependencies, independent yet bound together witli ties stronger than steel, lies of blood relationship and friendship. With so distinguished a visitor at our portals and passing through the streets of our town, it was not to be wondered that the welcome afforded him should be a royal "one—one fitting to the occasion, and that our homage to our future King and Emperor should be an expression of fervent loyalty. In this outpost of % Empire, tlie most remote of the splashes on the map symbolic of free nationhood, we have to be content for the most part to view Royalty- along the vista of tradition, to regard them as mysterious supreme beings, about whom one is permitted to read but < never privileged to see. But to-day a real Prince came amongst us. and h? the greatest Prince in the world, Edward of Wales, descendant of a long line of Kings of the most remarkable Empire that has ever been or will ever be. He came not apparelled in the magnificent attire and royal splendour of the Princes of old, not with the pomp and ceremony demanded in the past bypersons of Royal lineage, but as a simple, frank, healthy young man, anxious to avoid display, eager to fiiake friends with his loyal subjects of the Antipodes, and to renew the acquaintance of the splendid soldiers who travelled 13,000 miles across the oce.tn to back up the argument that might is not always right, and to defend the honour of the Empire of which his father is the representative head. Much, doubtless, as he would have preferred to remain at home with his Royal parents, his brothers and sisters and his own intimate friends in England, where he is loved and admired, he yet decided that he must siiow his gratitude to his kinsmen overseas w-ho fought for his House in the hour of need, by visiting them in their own borne and personally thanking them for all they have done. This is the purport of the Prince’s visit: this is the " ark of grateful remembrance he pays . us; and this is the gratitude that it would ill become us to accept except in the most earnest and whole-hearted manner. Britain’s Greatest Ambassador. Mr Lloyd George has said that the Prince of Wales is Britain's greatest ambassador, and when one sees and \ knows him, even on the short acquaintance of his brief visit here to-day, we realise in a small measure the truth of ibis eulogy by the British Premier. Perhaps this is accounted for by the irresistable charm of the Prince’s personality, which places people perfectly at C>se when he addresses them; his modesty and simplicity and the fact that he is in every way perfectly natural and apparently likes people to be the same. He dislikes officiousness and Cant, and prefers the plain straight, open road through life. When he shakes hands he does so with a fervour, and when he smiles there is nothing forced. It is all this and more that endears him to his subjects, and the more we see and know of ou- Prince the more docs his popularity grow. I THE GREAT DAY DAWNS. AFTER NIGHT OF HEAVY RAIN. ; MORNING BREAKS CLEAR. j STREETS LINED EARLY. The ill weather forebodings of late evening yesterday were fulfilled, and shortly before 7 o’clock the rain commenced to fall. It increased in density I iter on and throughout the early morning hours came down intermittently. By 8 o’clock this morning there was a break in the clouds ano promise of at least a temporary cessation of the moisture. A heavy shower fell -before the arrival of the Royal train, but it was a happy omen that, just before the Royal train arrived the sun shone through tlie lowering clouds, and soon there was a broad expanse of blue sky. Thus ✓ the Prince caught his first glimpse of a New Zealand inland town under the happiest conditions. As the Prince, in civilian dress of grey, with soft hat, and with buttonhole of rose and fern (surely typical of the link between Mother Country and Dominion), stepped from the train, there was an outburst of cheering, and tlie band struck up the National Anthem. After the Prince had inspected the Guard of Honour and chatted with the officers and others, he and his party entered the waiting motor cars for the drive through the street to ClaHdelands. Ail along the route were crowds of cheering .people, and as the Prince smilingly acknowledged the plaudits of his loyal people, he won all hearts with his attractive personality. It was indeed a triumphant procession. At the showgrounds a huge crowd had gathered, 20,000 being a modest o-timate of the number. At the entrance the Boy Scouts were linefl up. On the grounds His Royal Highness shook hands and chatted with the veterans and returned soldiers, who were presented to him, and again by his geniality made an excellent impression. His inspection of the

