Westward with the Prince of Wales

In August 1919, W. Douglas Newton left Devonport aboard the cruiser Dauntless as an authorized correspondent following the Prince of Wales to Canada. His account begins at sea, with shipboard hospitality, icebergs and the approach to Newfoundland, before turning to the crowds, ceremonies and railway travel of the Canadian tour. The route takes in cities from Halifax and Quebec to Vancouver and Victoria, with later visits to Washington and New York.

The interest extends beyond royal appearances. In Winnipeg, Newton notices low early houses standing beside grain elevators, mills and tall business buildings, while stores and employment agencies reveal a city drawing workers from many countries. Those observations give the book a second use as a record of Canadian urban life in 1919. Readers drawn to travel reporting, railway routes and the public reception of royalty will find a correspondent's view of places encountered during an official visit.