THE DUKE OF KENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 November 1938, Page 2

THE DUKE OF KENT

SURPRISE APPOINTMENT IBy Air Mail -Own Correspondent 1 LONDON. 3rd November. The Duke of Kent's appointment as ; Governor-General of Australia has , caused surprise and gratification in I London. There was a rumour of such an appointment eight or ten months ago, but it was scotched as being irresponsible. In the past three or four years the Duke has acquired the maturity essential for such a post, and in many respects he is the most engaging personality on the male side of the Royal Family. He is not yet an accomplished speaker in public, however, and doubtless he will use the interval between now and his departure next year to improve both his manner and his delivery for the occasions on which he will be called to preside at Dominion ceremonial. There could be no better feminine consort than the Duchess lof Kent one of the most attractive women in London, and one who has an invaluable personal charm, and the women of Australia will doubtless have an additional interest in a Duchess who 1 is an acknowledged leader of fashion in the home country. There is wisdom in the strengthening of Empire ties next year through the King’s visit to Canada and the Duke's journey to Australia. For 1939 will be an important year for British Imperialism. A colonial controversy is already rumbling down be- > low.