PRINCE AND CHILDREN.

Evening Star, Issue 17367, 1 June 1920, Page 7

PRINCE AND CHILDREN.

MESSAGE TO N.Z. GIRLS AND BOYS. The message of H.E.H. was ■ yesterday read by order of the Minister of Education in all the schools of the ■ Dominion. At Mornington the entire school gathered in the gymnasium, and Mr Davidson, the headmaster, called on the smallest boy, who also proved to be the youngest, to go on to the stage and with a, knife open the sealed envelope. This was done, and the contents handed to Mr Davidson, who thereupon read the Prince's message. This was followed by three hearty cheers for His Royal Highness. The message read:— H.M.S. Renown, Lyttelton, May 22, 1920. GirLs and Boys of New Zealand, — I am very sorry indeed that my delightful visit to New- Zealand is "over, and I want, before I leave, to send you my best wishes and a few words" of farewell. I have asked that this message be read out to you by your masters and teachers, and also that it may bo published in my own handwriting in your school journal. My first wish is to thank yon all for giving me such hearty welcomes everywhere. It has been a gTeat pleasure, to me to see so many of you gathered to meet me, and I am going to tell my father and mother, the King and Queen.,_ what a Sne ! and loyal future generation is growing up in - this Dominion. I also want to tell you what I feel about New Zealand. It is a splendid and beautiful country, and well worth your life-long devotion. Remember, however, that it is a young country, and that it depends upon you and upon those who follow you to carry on the amazing rate of progress that has been achieved by j-onr parents and grandparents. You. have a splendid example - before you in your fathers arifl brothers and also in your mothers and sisters, wiia marched and fought or worked and en< dured to win our well-earned victory in the great war. Remember alwavs how much you owe to them, and try to do as much for the- Empire in you? own day as they have done in theirs. I trust that you may never be called upon to fight in another war; but you can serve the mighty Empire, which has kept you safe and well, in times of peace by living straight and useful lives and always putting your duty to vour King, your Country, and your Flag* before everything else. There are just three things which I want you to bear in mind : 1. Never consciously sav or do a dishonest thing. 2. Always remember other people's interests when pursuing your own. 3. Play for the side, and plav the game. * One last word t Please do not think o.me as someone very distant who came to see you once and then foi-.-.o' you for people nearer the Old Countrv I love Now Zealand, and belosi- to 'it every bit as much as you do yourselves, lou, Zealand girls and hov* ;-.p> my own British kith and kin.' and 7 will never forget tV wonderful fir-' welcome which you gave me to rov New Zealand home. I hope tliis message is not to shy good-bye, but merely" "an revoir." ' KnWARD P.