Princess's fountain opens

LONDON -- Britain dedicated a fountain to Princess Diana yesterday, a shallow, oval trough in London's Hyde Park that delighted children who waded through it but drew mixed reviews from adults.

As she dedicated the fountain, Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged there had been difficult times with her late daughter-in-law but said ''memories mellow with the passing of the years."

Water flows from the highest point down both sides of the fountain, which stretches 260 feet by 160 feet. At some places the flow is agitated, at others calm.

Completed nearly seven years after Diana's death, the $6.5 million memorial came under some harsh criticism.

''It's a waste of money; it's just a funny canal," said Reginald Overy of suburban London. ''It's ridiculous -- it's a paddling pool for children."

Youngsters were happy with the design, however.

''They build statues of everyone and this is just a bit different," said 10-year-old Jonathan Cowie.

Diana's brother, her sons, and one of her best friends all expressed satisfaction.

The fountain, designed by American architect Kathryn Gustafson, was intended to invite children to jump in, echoing Diana's affability and warmth.The only reference to Diana on the memorial is a small engraving with her name and title.

''I would like to see Diana or something kind of in her likeness," said Doris Biukham, of Ilford, England. ''You wouldn't realize it was for Diana if you came upon it."