Royal Visit

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31908, 8 February 1969, Page 12

Royal Visit

Sir, —All honour to Mrs P. McDowell for her forthright and apposite letter. In addition to the rebuke which she administered to Mr Hill I would like to add that one feature of a Royal visit which escapes the notice of most of us is a characteristic which we ourselves are seldom if ever called upon to display. This is the perfection of poise combined with impeccable manners which no affront or unexpected mishap could ever shake. Such a facet of the Royal duty is covered by the word "gracious" (no doubt a thoroughly dirty one to Mr Hill), and sets a good example to those of us who cannot boast of much self-con-trol. So let us not grudge the two cents per head (or thereabouts) entailed in entertaining our Sovereign, even if it means robbing our children of some fifth part of an ice cream.—Yours, etc., I.S.T. February 7, 1969.

Sir, —The trade union leaders are running true to form in their opposition to the coming Royal Visit and if, as they say, we cannot afford this favour it is probably due to past industrial disputes which have proved costly to the country. I would suggest that for the next 12 months or so Messrs Hill, Skinner and company infuse some discipline and patriotism into their organisation which would round off the good work accomplished by Mr Holyoake on his recent overseas tour. We may then be able to entertain our Royal guests without any great strain on the economy.—Yours, etc., L.G.W. February 7, 1969.