THE DUKE’S DEPARTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22476, 22 January 1935, Page 6

THE DUKE’S DEPARTURE

Ik its official aspect the Duke of Gloucester’s New Zealand tour was brought to a close last evening with his departure from Lyttelton in the cruiser Australia. His visit, almost needless to say, has been an occasion of intense interest and gratification to the people of this Dominion. Since he landed at Wellington on December 15, his Royal Highness has had a triumphal progress. The tour has been by no means of a leisurely character. Such a possibility was precluded by the necessity of compressing into five weeks an itinerary arranged on as comprehensive a scale as the circumstances would permit. Both in his journeyings and in the ceremonials in which he has been the central figure the Duke has indeed participated in a sufficiently arduous programme, and he will probably be more than ready for the relaxation to which he can look forward. But he has maintained to full expectation the tradition set by members of the Royal Family in their contacts with the peoples of the Empire overseas. As a royal missioner he has filled an exacting role in the happiest manner, manifesting a cordial interest in the life of this

community, and commending himself to all in his personal qualities. The people of New Zealand have been delighted to have the opportunity of expressing to him as the King's son and Royal Envoy their affection and regard for the Throne. The formalities and.addresses attending his tour have been the outward expression of a loyal sentiment which is deep-rooted in the hearts of his Majesty's subjects in this Dominion. It will be the hope of all that the Duke will carry away with him the happiest-of impressions of New Zealand and of its people, and will have found interest and instruction in the observations during, his brief visit. On their part, as the Prime Minister has said, the people of this country will retain lasting impressions of his. presence among them. The recognition at his hand, in honours conferred upon the Minister in attendance and others closely associated , with the tour, will be accepted by the public as an appropriate parting gesture of royal appreciation.