THE ROYAL VISIT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20440, 19 October 1934, Page 7

THE ROYAL VISIT.

Speeches in Four Centres Only. CEREMONIES AND DRESS. During his visit to New Zealand the Duke of Gloucester will not make a speech at civic functions other than at Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. This information is set out in a statement issued by the Department of Internal Affairs and received in Christchurch to-day. An outline is given of the correct procedure for those taking part in functions connected with the Royal visit. During his visit to Wellington and Auckland his Royal Highness will be the guest of their Excellencies, Lord 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 his Royal Highness and the Governor-General will not, therefore, accompany" his Royal Highness on the tour. Rules of Etiquette. In response to numerous inquiries on points of prescriptive etiquette, the following information concerning established practices will be of interest generally’ and in particular will serve to assist those responsible for the arrangements at local centres:— No gift will be accepted from commercial firms or private individuals unless in very exceptional circumstances, or unless the individual is per sonally known to the Duke of Gloucester. Mementoes from representative bodies may only be accepted on the recommendation of the GovernorGeneral. It is desirable, however, that such presents be reduced to a minimum. 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 favourably entertained. On those occasions when the Royal guest is staying at hotels or private residences, it is deemed unnecessary that the Duke of Gloucester’s standard be flown. No Morning Teas. 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. It is desirable 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 Roy’al Highness will not make a speech at civic functions other than at Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

It has already been announced that 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.

It is to be noted that either of the following forms of address will be appropriate:—

(a) His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

(b) His Roval Highness the Duke of Gloucester, K.G., P.C., K.T., G.C.V.O.