REJOINED THE NAVY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 70, 20 September 1939, Page 8

REJOINED THE NAVY

THE DUKE OF KENT

HIS MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIA

(From "The Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY, September 13.

The announcement of the cancellation of the arrangements for the Duke of Kent to become Governor-General of Australia, expected though it was after the outbreak of war, caused keen disappointment. The official advice to* the Commonwealth Government was received in a message from the Duke himself.

The message from the Duke was:— "I have rejoined the Royal Navy, as I am still of an age for active service. May I ask you to convey to the Australian people an expression of keen disappointment and real regret that both the Duchess and I feel at being thus obliged to abandon our visit to Australia next month, to which we had been looking forward eagerly. Whilst it is not possible to anticipate the future, I sincerely hope that when our present troubles are successfully overcome an opportunity may yet be given to me to take up my duties as your Governor-General. (Signed) George." ' ■ • •

Mr. Menzies has dispatched the following reply:—"The people of Australia will be deeply moved to read the message your Royal Highness, has sent to them. The postponement of your arrival in Australia to take up the position of Governor-General has been a great disappointment to us. We had looked forward with 'pleasurable anticipation to having her Royal Highness and yourself with us, but our feelings of regret will be forgotten in our pride that you are serving the Empire. I know that Australians will wish me to convey to you our heartfelt wishes for the well-being of your Royal Highness and our hope that in the near future circumstances will permit of the fulfilment of your intention to come here as GovernorGeneral."

The term of the present GovernorGeneral, Lord Gowrie, has been extended indefinitely.

The renovations which have been in progress for several months at Yarralumla. the viceregal residence in Canberra, have been slowed down. Three shifts were being worked in order that the work might be finished before the Duke and Duchess of Kent arrived. The work will now be completed by normal working. Nearly all of the expensive interior decoration and furnishing scheme has been abandoned.