Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10th., 1934. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 February 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10th., 1934. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

N EW Zealand, nowadays, is well on the map, for more or less distinguished visitors, nearly every boat bringing some social, commer.cial, or political notable. The comfort and speed of modern travelling help to overcome the obstacle of distance and much time spent in reaching these shores from the other end of the world, and the scenic and other attractions of the Dominion make the venture well worth while. This desirable tourist traffic deserves to be encouraged, and it must be greatly increased when aerial transport has further developed. Such visits are good for all concerned, if hosts and guests are reasonably-minded. Empire ties are strengthened, and the interchange of experiences removes mis- | understandings.

Mr. G. Bernard Shaw is on his way to the Dominion, and as he is not one of the silent strong, men, interesting “copy” should be forthcoming after his arrival. One of the greatest living writers, if one of the world’s most impertinqnt talkers, Mr. Shaw has his admirers—and detractors— everv-

where, and he-will provide home truths at the shortest notice, with and without provocation. His trip (should serve as advertisement for New Zealand, as well as for himself, and although he is on holiday, bent, it will be strange if New Zealand does not figure in his subsequent writings and speeches. Mr. Hugh Walpole, a New Zealander born, is also due to arrive here later, and this distinguished novelist will also be welcome. Visits from other literary notables are also certain, and although the Dominion may never be able to compete with resorts nearer Home, it is slowly coming into, recognition as a land which all the best people visit at some time or another.

The traveller, however, who is most keenly awaited, is. of course, Prince George, the King’s youngest son, due about December next. According to a recept brief cable message, his stay in the Dominion is to be short, and this limitation of his tour will be regretted by all the centres he does not visit. It is to be hoped that Greymouth is getting in early with an application, and that such invitation will be adequately pressed. It is also to be hoped that' ho wanton extravagance will be attached to the Government expenditure on the visit, and that there will be no repetition of the programme of, say, the Duke of York’s tour here, when innumerable officials had unwarranted joy-rides and accommodation at public expense. None wishes the welcome to the Prince, himself, to be stinted by cheeseparing, but there is no need, to encourage a horde of satellites to make merry. Nor should the Prince be “safeguarded” as if he were a visitor to a hostile land, instead of one to Akhom all .wish well.

A development in connection With the Prince’s visit, that will arouse controversy is the proposal that Mr. J. 11. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, should accompany the Prince. According to a Hobart message, Mr. Lyons, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, has already invited Mr. Thomas to' make the trip, and it appears to be assumed in London, that New Zealand will follow suit. There is no reason why Mr. Thomas should be the Dominion’s guest on this occasion, however friendly he may be with Sir James Parr. His presence may arouse a political* issue, a danger better avoided during Prince George’s Some Labourites and some Irishmen are not friendly disposed towards the Minister, and if in ordinary circumstances that attitude would be of minor consequence, the attaching of the Minister with the Prince may mar the reception to the latter. Moreover, the impression will prevail that Mr. Thomas is a selfinvited guest, and one, who, apart from his office, has no claim on this country. If New Zealand has already issued the invitation to Mr. Thomas, nothing can be done but to follow'the best traditions of national hospitality. If definite step in that direction has yet been made, the Government vould be well advised to postpone, meanwhile, such invitation.