THE PRINCE’S BIRTHDAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19205, 23 June 1924, Page 6

THE PRINCE’S BIRTHDAY.

Upon the attainment to-day of his thirtieth birthday the Prince of Wales will enjoy the heartiest good wishes of the Empire. And the time-honoured “Many happy returns of the day 5 ’ will be no empty wish on the part of the millions who, in one way or another, give it expression, but a most sincere and cordial affirmation. For the Prince holds a unique place in the regard and affection of the people of the British Commonwealth, a place which he has won for himself by his own engaging personality and qualities. Bacon compared princes with heavenly bodies in a simile that was balanced with his usual skill. Nowadays the status of princes is regarded in a more terrestrial light, and as they acquit themselves in those things that most become a man so are they judged. It is their lot, by virtue of their position, to live largely in the public eye. “That fierce light which beats upon a throne,” to quote the well-known Tennysonian phrase, has a very real existence. An illustration in point was provided last week in the Old Country in a resolution passed by the Primitive Methodist Conference expressive of grave concern at the increasing association of Royalty with the turf. An anti-gambling deliverance, the resolution will evoke amusement or sympathy according to the disposition of those who ponder it. The traditions of a nation are precious in its eyes. Whether the British nation is the worse for its regard for the traditions of the turf is a question that is not to be definitely disposed of in an antigambling resolution. The Primitive Methodist Conference at Home deplores that the ruling House—having in mind perhaps the King as well as the Prince of Wales and the other princes—should take an interest in horse-racing. As everybody knows the Prince of Wales is not only interested in racing, but is himself a daring rider with a penchant for the steeplechase which has cost him not a few falls and injuries. His proclivities in this connection have, indeed, aroused some national concern for his safety. But in his interest in sport and manly exercises the Prince shows himself true to the national British type —a type which has stood rather well the test of its fitness to survive. Of his ability to excel in other activities of a more onerous kind—those connected with the discharge of the duties of his position—the Prince has given abundant evidence. As an ambassador of Empire he lias been successful beyond all precedent. His popularity is literally immeasurable; he stands upon a footing of his own within the Empire in this respect. A Prince who remains modest and unspoiled in face of such a national tribute commends himself irresistibly to the millions in whom loyalty to the Throne is. a steadfast principle.