ROYAL PILGRIM

Southland Times, Issue 20043, 3 December 1926, Page 7

ROYAL PILGRIM

THE DUKE OF YORK COMING COLONIAL TOUR HELPING TO UNITE ANGLOSAXONS (By Telegraph—Press Asm.—Copyright.) (Rec. S2O pjn.) London, December 1. A distinguished assemblage attended the Pilgrims' dinner. Viscount Cave, as chairman, was flanked by the Duke of York and the Prince of Walts. Lord Balfour, proposing the Duke of York’s health, said the Duke was going on a mission which was neither administrative nor diplomatic, but was no less important to the Empire on that account. None oould succeed so well as members of his house in achieving personal touch and thus uniting every part of the Empire.

Lord Balfour referred to the similar missions of the King and the Prince of Wales, but said he doubted if either knew the incalculable value of their services. The Duke of York's tour supplied a vital link, because it occurred after an Imperial Conference. It was said that there was nothing new in the resolutions at which they had arrived. “But what has never been explicitly stated,” he said, “is the moral and emotional base upon which the whole fabric exist. That has now been unanimously accepted. The new thing is not that there is no control by the Mother Country of selfgoverning dominions, but that the selfgoverning portions o£ the Empire explicitly regard themselves as elements in a great unity which does not depend on control but on common ideals. It is hard to accept the belief that a great Empire can exist without control For the first time we have announced to the world that we are an Empire of which the self-governing portions are united by something greater and more sublime and more effective. It is only now that the Empiee begins to be what it was predestined to be. It is only now brought home to its constituents that it is their business to manage their business as they please, but that they are all parts of a greater whole. lam certain the dominions will always be ready to offer their services to the Empire whenever the need arises. An Empire in which control no longer counts must depend upon personal intercourse and for this reason the service which the Duke of York is about to render will be immensely helpful. He comes of a family to which all citizens of the Empire loyally turn. He and the Duchess are singularly gifted for the task they have taken upon themselves. The services they will render cannot in the existing circumstances of the Empire be too highly overvalued. Therefore we not only grant them God speed because we love and esteem them on their own account, but because of the great service they are about to render to the Empire of which they are devoted children.”

The Duke of York replying to the toast of his health, said h ; hoped in the next six months to justify his claim to die title of pilgrim. He said: “The Pilgrims Soc-

iety’s object is the same as my journey, namely, furthering the good feeling in different portions of the Anglo-Saxon race. The Premiers of the Dominions made their first public appearance in England during the first Imperial Conference at the Pilgrims’ dinner in 1901. I share your belief that the way to promote mutual understanding

is by bringing people together. The main principle in finding a solution to great firoblems, whether political or industrial, is the personal touch, learning to understand even if we do not- agree with the other man's viewpoint. Lacking this atmosphere

suspicion is apt to arise among strangers. Personal contact must broaden the mind. That is why the Duchess and I are so keenly anticipating our Australian and New Zealand tour. We hope apart from official ceremonies to see for ourselves the people’s life and share their successes and difficulties. We are being given a great opportunity of participating in cementing the Empire and intend to avail ourselves thereof to the utmost. My brother, the Prince of Wales, has shown us the way. We regret that circumstances prevent including in the journey any American territory except Pan. am a. Who is there who does not believe genuine, lasting Anglo-American friendship is essential to the peace of the world, and the progress of humanity? I hope some day I will be enabled to promote this spirit. It will be a proud day when, like my brother, I can say now indeed am I a true pilgrim.”

Mr. Bruce paid a tribute to Lord Balfour’s services at the Imperial Conference. He said the Conference report was one of the most valuable documents ever presented in our history. “There is no necessity to stress the unity of the Empire,” he said, “It will be even greater than in the years that have gone. It rests upon our shoulders to take advantage of this.”

In wishing the Duke and Duchess God speed Mr Bruce offered them a warm welcome to Australia, particularly in view of the fact that they were opening the Commonwealth Parliament at Canberra. Among the messages of good-will read at the gathering was one from Mr. Coates.— A. and N.Z.

THE VISIT TO CHRISTCHURCH. WORKING MAN HAS HIS SAY. THE QUESTION OF EXPENSES. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, December 2. During a meeting of representative citizens convened by the Mayor yesterday to discuss the Duke of York’s visit a man dressed in working clothes protested that the meeting was not called at a convenient time for employees. He was not antagonistic but for the Prince's visit the £lOOO set aside for entertainm, t expenses had been exceeded by £6OO. After being assured by the Mayor that the grant this time would not be exceeded the man left remarking that he would have no time to serve on committees.