THE DUKE’S TOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20013, 22 January 1935, Page 6

THE DUKE’S TOUR

SEVERAL HONOURS CONFERRED minister knighted B? Telegraph —Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, January 21 A knighthood for the Hon. J. A. Young, Minister in attendance, headed the list of honours for personal services conferred by the Duke of Gloucester to-night at the conclusion of the official part of his New Zealand tour. The complete list is as follows; Knight Commander of the Victorian Order James Alexander Young. Commander of the Victorian Order Malcolm Fraser. Member of the Victorian Order Fourth Class W. G. Wohlmann. Member of the Victorian Order Fifth Class H. M. Patrick, transport officer. Royal Victorian Medals Inspector James Cummings. Senior Sergeant J. A. Dempsey. Sergeant P. Bolton. E. W. Jenkins, head waiter for the tour. Official Party Thanked With the conclusion to-day of the official section of the New Zealand tour of the Duke of Gloucester, opportunity was taken by Sir James A. Young to express the thanks of the Government to the members of the New Zealand official party who accompanied His Highness.

Addressing a parade of special police and detectives under Mr W. G. Wohlmann, Sir James said the work of all ranks had been magnificent and had won the warm-hearted appreciation of the Government.

The duties of some of the men had been particularly arduous, especially those who were responsible for the motor-cycle work. The detective branch, too, required special mention, because its members had been on duty without a let up throughout in the protection of the person of His Highness. The general rank and file, Sir James added, had discharged their duties with skill and tact, their work of controlling the crowds and regulating all forms of traffic being particularly commendable. “New Zealand is to be congratulated on having such a fine force imbued with the right sense of duty to the community.” he added.

Sir James communicated to the official chauffeurs the Governments thanks for their loyal and efficient services. It was not generally realised, apart from the ceremonial occasions, that the drivers had been at call continuously and at times had had to travel all night between railway engagements to ensure adherence to the following day’s schedule. The character of the men was most exemplary. Their work had been efficient to the highest degree. Sir James similarly addressed the baggage officers, whose work had been most exacting. It was a matter for congratulation and satisfaction that out of the 53 packages handled daily during the tour not one had been lost.

Sir James Alexander Young, who was bom in Auckland in 1875, is a dentist by profession. He unsuccessfully contested the Tauranga seat against Sir William Herries in 1908, but in 1911 was returned for Waikato and has represented the electorate ever since. He has been Minister of Health since 1926. Sir James, whose home is in Hamilton, was a member of the Borough Council for 10 years and three times Mayor. He also served on the High School Board of Governors, the Hospital Board and the Licensing Committee.