school children followed, and young , New Zealand were very enthusiastic, waving their Union Jacks and cheering lustily. They must certainly have proved to the Prince that the old stock of 'he Motherland is not deteriorating in their successors. Back to the dais, where the address of welcome and loyalty were presented, •nd the councillors and several others were presented. The Prince chatted all, and on all hands could be :• -ord murmurs of admiration. Mr Young, M.P., called for cheers ■r the distinguished visitor, and these vere given with hearty goodwill, the Prince smilingly acknowledging the unmistakeable warmth of the tribute. The official part of the ceremony over. His Royal Highness left the ground, through cheejing crowds and to the playing and singing of the National Anthem, sung as perhaps it had never been sung before. At the station there was some delay, ..nd eager snapshotters took advantage of thia. The Prince, with great godli

nature, posed repeatedly Jor the people with cameras. He chatted with people round about him, and proved that alt'a srlt he will some day wear a Kingly ei’Tw’n, he is a true democrat. No wonder he is beloved of the populace. At last Hie party boarded the train, which pulled out to the strains of ' Auld Lang Syne," and the cheers of Hie multitude. The last glimpse one had of His Royal Highness—a veritable Prince Charming—was of a smiling, genial young man, gratefully and happily acknowledging a warm-hearted tribute from his loyal subjects. He had come, he had seen, he had conquered; and as a result of his visit the bonds of Empire in this part of the world have been strengthened. With one accord the people's prayer was, “God Bless the Prince of Wales.” THE TOWN DECORATED. Although making a stay of but one brief hour at Hamilton, the people of the town made elaborate preparations to welcome the Prince. The business people and residents along the route of the Royal progress have been busy for days tacking up bunting and unfurling flags, while parties made weekI end incursions into the bush, where nikaus were stripped of their branches, fern-trees robbed of their fronds and the toi-tois bared of their plumage, t* form garlands and arches, with the re- ■■ suit that the main parts of the town ; have been given a semi-tropical appear- , ance, and a large portion of the route i along which the procession passed resembled a scene from a fairy story. The station was a blaze of colour, in which the vivid green of the fern and palms blended happily with the red, white and blue of the bunting and flags. On descending from the train the Prince passed beneath a bower of shrubbery into the station yard, which had undergone a wonderful transformation. The whole, of the rear of the station building was hidden beneath a burden of greenery and flags, while poles draped with bunting, crested with shi 'lds and connected by streamers of bright colours were ranged around the semi-circulai patch of greensward which stretches from gate to gate, and formed a picturesque setting as His Royal Highness . entered the first of the line of cars that carried him and his entourage to the j scene of the public reception. Hanging , from side to side of Ward*street was a streamer containing the one word. “Welcome." Victoria street, was a blaze of colour, in which the green o» the nikau and cabbage tree, with the.r sword-like leaves, and the fluffy w'hite of the toi-toi grass, stood prominently out, and formed an excellent base and background for the general scheme of colour. The verandahs which stretch j out over the broad footpaths were deck- j *d with greenery and flags and, except ! for a few blanks and breaks, Victoria ' street was bounded by two walls of rich foliage and bunting, spreading outwards over the roadway The old Borough Chambers were artistically bedecked, while House and Daking’s presented a solid front of flags. A good deal of labour was expended in front of the Waikato Times office, where a streamer bearing the wish “God (Bless the Prince of Wales" spanned the roadway. The Post-office afforded another pretty spectacle, the whole ficade be - ing worked out in a striking design of greenery, garlanded with red and white flowers and emblazoned with flags of the Empire and our Allies. On rounding the bend on to the bridge that stretches over the swift-flowing ami beautiful Waikato River, the Maori greeting “Arolia” (Love —met the eye as it hung across the avenue of nikau palms, which formed the approach to the structure. Venetian poles lined each side of the bridge, which was swathed in ralms and" bunting, the standards being connected by ropes o f red white and blue, intertwined, while in the centre, in an artistic framework of toi-toi grass, was the Welsh greeting “Cymru am Byth” ("A Great Welcome”), surmounted by the bushy white heads of the toi-tois in the form of the Prince’s feathers. Streamers hung from side to side along the succession of archways, which formed a highly picturesque parade over the glorious expanse beneath, and blended with the rich verdure of the banks. On leaving the bridge at the turn into River road the sign "Muriaroha” ("Love left behind,” stretched in large blue letters on a background of red across the thoroughfare.

