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| Pilot Captain Snell was contracted by Finney Isles to fly to Maryborough to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales. State Library of Queensland, Image no. 3245 |
MARYBOROUGH'S BIG DAY
THE PRINCE ACCLAIMED
LOYAL HOMAGE TO FUTURE KING
HUGE CROWDS IN THE STREET
GREAT CONGESTION AT TOWN HALL
ARRIVAL OF AEROPLANE
Excerpts from the Maryborough Chronicle, Wednesday, August 4, 1920.
Yesterday was the biggest day that Maryborough ever experienced - a day in which memorable events were crowded into one short fleeting hour.
It was the first visit of Royalty to this little outpost of a mighty empire...It was the visit of his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales - a Prince who has earned the popular esteem of our "Digger" soldier sons in the greatest war of all time.
From all directions they came, a continuous stream, swelled in numbers with the outpourings of several special trains from the sister towns...It seemed as if all of Maryborough's population, young and old alike, was afoot. Twelve thousand people and more the crowded streets must have held...The town literally throbbed with life and animation.
As has been the case throughout the Prince's tour, the Royal train drew up at the station platform punctually to the appointed time...On alighting from the platform this Royal Highness, ...was introduced to his worship the Mayor (Alderman J. Bushnell, wearing the robes of office) who formed the central figure of a (welcome) group ...As the Royal party left the station steps a naval guard of honour...smartly came to the salute, whilst the full Naval Band played the National Anthem.
The Royal procession through the streets of the city commenced. The crowd greeted the Royal visitors with round after round of cheers as they passed along Lennox St. Passing St. Paul's Belfry, The Prince was confronted with the aboriginal arch, the first of a series of imposing structures, and appearing to be greatly impressed with its originality of design and the striking silhouette effect of a number of full-blooded, fine physiqued aborigines, standing side by side with the figures of an emu and kangaroo on the upper platform.
Turning into Kent St, three thousand children gaily dressed in white, carrying pretty little flags and exquisite bunches of sweet peas. The Royal visitor smilingly bowed his acknowledgement (from the Royal car.)
At the Town Hall, the Mayor received his Royal Highness. ..The Prince warmly shook hands with a number of widows, mothers, and parents of those whose relatives had made the supreme sacrifice in the late war, and feelingly condoled with them in their great loss.
It was really the anxiety of the crowd to see more of the Prince and at close quarters, that led to the tremendous congestion in Kent St that subsequently followed. It was only with extreme difficulty that a passage way was made for the Prince along the carpeted steps to his car. The moving off of the procession was the signal for a tremendous outburst of cheering, waving of hands, handkerchiefs, and hats.
The long unfulfilled desire of the public of Maryborough to witness an aeroplane in flight has been at last gratified. Agog with expectation the crowds out to welcome the Prince displayed great interest and enthusiasm with regard to the aeroplane. The management of Messrs. Finney Isles and Co. at the invitation of the aldermen of the Maryborogh City Council decided to despatch to Maryborough their plane, which they wished to join in the welcome of the Prince of Wales.
The machine approached keeping in alignment with Lennox St, and flying at a high altitude above the city, a spiral dive was made. Like a huge bird with graceful swoops it circled around the city. Coming lower the pilot was seen waving his greetings and a cheer went up in reply. A detour was made and the Royal train was met and the Prince suitably greeted. From here the aeroplane made its way in the direction of Anzac Park and gracefully descended to earth.
We would love to hear your family stories of this glorious time. Add a comment and share your story. Jo
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