FAREWELL TO THE DUKE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 99, 21 January 1935, Page 8

FAREWELL TO THE DUKE

So far as the official itinerary is concerned the visit of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to New Zealand conies to an end this evening, when our guest will embark at Lyttelton and proceed to the Bay of Islands to enjoy the luxury of a private holiday before leaving dur shores. On every hand there are expressions of regret that it has not been possible to prolong the period of the visit in order that the Duke might have been able to tour the country at greater leisure, and see more of its people. As it was, the South Island itinerary had to be so arranged that certain stages had to be covered at what some of the southern newspapers described as “breakneck speed,” and some concern was expressed for the Royal visitor's personal safety while travelling under such conditions. Actually, however, his Royal Highness spent a longer time here than he did in Australia.

The public’s regret at not seeing more of him is a personal tribute' to his charm and ease of manner, and his pleasure and unaffectedness in enjoying himself at racing and in the briny like an ordinary mortal. He has fallen in with the utmost good humour and with quite obvious pleasure in the arrangements made for his reception, entertainment, and sight-seeing, a fact the more to his credit when it is remembered that his private inclination is to enjoy a quieter and more secluded existence. That the tour has been a great personal success, further cementing the bonds of loyalty and the Royal Family and this “Britain of the South” is unquestionable. Much credit is due to the authorities in charge of the tour for the manner in which the arrangements were worked out without a hitch, and it is largely due to this fact that the people of New Zealand were able to see as much of their Royal visitor as they did. All and sundry will cordially wish his Royal Highness a pleasant unofficial holiday at the Bay of Islands, and “bon voyage” for his journey home.