A further arch of purely native foliage was greeted across the roadway near the Presbyterian CliuMi, bearing tlie Maori greeting, “Kia Ora.’’ At the Show Grounds there was a dense mass of humanity, and as the Prince was driven along the course, past the grandstands, to a dais built across the course a deafening cheer rent tile air as thousands of voices were raised in a chorus of welcome io tlie Prince Royal, heir Io •he British Throne, the human outburst quite drowning the music of the. four massed bands as they struck up the National Anthem. A large American flag (out of which someone during the night cut a quarter), is the last one on the route, America being the last to enter the war, which caught the eye as the Prinee entered flu; Claudelands station, where also the Maori sign. "Haerere" farewell, fittingly marked the scene of the Prince’s departure.

THE GUARD OF HONOUR. The Guard of Honour, in command of Captain W. J. King, M.C., Lieut. 11. Vause, M.C., and Lieut. R. A. Closcy,, comprised 100 other ranks drawn from the 16th Regiment. Lieut. Vause and two non-commissioned officers acted as the colour party. There was an interested gathering of many hundreds of the public in the Defence Office vicinity and lining tlie main route when the Guard, headed by tile band of the 16th Regiment, under Bandmaster Williams, moved from its base to tlie railway station, where it took up its post about noon in readiness for the arrival of the Royal special.

Prior to this the ceremony of receiving the colours of the regiment was gone through. The Guard faced tlie building in which the colours were housed. When flic officer receiving the colours anil the colours' escort returned to the Guard they halted in front and the Guard presented arms. The colours party then moved to their position in the centre of the front rank immediately prior to the Guard moving off.

The Guard on halting facing the station building drew up with its right to the eastern entrance, through which the Prince made exit. The commander of the Guard then gave the "Royal Salute, Present Arms," and the band played the National Anthem, the Prince meanwhile taking the salute. As the band finished the Guard returned to the slope, and the inspection by the Prince was carried out. Immediately after the inspection the Royal entourage moved off. The Guard then moved to the next point at the Claudelands station, and as the Prince left the “Royal Salute, Present Arms" was again given. The military portion was indeed an impressive one. Hie smart appearance and soldierly bearing of the units on parade meeting with encomiums on many , sides. THE MILITARY PORTION. GUARD OF HONOUR INSPECTED. TROOPS LINE THE ROUTE. | The many hundreds of khaki-clad jnen who disembarked from the morning trains and their addition to by local i territorials and cadets, betokened tlie important feature which the military played in the great festivities to-day. The 16th (Waikato) Regimental and Gtli (Hauraki) bands were alsc prominent in-the function. There were. 1200 ■ territorials and cadets on parade at tiie. • Defence Office this morning prior to ■ their moving off to take up their posi- ; lions in lining the route from the railI way in Grey street, along Hukanui street , on the station frontage of tlie Showgrounds and over various parts of the inner area to the Royal dais. The major portion of the military strength for the occasion was supplied by No. 4 group, but to meet the wide requirements adequately a detachment of territorials and cadets was supplied from the No. 2 group iPheroa). All the morning there were scenes of activity oiftside the Knox , street office, from where the parade moved off to its positions. Capt. A. H. Burn. N.Z.S.C., officer commanding No. 4, was in charge of to-day’s military section of the programme. The parade slates wore as follows:—4th (Waikato) M IL, 3 officers, 58 other ranks; “G” Battery, 2, 68: 16th Regiment, 5, 105; j IGHi .Waikato) Band, 0, 22; sth Com--1 pany, 3, 65; 73rd Company, 5, 205; ■ 74th Company, 2, 33; 76111 Company, 0, 40; 78111 Company. 2. 4'6; 79tli Company, 0, 61; 81st Company, 0, 41. 89th Company, 3, 69; 6th Hauraki, 3, 305. AN ADDRESS OF LOYALTY. The Town Clerk, Mr E. J. Davey, read tlie Address of Welcome, which is • beautifully worked in old English -text ! on vellum, in scroll form, embellished i with a tracery of leaves and forget-me-j nots, as follows:—

