“Democratic Simplicity” Sir Dudley de Chair Tells of Visit to King George

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 608, 9 March 1929, Page 19

“Democratic Simplicity” Sir Dudley de Chair Tells of Visit to King George

Chair, on his return to Sydney after a holiday in Britain and New Zealand. "The King.” said Sir Dudley, "asked all about New South Wales, and told of the happy memories he held of his two visits to Australia. He inquired, too. as to how Sydney was growing, about the development. of the back country, and about the wool clip and the wheat yield.” The democratic simplicity of it all seems to be among the predominant impressions carried away by those people who have been received in audience by the King. It is that from beginning to end.

entirely lacking in the formalities and the trappings which one is wont to associate with Royalty and regal

occasions. The King wishes to meet someone. That ‘‘someone” receives a letter from the private secretary summoning him to attend the Palace at a stated time on a stated day. The person thus addressed presents himself at the Palace, and is ushered into j tiie King’s private sitting-room. The King talks to the visitor, the visitor to the King—thus is he received in audience. It may last for anything from a quarter of an hour to an hour; that depends on the circumstances. During the time the conversation may touch on any one of a thousand subjects. Charming Personality His Majesty has, it is said, a wonderfully happy capacity of making those whom he receives feel thoroughly at ease. Always they are

vastly impressed by his very human qualities and the charm of his personality. When he was in England. Sir Dudley de Chair was received by the King at Buckingham Palace. “That was just before his Majesty became ill.” said Sir Dudley to a Sydney “Sun” reporter. "He seemed very well then, and was in excellent spirits. ‘‘On all matters relating to the Dominions the King keeps himself closely and keenly informed.” Sir Dudley found Eu gland a charming spot in all its glory of autumn. “But,” he added. “I felt Australia calling all the time, and I’m delighted to be back. I have another year to stay, T am glad to say, but it will be a big wrench when the time comes to leave.”