OUR ROYAL VISITOR

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14368, 21 May 1920, Page 5

OUR ROYAL VISITOR

FAREWELL TO DUNEDIN. (Bv Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Thursday. ThcPrince had a great send-off this morning. The weather changed in the night, turning very cold, and this mom- | ing'there was a light covering of snow on the high hills, but the sun shone brilliantly from a clear sky. There was ! a big gathering outside the Fernhill Club when the Prince drove off shortly before 10 o'clock. The route along Princes Street was lined witli cheering people, and from Customhouse Square to Anzac Square there was a huge crowd, it being estimated that in Anzac Square, alone, which is just outside the railway "station, about 9000 people were congregated. The City lire Brigade made an effective display at the entrance to the station, where the extension ladders were raised in the form of a pyramid, under which the Peine ; passed. As the train steamed south at 10.14 a.m., 'with the Prince waving farewells from the platform of the last' ear, the sirens from the brigade's seven machines sounded farewells, but these could not drown the tumultuous cheers of the people assembled. The Prince's parting words to the Mayor were: "Good-bye. sir. Thanks very much for your entertainment m Dunedin. I am so delighted: it, was a great pleasure to me. I thank you sincerely for the arrangements of the whole organisation." The Guard of Honour was formed by the Otairo High School Cadets. BALCLUTHA, Thursday. Rain, fell during the night, and the fresh southerly wind brought witli it a foretaste of real winter, all the hill lands with a thin coating of snow. When the Royal train left Dunedin at a little after ten, the sun was shining brilliantly, and the footbills of the mountains presented a magnificent spectacle. Here and there along the railway patches of snow lay on tiio ground and the air was keen. The first stop was made :d Milton, where the townspeople gathered in i force at the station and the usual presentation of an address and an inspection of troops took place. j Before the train moved out a few I Hakes of snow fell, and as Ratelutii.i ' was approached quite a heavy fall had commenced, driven by a strong southerly breeze. The people at the way stations and at Stirling were not deterred by the climatic conditions, however, and turned out In cheer the Prince as the train passed through. By "the time Balolutha was reached the snowstorm was left behind, but there was evidence all round that (be town had been freely powdered. Another address of welcome was added to the list and more soldiers inspected, the Prince's keen eye picking out those who won distinction in flic war. The next, stage of the, journey led the travellers inland over rolling lands, the sea being left well behind. Though the sun came out gloriously, the air was sharp with the breath of winter. At Clinton the scene was really tine, the \ whole landscape being covered in a ' mantle of while with the hills rising in frigid tiers at a little distance from the line. It was a"" winter scene of a kind to bring back memories of the home knd to the Royal traveller and his suite. Gore, though clad in cold white garment, was thoroughly warm in its welcome to the Prince. Tlii.'. Pr ! nee's stay in Invercargill was limited to seven hours, but during that time His Royal Highness was accorded a public welcome, attended a childrens' demonstration, visited the soldiers in hospital and attended a citizens' re- j ei ption in the evening. The whole of the proceedings were most enthusiastic and the town was brilliantly illuminated. BACK IN CHRiSTCHURCH. RENOWN LEAVES TO-MORROW. % CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. The Royal train, which left Inver■cargill at 10 o'clock last night, reached ' Christchureh at nine this morning. The weather was very cold all the way. At , Middleton Hie train was stopped for a few minutes while the' Prince held j an informal reception of all officials | and staff connected with the conduct of the tour. He also addressed a few words of thanks lo them all for Hie manner in which everything had been done to secure the comfort of his parly during their travels, and said ho would never forgel Hie kindness j extended him on all hands in Now Zca- \ land. His Royal Highness concluded j by wishing all of them "Kia Ora." A j photograph of the group was then ! taken, with >the Prince in the midst of the train staff. The Prince left, thrs train at Cbsistchureh, and is staying for the day as the guest of Captain and Hon. Mrs Tabu Rhodes. Tn-niglß His Royal Highness will entertain tlie"\Premier, Sir William Eraser, and the-; Mayors of the four cities at dinner { aboard H.M.S. Renown, which, according to present arrangements, will sail for Melbourne, via (and; Strait, a! daylight Lo-niorrow