To His Royal Highness Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince’of Wales, Earl of Chester, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall in the Peerage of England, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, and Baron of Renfrew in the Peerage of Scotland. Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland, K.G., G.M.M.G., M.C., etc., etc. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS. We, the people of the Borough of Hamilton, desire to express to you our appreciation of the importance ofzyour Royal visit, and also our appreciation of the high honour which is done to our town by your presence. We hope that in the gladness felt by the loyal subjects of the Throne in your visit. Your Royal Highness may have great satisfaction, and that - throughout a long and glorious future you may be able always to look back with pleasure upon the time spent in these more remote portions of the Empire. We pray that our gracious King, Your Royal Father, will long continue to govern the peoples by whom he is so much loved, and we pray that no misadventure may interrupt Your Royal Highness’s preparation for the high office to which you will one day be called. Signed for and on behalf of the people of the Borough of Hamilton. PERCY WATTS, Mavor. April 27th, 1920. THE PRINCE’S REPLY. MR MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN,— I am very happy to have been able to visit Hamilton, tlie chief town of the Waikato, and to receive your loyal address. I greatly appreciate your words of greeting to myself, and will not fail to convey your assurance of loyalty to my father the King. This'was once a district torn by war, but it is now a picture of prosperity and peace, and I congratulate you on the progress which you have made I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for your cordial welcome, and my best wishes for your future prosperity and happiness. ADDRESSES FROM OTHER CENTRES. CAMBRIDGE. To His Royal Highness Edward AJbert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of Wales. Earl of Chester, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall in the Peerage of England, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, and Baron of Renfrew in the Peerage of Scotland, Lord of the Isles ami Great Steward of Scotland, K.G , G.M.M.G., M.C., etc., etc. . MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS. We, the Mayor, Councillors and burgesses of the Borough of Cambridge, in the Dominion of New Zealand, desire to express our continued and unfailing loyalty to the Throne and Realni. We' highly appreciate the honour accorded to this district by Y’our Royal visit and reciprocate the expression of cordial goodwill which His Gracious Majesty the King lias commissioned Y’our Royal Highness to convey to his subjects in this remote portion of tlie Empire. It is with the, most sincere desire for the future unity and welfare of tlie nation that we .hail with gladness your visit amongst us, feeling sure it will cement more firmly the bonds of personal goodwill and sympathy of

effort which make for strength of Empire. Wishing you God-speed on your journey, a really enjoyable trip, a safe return tn the dear Homeland and every future prosperity, • g We are, Y’our Royal Highness' devoted servants, for the Municipality of Cambridge. E. .1. WILKINSON, Mayor. In reply the Prince said: — Mr Mayor,—l am very grateful to you for -the terms of the address which you have just presented to me on behalf of tiie citizens of Cambridge, and would ask you to tell them how pleased I am to have been able to stop in this district, if only for so short a time. I thank you, too. for the good wishes which you express to me, as I am embarking on my month’s tour in New Zealand. I am looking forward to it intensely, and on my return to England will not fail to convey to my father the King the message which you have entrusted to me to-day. RAGLAN. To His Royal Highness Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, in the Peerage Of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall in the Peerage of England, of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, and Baron of Renfrew in the Peerage of Scotland, Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland, K.G., G.M.M.G., M.C., etc., etc. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS.

