ROYAL VISIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22434, 2 June 1936, Page 11

ROYAL VISIT

HOPES IN ATTSTTi.AT.TA

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS PLANNING FIXTURE FOR 1938 [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, May 27 Arrangements have been made between the Commonwealth Government and the British authorities with the object of planning a Royal visit for Australia's 150 th anniversary celebrations in Sydney, from January to April, 1938. With the Premier of New South Wales now in England, those associated with the anniversary programme hope soon to be able to announce the name of the Royal visitor. When the celebrations were first discussed several months ago, it was unanimously the desire, not only of the organising committee and the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments, but also of the public, that the programme should have as its central feature the presence of a member of the Royal Family. Quite unofficially it was suggested that the Royal visitor might be King Edward himself. ''Entirely Practicable" This suggestion came neither from the Governments nor the organisation committee, but it undoubtedly was an expression of their dearest wish. A Sydney newspaper took up the question of an invitation to the King. In a leading article, it stated: "While it would have been unheard of for an English monarch to have left the centre of the Empire 50 years ago for an extended tour of what were then known as 'the colonies,' the increased importance of these Imperial units,.and the speed with which such a visit might be accomplished to-day, make such a visit entirely practicable." Duke and Duchess of Kent The idea now gaining ground is that the Duke and Duchess of Kent will be Australia's Roya] visitors in 1938. It is recalled that it was the Duke, then Prince George, who was delegated by his father to represent him at the Melbourne Centenary celebrations in IJo4. Ihe Duke, in view of his marriage, was unable to come, and the Duke of Gloucester took his place. Australians who have met the youngest Royal couple are certain that a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Kent would be as popular and as successful as that of the Duke and Duchess of 1927 an " 3erra celebrations in

An interesting suggestion is that the Duke and Duchess of York should allow their elder daughter, Princess Elizabeth, to accompany her uncle and aunt. That might be a responsibility that the Duke and Duchess, of York might not wish to thrust upon their illustrious relations, but Australians have learned to adore, from picture and story, the charming little Princess, and nothing would thrill them more than an announcement that she was to be in the Royal party in 1938.