Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1938. THE DUKE OF KENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 14, 27 October 1938, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1938. THE DUKE OF KENT.

The appointment of the Duke of Kent as Governor-General of Australia is an event of outstanding interest, for though members,of the Royal family have occupied similar posts in Canada and South Africa, this is the first occasion on. which a brother of the Sovereign has represented the Crown in such a position. His exalted position alone would have ensured for the Duke a warm welcome when he assumes office but from the personal aspect also the choice is a particularly happy one. His early years in the Navy involved a training that' was abated in no detail because of his Royal blood. Then his connection with the Foreign Office widened his outlook on world affairs, interest in which, however, did not diminish, but perhaps rather increased, the energy and thoroughness with which he later performed his duties as an inspector in the Factories Department of the Home Office. As such he visited a large number of industrial establishments in the United Kingdom, wherein lies the secret of his earnest interest in social welfare, especially unemployment relief schemes: From the Empire point of view the appointment to Australia gains in interest because his Royal Highness has had personal acquaintance with South Africa, where he proved to be possessed of those qualities which count for so much in the estimation of Britons overseas. He was capable of making those personal contacts between the Crown and its people which are of unquestionable value. By his personal charm, and the gift of making himself the medium of unity, his tour of South Africa was a real Royal progress. Not by subtle art is such success achieved. Its secret is the simplicity and sincerity of an English gentleman who seeks to serve the Empire and all its people. For New Zealand the residence of the Duke and Duchess in Australia will have special importance. Without doubt they will be invited to visit the Dominion during the centennial celebrations and it may be taken for granted that only the weightiest of reasons will prevent acceptance of that invitation. The personal popularity that his father and mother and brothers gained in the Dominion is surety that the Duke will receive a warmly sincere welcome for his own sake,- equally as the representative of a Throne in which the people of the Empire has reason to take pride and which is one of the few that stand immune and secure amid dynastic overthrows and political upheavals. The Duchess, too, will be received right royally, for every mention of her that has been transmitted from Britain has been of a nature that has shown she is a worthy helpmeet.