We, the Chairman and Councillors of the Raglan County Council, beg to tender you our sincere expression of welcome on this your first visit to New Zealand. We trust that your stay, though brief, will prove a pleasant one. and that •on your return home you will take with you the happiest recollections of the Dominion and its 'people, who yield place to none in their devotion to the maintenance of the integrity of the British Empire, and in their adherence to the aims 'andideals of the Anglo-Saxon race. We hope this visit will enable you and your future subjects to become mutually acquainted, as we feel sure it will prove of inestimable value, strengthening as it will the bonds of sympathy and affection existing between the Mother Country and this distant part of tlie Empire. Be pleased to accept our expressions of loyalty and respect and our sincerest good wishes for your future happiness and long life. Signed on behalf of the Raglan County Council. ' CAMPBELL JOHNSTONE. Chairman. WALTER SEAVILL, Councillor. April 27th, 1920. LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN, PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS. The Legion of Frontiersmen, through Staff-Captain John McGregor, presented His Royal Highness with an illuminated address. This was in a green leather cover, on which was the Frontiersmen badge, with the Southern Cross encircled in a wreath of manuka flowers. Inside was the address, in Old English lettering, witli some beautiful scroll work of ferns and manuka, and the Rose, Thistle and Shamrock, with the Southern Cross, illustrating that New Zealand is an indissoluble part of the Empire. A border to represent Maori carving is very effective. At the bottom are the Arms of New Zealand. Tlie address is the work of Mr J. Moran, of Auckland. The wording is as follows:—To His Royal Highness Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cornwall in the Peerage of England, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, and Baron of Renfrew in the Peerage of Scotland, Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland, K.G., G.M.M.G., M.C., etc., etc.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS. We, His Majesty the King’s Most loyal and dutiful volunteer Legion of Frontiersmen, beg leave to tender to your Royal Highness our cordial welcome to the. Dominion nf New -Zealand. We rejoice in the opportunity you have afforded us to express to you our loyalty to His Majesty the King, and our pride in having served with honour m His Majesty’s Expeditionary Forces throughout the Great War. We trust that by God’s grace the victory will merge into a lasting peace, but should events prove • otherwise we, the Headquarters. Staff Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Frontiersmen, assure you of our most dutiful service at any and all times. Our earnest hope is that your visit to New Zealand may contribute much to your personal pleasure and knowledge, and that you may derive pleasure from meeting again old comrades-in-arms. May your visit deepen, if It be possible, the affection we have in our hearts for the

King and the Empire, and bind us together in bonds indissoluble. We ' trust that your Royal Highness will be delighted with the scenic, splendours of the Dominion and that you may enjoy a pleasant voyage and a safe return to the Mother Country. Given by the authority of the Headquarters Council of tlie Legion of Frontiersmen in New Zealand. ANDREW BRUCE FORDYCE, Organiser, john McGregor, Staff-Captain. His Royal Highness, in his reply, said:—

“I am very glad to see so many Frontiersmen here to-day. anil would take this opportunity of congratulating you on the ‘ part which you played in the war. On more than one occasion lias the value of volunteer organisations such as yours been displayed when necessity has called for them to act in conjunction with the recognised forces of the Crown, and I thank you sincerely for the address of welcome with which you have greeted me on my arrival in New Zealand, and for your expressions of goodwill towards myself. I lean assure you that I am looking forward to my visit to New Zealand, and especially to the opportunity Which it gives me of renewing my acquaintance with many of those whom I met overseas during the,, war.” THE WAR HEROES. VETERANS AND THE WOUNDED. PRINCE AMONG THE SOLDIERS. After the ceremony on the dais had been concluded the Prince moved to the ring where the parade of veterans of other wars, South African veterans, and returned men of the recent titanic struggle were drawn up under the command of Major J. B. White, to the number of about 1200. Tim war heroes have always received particular attention from the Prinee who displays a particular interest in the welfare of the

