HIS TOUR AT AN END.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20278, 12 April 1934, Page 1

HIS TOUR AT AN END.

Prince George Travels 10,000 Miles. British Official Wireless. RUGBY, April 10. At the conclusion of his two months’ ; African tour, during which he has travelled 10,000 miles. Prince George to-day left Labito, Portuguese West Africa, in the liner Windsor Castle. The Prince has visited every part of the Union of South Africa, the native territories. Southern and Northern Rhodesia, the Belgian Congo and Angola. Wherever he went, whether among the white population or the natives, among the Boers or the British, at public receotions or at isolated stations, he was received with most cordial demonstrations of affection and loyalty. He gained personal contact with the normal life of the people in towns, on their farms, in the mines and in native kraals, and has gained an insight into the problems of each section of the population. The “Morning Post” to-dav remarks: “Prince George has carried through his mission with the charm and geniality which so many members of the Imperial Family have learned to admire in his eldest brother, and he will have enhanced the anticipations with which the peoples of Australia and New Zealand are awaiting his visit later in the year.” VISIT TO N.Z. King’s Personal Interest in Prince’s Tour. CANBERRA, April 6. It can be authoritatively stated that the delay in announcing the full itinerary of Prince George’s visit is largelv due to the personal interest being taken by the King in the visit of another of his sons to Australia. The King has been in daily touch with Prince George during his visit to South Africa, and has been consulted on the most minute details of the Australian tour. With the wishes cf the King to be ascertained, and the British Government to be consulted, as well as the Prince himself, considerable delay in finally approving the itinerary was unavoidable. it pointed out officially to-day. There is vo foundation whatever for the statement published in Sydney that the Royal visit is to be curtailed by a week to enable Prince George to spend extra time in New Zealand. Embarrassing Complaints. The period of the Royal visit to Australia, it was stated, had been finally announced. The Prince would land at Fremantle on October 4, and depart from Australia on December 10. These dates, which had been approved by the -King, would not be altered. * Published complaints of delav in announcing the full itinerary have been extremely embarrassing to the Federal authorities! because thev have been cabled to England. Hitherto it has not been possible to state that the delay—if such it can be called—has been due to the personal attention given by his Majesty to details of the tour. The King has intimated his desire to be satisfied with every detail befor* the itinerary is issued, and he wishes to consult Prince George personally on his return from South Africa this month upon certain of the Australian arrangements. The, Prince will journey to New Zealand in H.M.A.S. Australia and will later visit Fiji.