Glover, Thomas Ellis, 1891-1938 :The coming of the Prince. Cinderella: "Prince Charming is coming and I look so drab and unbecoming. Oh for a fairy godmother!"

Front page of the New Zealand Free Lance newspaper, featuring a cartoon showing Wellington as a ragged Cinderella, forlornly holding a picture of the Prince of Wales, while her well-dressed sisters, Auckland and Christchurch, depart.

The cartoon relates to Wellington's preparations for the forthcoming visit of Edward, Prince of Wales. Of particular concern to Wellington's mayor and council was the refusal of the Government to allow the Prince to travel on any tracks but the main trunk line. The main trunk officially ended at Thorndon station, a shabbier affair than the one at little further on at Lambton. Eventually the visit organisers relented, but only after much agitation and angst from the Wellington mayor.

An accompanying note to the cartoon explains the above.

The cartoonist has signed himself 'Ellis' lower right corner of the page.

Text beneath image says "In connection with the visit of the Prince of Wales to Wellington much comment has been appearing in the local newspapers regarding plans for presenting the city in its 'best Sunday-go-to-meeting attire.' One of the problems has been the lack of a suitable point at which to welcome the Prince, hence the agitation for the reception to take place at Lambton Station instead of Thorndon. It is also a coincidence that the Prince's visit has happened when a strong public movement has begun to further the city's interest in various directions."

Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) on page of newspaper..

Physical Description: Offset lithograph, 270 x 420 mm (whole page)