LORD MOUNTBATTEN'S VISIT.

Evening Star, Issue 25716, 13 February 1946, Page 4

LORD MOUNTBATTEN'S VISIT.

| Quito a stir seems to have been occasioned among Dunedin bodies concerning the forthcoming visit of the Supreme Commander of South-east Asia Command, Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, to New Zealand. While some of these bodies have made representation to the Government to [have Dunedin included in the distinguished visitor's itinerary, others have recorded strong protests against the omission of this city from that itinerary. In that they would appear to he chasing a hare that does not exist. The first announcement that Lord Mountbatten intended coining to the Dominion in April was unofficial, and it stated that arrangements " included visits to Auckland, Wellington, Taupo, and Rotorua." It is true that there was no reference to the South Island -in the report, but there was also no itinerary as such, and any possible significance attachable to the statement must be considered overruled in Mr Nash's later announcement that " details of the visit have not been settled yet." It is too early, therefore, to accept any belief that the South Island has been excluded from Lord Mountbatten's visit.

Although the protesting bodies appear to have got off the mark rather speedily they can nevertheless be commended for their watchfulness and readiness to support the South's claims. It is only too true that for years the South' Island has been neglected when important visitorshave come to this country, and the South has been too complacent in accepting the slights. In some cases the visits of various persons during the war were necessarily brief, and emphasis could not be laid on sightseeing when matters pertaining to the war were the first and only real consideration. But the war is over now, and Lord Mountbatten is not coming here to discuss its prosecution, Henvill he one of the most honoured visitors this country has been privileged to welcome for years; his reputation as a war leader alone would ensure that, while his closeness to the Royal Family would increase his prestige in the eyes of a people whose loyalty to the Throne has been an outstanding characteristic. In addition to the ordinary jnan and woman the, serviceman, always ready to pay tribute to a gallant leader, would account it the highest honour to be able to pay some respects to this man, and it has to bo borne in mind that a few at least would have served under him. If there is any intention in the minds of State officials to leave the South Island out of Lord Mountbatten's programme the voices of protest so quickly raised may cause a change of opinion. In these days of speedy air transport the argument that South Island touring engulfs too much time can be ruled out; a few hours aloft will take anyone from one end of the country to the other, Even a token visit to the South Island would be better than none at all, and would tend to smooth ruffled feelings.