UNDER A FIERCE LIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19439, 27 October 1925, Page 8

UNDER A FIERCE LIGHT

WHAT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES? : NOT TAKING LIFE SERIOUSLY YET. A CRITICAL CHARACTER SKETCH. LONDON, Oct. 25. . “It would be idle to hide the na- ! tion’s increasing anxiety regarding the Prince of Wales’ future well-be-jing,” says Mr. Gardiner, writing in the “Daily News.’’ I 4 ‘The nation desires the Prince to ’ fill as worthily as his father has done ! the greatest position the world has to I offer. Therefore it is narrowly scrut- • inising the promise of the Prince’s j development. The Prince has now i passed the age of ‘Prince Charming’ ; and reached the lago of seriousness ’ and responsibility. Nature has equipped him almost too abundantly with tho qualities of democratic kinship—- | his attractive presence and address, • high spirits, his ready smile and boyish impulsive manner, his indifference to I the niceties of formal etiquette, his I courage (amounting to bravado. His intellectual gifts are not remarkable, • but are sufficient to leave a pleasant impression and atmosphere of goodwill ! during his tour throughout the world. j “Behind these grounds for satisfacl lion, there is a widespread and grow- ' ing doubt whether the other qualities, : al.-o essential to his high position, ar«3 ! being equally as zealously cultivated 1 Lack of seriousness is excusable in . healthy youth; it is disquieting in the ; mature man. This view does not imply disapproval of the Prince’s love of sport, innocent amusement and compan- ' ion able temper, Lut it means that the public would be relieved to read less i about the jazz, drum and banjo of the Prince’s life. It is also not desirous ;of seeing photographs of the Prince ■ disporting himself as a girl in theatri- ' cals aboard the warship Repulse. “The publice would welcome some ' evidence that tho Prince is more deepiv concerned in serious interests, and : that his friendliness was combined with a trifle more discrimination in the i selection of his particular friends. The Prince’s future is of national and even world wide concern. As a ; man, in his genuine kindness of heart, ihe must wish to repay the nation’s affection and goodwill. He can repay i It by emulating his parents’ admirable i example in taking up some task, re- . fleeting interest in weightier matters ] of national life, in preparation for his i future responsibilities. Finally, the j nation would be relieved to find the i Prince settled in life. ”