A GREAT WELCOME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 7

A GREAT WELCOME

THE ROYAL TOURISTS VISIT TO CHANNEL ISLANDS RUGBY, June 7. The people of Jersey, in the Channel Islands, gave the King and Queen a great welcome when they' stepped ashore at St. Helier to-day. Speaking at St. Helier, the King said: “It gives me great joy that you are now again restored to freedom and to your ancestral relationship with the Crown after a long period of suffering under enemy occupation. We join with you in the hope that the war against the remaining enemy may soon be brought to a victorious close, and that, under God’s good providence, the nations of the world may /enjoy lasting peace.”

The Bailiff, In reply, after giving assurances of the unshaken loyalty and devotion of the people of Jersey, said: “The island is profoundly grateful for the aid and succour so promptly and in so generous a measure brought by your armed forces.” The King and Queen, after an official reception, made a 15-mile tour round the island and were loudly cheered by crowds along the route. They talked to manv people, who told of experiences on the island during the German occupation.

After lunch the King and Queen left by air for Guernsey. In reply to an address by the King’s Bailiff at Guernsey the King- said: “ I have felt deeply for- my people in Guernsey and Sark throughout their long years under the occupation. It gives me great joy that the Channel Islands, the oldest possession of the Crown, are once again restored to freedom.”

Their Majesties returned to Enlland by air. The trip occupied one and a-quarter hours.. Their Dakota was accomnanied by a Spitfire escort, and a couple of Warwicks from the sea rescue squadrons were also in attendance.

ISLE OF MAN VISIT ARRANGED (Rec. 8 p.m.) RUGBY, June 7. The Government office in the Isle of Man announced that the King and Queen will visit the Isle of Man from July 3 to July 6. It is not yet certain whether Princess Elizabeth will accompany their Majesties. History will be made for the island on July 5, when the King, as Lord of Man, will preside at St.-Johns over the 1000-year-old open-air Parliament known as the Tynwald. There once a year laws are passed by the Manx Legislature. During the year they are promulgated in the English and Manx languages.