HOMEWARD BOUND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22314, 26 April 1947, Page 5

HOMEWARD BOUND

ROYAL FAMILY CAPE TOWN’S FAREWELL MEMORABLE SCENES (11 a.m.) CAPE TOWN. April 25. I-I.M.S. Vanguard, with the Royal Family aboard, left Cape Town at 2 p.m. for Great Britain. Cheering crowds at the dockside saw the Vanguard leave and remained there singing after the battleship had gone. Their Majesties and the Princesses stood for a long time on the special fore turret, waving and smiling. The South African Prime Minister, General J. C. Smuts, • in a farewell speech at the State luncheon to-day, said that South Africa was confident that Britain would emerge from her present trials once again the leader of wise and moderate opinion in a world “tormented by uncertainties and perils as never before.” Warm Tribute to British General Smuts added: “We should like to take the opportunity of sending a special greeting to the people of Britain who have so generously spared you for us at a time when, after the endurance of war, they are yet called upon to undergo still further sacrifices in order that the peace for which we fought may not have been fought in vain. “Our thoughts are constantly with them and our hearts are with them in their anxieties and heroic endeavours.” General Smuts said there had never been in the history of South Africa such personal and national emotion as the Royal visit had inspired. The after-effects would endure and become part of South Africa’s history, continuing as a beneficial influence and moulding the Dominion’s national life. Thrilled By Meeting All sections of the people of all races and colours had been thrilled by meeting the Royal Family and their lives had been enriched. The Royal Family had seen South Africa, its human drama and its men, women and children. The people’s warm and sincere welcome must have made an even deeper appeal than the wonders of the land they lived in. “For this opportunity to make your personal living acquaintance, we thank you most sincerely,” added General Smuts. ‘Your visit in the • true sense has been a revelation to us who, in pur simplicity, never expected such an experience. We can but thank you for the opportunity your visit has given to us to demonstrate the strength of our gratitude and our affection and devotion to the Royal Family. “While we bid you goodbye, we would add ‘tot siens’ (see you again). Loyalty Affected His Majesty, replying, said: “The curtain is being rung down on a visit almost unique in the history of the British Commonwealth but which, I hope, will be less unusual in future.” The journey through the Union had been more than merely interesting and enjoyable; it would be remembered because of the generous measure of loyalty and affection that all sections of the people had given them. He thanked General Smuts for his message of sympathy to the British people which would strengthen them in the struggle they were waging against the present difficulties. “You are the first Dominion we have had the privilege to visit after the war,” added His Majesty. ‘ It has been a great source of’.comfort to see how quickly South Africa is recovering from her great war effort. The British people are aware of your progress. Your confidence in them is fully reciprocated in their confidence in you and your future. Courage and Vigour Admired “From all I have seen on this visit, I admire the courage and vigour with which your people grapple with the task before them.” His Majesty said there was no reason to doubt that South Africa would sueceed in building up a great Y with a high honoured place in Africa and among the nations of the world. They would have the British peoples full support. “The time has come for us to say goodbve,” concluded His Majesty. We have this consolation that we carry away very happy memories of a goodly land and a kind, friendly and warmhearted people.” . Princess Elizabeth received more than £200.000 in cheques for the relief of British flood victims from the people of South Africa before the Royal Family were due to say good-bye and sail for Britain in H.M.S. Vanguard. The voyage home will occupy 1< days. Unqualified Success “The Royal tour of South Africa was an unqualified, triumphant success, says The Times’ correspondent in Cape Town. , , . The “correctness” of the welcome to the Royal Family was never throughout the country in question. The prevmus fears that the Republican Nationalists might be politically awkward proved groundless. The threat of an Indian boycott was never serious or represen- ( the fervour of the welcome amazed many people South Africans of all colours fell m love with the Queen, whose charm transformed loyalty and politeness or just curiosity into almost adoring devotion. The cheers that rang out all down Adderley street from Government House to the quay contained the sadness of farewell but the dominant note was of rejoicing over the triumphant success that attended every stage of the tour. Stirring Farewell Scenes The King, Queen and Princesses were amidst a throng of Cabinet Ministers

and distinguished persons on the leavetaking dais. All were smiling happily over the many good friendships that had been cemented. Stirring songs, such as “Will Ye No Come Back Again” and “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Auld Lang Syne” swelled from the tossing sea of waving handkerchiefs and fluttering flags on the quay as the Vanguard edged away. * Their Majesties, as the ship receded, were seen waving until out of sight. The correspondent adds: “It is highly unlikely that the tour will have any direct effect on South African politics or that it will affect the voting at the next election.” The newspaper Cape Times says: “The Royal Family’s gracious example of keen interest in current problems, without the slightest touch of political partisanship, must have an effect on the manner of our political outlook, even though political convictions remain unaltered.” The Royal Family also received the tour chauffeurs. Their Majesties will say their formal farewell at a State luncheon to-morrow when the Prime Minister, General J. C. Smuts, will give presents, as gifts of the Union, of gold tea service to the Queen, diamonds for the Garter Star to the King and a diamond bracelet to Princess Margaret. Princess Elizabeth, delivering her last speech of the tour as Chief Girl Guide Ranger of the British Empire said: “I thank all fellow guides who joined in celebrating my birthday. You have done splendid work in the war. I am sure that you realise there is much to do in peace.” j When Their Majesties were tetrolling on the top of Table Mountain to-day, the Queer’s hat blew off. General Smuts retrieved it and picked out one of the beautifully shaded feathers and stuck it in his own hat. When General Smuts apologised to photographers because they could not get a good view of the feather, His Majesty removed the hat and turned it sideways so that the feather could be seen waving in the breeze.

GIFTS COSTS £28,000 I

(10 a.in.) CAPE TOWN, April 25. The Prime Minister, General J, C. Smuts, told the Assembly that the cost of gifts to the Royal amily during the tour totalled £28,000. This included a South African purchase value of the diamonds presented, although the Government had incurred no outlay because the diamonds had been supplied from stocks.