wounded and generally in the soldiers’ narratives and the exploits they ha/e been engaged in, and for which they have earned especial distinction. There were several on parade to-day, and the veterans and wounded heroes lie was particularly interested, though the time at disposal was necessarily very brief. The Prinee conversed with several of the men ou parade, and wished for the war-afflicted heroes a speedy return to good health. An intensely enthusiastic reception was given by the men to the Heir of tiie Throne, many of whom had previously been reviewed by His Royal Highness on far-away battle-scarred areas during the period when the Kaiser and. his mad satellites were vigorously striving to bring Europe under tlie realm of the Mailed Fist. To-day, far removed from tlie sejeatning shell and the zipping bullet, these heroes lined up to pay homage to the “Digger” Prinee, lie eager to become acquainted with his fellow Britishers of these faroff Southern Isles, and they, in turn, to extend to comrade-in-arms and their future ruler a loyal soldier welcome. PRINCE INSPECTS CHILDREN. OVER 5000 ON PARADE. A GREAT SPECTACLE. Never in the history of ceremonials in the town has there been assemble! such a great gathering of school children as was lined up in battalion order facing the dais to-day. A large portion of the inner inclosure of the grounds was occupied by the parade of juveniles who were assembled from wide parts of the South Auckland province. The scholars were assembled from as far away as Thames to the east. Te Akau on the west, Taumarunui area on the north, and to the north as far as Waerenga. The arrangements for the assembling of this great- congregation of the rising manhood and womanhood of this portion of the Dominion entailed several weeks of preliminary work on the part of tlie local committee specially appointed by the teachers of the respective schools and the authorities controlling the educational facililies.

To-day was the culminating point to all the many hours of labour. It was truly a capping which was an adequate reward to the efforts of Hie arranging officials and a period in tlie lives of Hie scholars which will be indelibly impressed. The rail facilities for the transference of Hie several thousands of school children and their provisioning was met by tlie. Government in Hie. financial sense, but Hie direct attention of the commissariat department devolved upon the local commitlte of helpers. Each pupil was provided with morning and afternoon refreshments on tlie ground. As the respective trams arrived the scholars paraded to the grounds, where the positions of the respective schools had been previously mapped out by the local officials, and the several lines, each of 100 children, were' drawn up in review order in readiness for the Royal Party’s visit. Every child carried a Hag, and cacti school was identified by a banner. The bunting lhat extended over tlie great, concourse made an impressive spectaclf. The steadiness and general bearing of the children on parade was a marked feature of their share in tlie notable festivities. Keen, alert and expressionful faces denoted their individual interest in the memorable scene bofore them, from the time that the Royal procession first entered the ground, throughout tlie period that His Royal Highness was on the dais, and during tlie inspection of tlie cliiblren’s and military parades. Every eye was on tlie Prince as he passed the lines—throughout the ceremonial the keenness of youth to get a glimpse of the fresh-faced an.i smiling future King was evident. The scholars’ part in the ceremonial was an impressive one, brief though it was. The Prince’s looks bespoke his secret Joy as he Reviewed those many lines of patriotic young New Zealanders. As the Prince and party moved from tlie grounds to rejoin tlie Royal train the concentrated cheering which resounded from those several thousands of scholars was an unforgettable feature in the human signal of patriotic rejoicing. “I’ve .seen lhe Prince,” was the expression heard from hundreds ot juvenile lips during the subsequent brief period the scholars were gathered on the grounds. Over steaming hot cups of tea or cocoa, while the bands dispensed swinging music, they, in their various groups, talked over the memorable event they had been privileged to take their share in. On their homeward journeys these participators in the happy days of childhood can be. conjured up further discussing freely their innocent conversational assessments ot lhe greeting of tire heir to the most glorious Crown in tlie Empire’s majesty. And on through the years that lie ahead will the glamour of this most momentous occasion coruscate before them as their loyal ami self-respecting homage to their future monarch.

For that monster assemblage of over 5000 children the contribution from the local schools reached some 1250 pupilj, Hamilton East, Hamilton West, Convent, Whitiora, Southwell, Sonning, High School and Fairfield were represented on tlie parade, and the signs were evident down the ranks of these ’and the vast gathering of scholars from the other areas of the importance attached to tlie occasion and the adequate preparedness made so that they could fittingly take their positions of honour that they, with their elders, could rejoice and be glad. Tire schools from which tlie travelling scholars assembled and their numbers were:— Thames Line.

