THE ROYAL TOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19943, 30 October 1934, Page 10

THE ROYAL TOUR

POINTS OF ETIQUETTE RESTRICTION ON GIFTS An outline of the correct procedure for those taking part in functions connected with the visit of the Duke of Gloucester has been issued by the Department of Internal Affairs. During his visit to Wellington and Auckland the Duke will be the guest of Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe at Government House. For the remainder of the New Zealand tour, His Royal Highness will be the guest of the Government. As on the occasion of former Royal visits, it is the pleasure of His Majesty that the Governor-General be given precedence of the Duke ,and the Governor-General will not, therefore, accompany His Royal Highness on the tour. In response to numerous inquiries on points of prescriptive etiquette, the following information concerning established practices is given:— No gift will be accepted from commercial firms or private individuals unless in very exceptional circumstances, or unless the individual is personally known to the Duke of Gloucester. Mementoes from representative bodies may only be accepted on the recommendation of the Governor-General. It is desirable, however, that such presents be reduced to a minimum. No Trade Recognitions Applications from trading firms for an official warrant or for the patronage of His Royal Highness cannot be granted, as only the King, the Queen and the Prince of Wales can give these official recognitions. The use of photographs or representations for advertising and similar purposes is not approved. Unless in very exceptional circumstances, applications for autographs cannot be favurably entertained. On those occasions when the Royal guest is staying at hotels or private residents, it is deemed unnecessary that the Duke of Gloucester’s standard be flown. It has been ascertained that it is not the custom of His Royal Highness to take tea in the middle of the morning, and while he is not anxious to deprive others of this privilege, he would himself prefer to devote the extra time to meeting the people and seeing points of interest. At official functions during the daytime, morning dress would be correct for civilians actually taking part in formal proceedings or appearing on the platform with His Royal Highness. Alternatively, a dark lounge suit and bowler hat would be suitable. Addresses of Welcome It is desired that the various local authorities at each place of call join in presenting one combined address of loyal welcome. Other bodies—religious, etc.—may, with the approval of the Governor-General and by arrangement with the local authorities, hand to the Duke of Gloucester at civic functions loyal addresses of welcome, and it has been decided that His Royal Highness will acknowledge all addresses at each place in one comprehensive reply. His Royal Highness will not make a speech at civic functions other than in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Proposed addresses of welcome should be sent, in duplicate, as soon as possible and not later than October 31, to Sir Cecil Day, C.M.G., private secretary to His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Government House, Wellington, for submission to His Excellency and His Royal Highness. Either of the following forms of address will be appropriate:— (a) His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. (b) His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, K.G., P.C., K.T., G.C.V.O.