PROPOSED ROYAL TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27570, 12 December 1950, Page 6

PROPOSED ROYAL TOUR

Princess Margaret To Be Included Resident Correspondent LONDON, Nov. 30. Although his discussions at Buckingham Palace in connection with the Royal Tour of New Zealand early in 1952 are going “extremely smoothly,” Mr A. G. Harper (Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs), said yesterday that he does not expect to have matters completed before the end of the year.

Detailed talks are now proceeding with the King’s secretary (Sir Alan Lascelles), the Queen’s private secretary (Major" Thomas Harvey), Brigadier N. ,W. Gwatkin, of the Lord Chamberlain’s office, and several other palace officials. Later Mr Harper will meet the King and discuss the proposed New Zealand itinerary with him. After obtaining his approval, final details will be released in the Dominion sometime next year. Mr Harper said present plans provide for Princess Margaret to accompany her parents but he added that the tour was still 15 months away and that intervening developments—such as her engagement and marriage—might preclude her going. He hastened to add. however, that he knew of no such impending development. In deference to the King’s state of health the tour will definitely not be a strenuous one. Mr Harper said that ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation were to be provided although he could say nothing further at this stage. He mentioned that the King’s doctors were extremely pleased at the rapid recovery made by His Majesty. The New Zealand tour will last about one month and will extend through both islands. There is a possibility of some air travel but it is likely to be kept to an absolute minimum. Buckingham Palace today confirmed a report that one of the Shaw Savill liners Ceramic, 15,896 tons, or Gothic, 15,902 tons, will be used for the tour. In this connection it is of interest to note that the King and Queen recently inspected the Corinthic, a sister ship to! the Ceramic, during a tour of tne London docks. Both the Ceramic and Gothic are post-war ships and have first class accommodation for from 70 to 80 which should be ideal for the royal party and accompanying press and broadcasting correspondents. On the South African tour the number m the royal party (excluding journalists, etc.) was approximately 30 and it is thought that about the same number will go to Australia and New Zealand.