Thames North 26, Thames Central 211, Thames South 158, Thames Convent 26, Thames High Sellout 60. Kami, ranga 7, Kopu 22 Turua 31, Puriri 40, Wharepapa 24, Tlikutaia 30. Hikutai.i West 8, Komala 12, Komiita North 7, Paoroa District High School 173, Paeroa Convent 50. Nctherton 40, Waihi District High School 210. Waihi South 80, Waihi East 75, Waihi Plains 17, Waihi Convent 67, Waikino 80, Waitekauri 1 1, Karangahake 80, Mangaitl 15, Te Aroha 129, Te Aroha Convent 35, Te Aroha West 25, Waiorongomai 9, Manawaru 20, Waih'mj 45, Elstpw 13, Waitoa 37, Springdale 29, Tatuanui 17, Lower Waitoa 38, Morrinsville 115, Tahuna 12, Tauhei No. 1 11, Tauhei No. 2 12, Motumaoho 14, Eureka 20. Cambridge. District High 130. Leamington 15, Taotaoroa 20, Monovalc 16, Hoto-o-rangi 11, Pukerimu 20, Hautapu 34, Goodwood 21, Matanftl 22, Cambridge Convent 28, Cambridge Private 3, Newstead 22, Karamu 20, Rotoluna 30, Whatawhata 30, Gordontbn 27, Tamaherc 20, Taumarunui Line. Okahakura 15, Tarangamutu 11. Mangapeehi 32, Aratoro 23, Kopaij 6, Hangatiki 9, Ruakuri 6, Otorohanga 48, Teraumauku l.Kiokio 32, Honekiwi 10, Rangiatea 12, Maihihi 16, Otiwa 20, Tahina 4, Rewarewa 9, Te Kawa 5, Kawa West 6, Ngahape 9, Tokanui 6, To Mawliai 30, Te Awamutu 175. Kihikihi 39, Rangiaroha 30, Tautari 20, Korakantti 4, Puahue 4, Alexandra 12, Te Rore 3, Mangapiko 16, Pateranei 30, T» Tahi 6, Hakapuka 10, Te Rahu 20, Ohaupo 30, Rukuhia 10, Tuhlkaramea 19, Whawharua 15, Ngutunui 6, Te Akau 22. Northern Line. Waerenga Farm 16, Waerenga Okarea 3, Tangoao 6, Rangiriri 9, < tliiii"wai 18, Te, Hoe 10, Hiintly 100, Hunjly Convent 59, Kimlhia 4. Pukemiro 7, Taupier 50, Orini 17, Komokarau 12, Ngaruawahia 120, Glen Murray 26, Horotiu 32, Te Rapa 20.

HAMILTON’S TRIBUTE. ”A WONDERFUL TURN OUT." I A member of the Royal party expressed pleasure to a Times representative at Hamilton’s great welcome to the Prince. He said that, seeing the 1 party stayed here such a short time, : they hardly expected such an elaborate ■ scheme of decoration or such a large i crowd of people. "It is a wonderful turn-out,” he remarked, "and the Waikato should certainly be proud of it.” | —_ AT NGARUAWAHIA. Tile Royal train slowed down a little at Ngaruawahia, owing to the fact that a large crowd of Maoris and others was assembled there. Two brawny Natives held a long streamer'with ;i loving greeting, and this they dipped as the train passed. Tile Maori women, decked in greenery, chanted a welcome, and danced gracefully. The Prince was keenly interested. JOTTINGS. Much surprise was expressed in Hamilton this morning that not a vestige of bunting or greenery appeared on the municipal offices and Town Hall. The members of the Hamilton Municipal Band appeared in their handsome new uniform of navy, with gold trimmings and her stripes, for the first time to-day. The decorations at the Post Office were the subject, of much admiring comment. The streamers of flowers must have entailed much work on the lady members of the staff, but they entered into its enthusiastically. Our Chinese Allies joined with us in doing honour to the Prince, and their fruit shops were effectively decorated. There is in the window of the Vectis Dairy a lovely design, in violets,.of the Prince of Wales’ Feathers. It is very. artistic. The Prince chatted for a few moments with a cartload of nurses, evidently delighting to do honour to these representatives of a noble calling. Thu Te Awamutu and Cambridge Brass Bands combined witii the Hamilton bands in providing the musical programme.

