THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1934. THE ROYAL VISIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22447, 17 December 1934, Page 10

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1934. THE ROYAL VISIT

While upon its formal and ceremonial side the reception accorded to the Duke of Gloucester on his arrival at Wellington on Saturday was suitably dignified and impressive, the significant feature of the occasion was after all the popular demonstration of enthusiasm over the actual presence of the King’s son in this Dominion. In this matter the citizens of Wellington, by virtue of their opportunity, reflected in their personal attitude the feelings of the people of New Zealand, who, throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion, had been anticipating with the greatest interest the moment of the Duke’s advent. When visits by members of the Royal Family are made to these shores, history must to' a large extent repeat itself. The people of New Zealand are proud to acknowledge to the Throne a loyalty that is not exceeded in any other part of the Empire. On the occasion of previous Royal visits, all notable events of their kind in the Dominion’s history which left memorable impressions, this loyalty was expressed in an enthusiasm which may be repeated but cannot conceivably be exceeded. The Duke of Gloucester comes among us fresh from his tour of the Australian Commonwealth, and from participation in scenes of pageantry with which this country could scarcely hope to vie, even if it so desired. But his Royal Highness will doubtless appreciate some lowering of the pitch of preparation against his progress so far as this brings him into touch with the larger centres of population in this country. He will no doubt particularly welcome his opportunities of seeing the real New Zealand, and of gathering his own impressions of its natural characteristics and of the disposition and manner of life of its people. While the Duke’s visit to this country had its inspiration in his important mission to a sister dominion it has, of course, a significance of its own. His, tour, in which he will tread more or less closely a route taken over a generation ago by the King and Queen, will not lack an historical background. In a relatively young country such as this, history, which fills the gap between the beginnings and the present day, is written quickly. What the Crown and the Flag have meant to New Zealand there is little need to emphasise. They are the symbols that stand, for the people of this Dominion, for practically every privilege they enjoy as citizens of, and partners in, the great Empire to which they are so fortunate as to belong. Distance from the heart of that Empire has in their case not diminished their affection for the Throne and their regard for the British tradition. Almost, indeed, it might appear to have intensified these feelings. In the wellchosen words of his address of welcome to the Duke of Gloucester on Saturday the Governor-General fittingly emphasised the traditional satisfaction with which New Zealanders acknowledge the bond which joins them to the Mother Country. The wish of the whole community will be that the tour of his Royal Highness in New Zealand may afford him as much pleasure as it will experience in the presence of such a guest. These visits of Royalty to different parts of the Empire have, as must be recognised, a very definite value. The members of the Royal Family have travelled. extensively, and in so doing they play a part which no deputy could fill. The trust in the Monarchy which is manifested by Britons overseas has a dual foundation. It is based on their belief that, in its conjunction with the existence of democratic political institutions, the Monarchy -represents a system of Government which is more satisfactory and more efficient than any to be found outside the Empire, and on their affection for the Royal Family and their esteem for the personality of its members. For New Zealanders it is naturally a matter for regret that their opportunities of seeing representatives of the ruling House are necessarily so few. In no aspect will the visit of the Duke of Gloucester afford greater satisfaction to this community than in the establishment for it of another of those personal contacts with the Throne which they can hope to enjoy only at rare intervals.