Tlie traffic was well controlled by Inspector de Silva, the police and temporary officers. Prior to Hie Royal train arriving at Hamilton the Vice-Regal train ipassed through. A pilot train, on which there were many police, also arrived just ahead of Um Royal train. “Good old Bill” greeted the Primo Minister at Hamilton to-day. Mr Massey smilingly acknowledged the familiar greeting. "Good-bye, Digger," and “Good-byo, Teddy," were heard from the crowd at the Claudelands Station to-day. The Prince genially waved his hand to the interjectors. Tim ladies were much attracted by His Royal Highness, and on every hand cpuld bo heard, "Oh, isn't he nice," “Isn't he lovely,” etc. It was an inspiring sight when the 5500 children waved their Union Jacks as tile Prince entered the showgrounds. Ono Jolt a thrill of pride in Empire. It was the many little personal touches—the special posing for the cameras of eager snapsliotters, a word to a child here, and then, the greeting of a veteran or a returned soldier, etc.— which will endear the Prince to his people. LAST DAY IN AUCKLAND. BRILLIANT CIVIC RECEPTION. # A FITTING FINALE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Tuesday. The Prince of Wales’ visit to Auckland City was practically concluded last evening with the civiv reception in the Town Hall, where over 4000 people paid their respects to His Royal Highness. It was a brilliant gathering, and made a fitting finale to the celebrations. His visit to Ellerslie racecourse in the afternoon, where he was the guest of the Auckland Racing Club, was another Royal progress in every sense of the word. There was a record attendance, and the Prince's reception was everywhere of the most enthusiastic nature. He was much interested in all phases of tlie meeting, and made a close inspection of the appointments, file totalisator coming in for special attention. After being shownfthe internal working of the machine” he had a little flutter himself, with very successful results. The weather held fine till the evening, when heavy rain set in, rather spoiling matters so far as the public in tlie streets were concerned.

DEPARTURE FROM AUCKLAND. WILD ENTHUSIASM SHOWN’. H.R.H PLEASED WITH VISIT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Tuesday. On the departure of the Prince ot Wales for Rotorua by train this morning there was a scene ot wild enthusiasm, and the enormous crowd displayed in every possible way its pleasure and appreciation of His Royal Highness. Before leaving, the Prince gave the Mayor the following message: “I have had a perfectly glorious time, and, unfortunately, my stay in your beautiful city is all too short. 1 have been greatly imposed by tlie spontainety of the welcome accorded me as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the people on all occasions, and that has pleased me very much. I ean assure you 1 have had an extraordinarily good time here, and all tlie arrangements were highly satisfactory.” Then from the train he said: ‘‘My visit has been a perfectly delightful one. I desire you to thank the citizens for me.” EARLY VISIT TO INDIA. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 27, 12.40 p.m. LONDON, April 26. The Daily Express states that the Prince of Wales will journey to India in the battleship Malaya, which will leave England in the middle of November. CORRESPONDENTS’ COMPLAINTS NEED FOR PUBLICITY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received April 26. 11.30 p.m. LONDON, April 26. Private advices from a correspondent aboard the Renown expressing dissatisfaction at the Press arraiigements, have readied London. The Times, comm|mti|ng on the splendid welcome givert tlie Prince, while expressing the hope that tlie Prince’s visit to the Dominions will result in far reaching benefit to Imperial relations, warns those responsible for the tour that publicity is the essence of success. Every facility must be given to the correspondents to carry out their duties- Any falures in this respect, or any inclination to think lightly of their work would be foolish and a fatal mistake.