The Waikato Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1934. THE ROYAL VISITOR

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19451, 15 December 1934, Page 6

The Waikato Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1934. THE ROYAL VISITOR

Having now set foot on New Zealand soil, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, has entered upon the second stage of Ins long and comprehensive Empire tour. He will have already receive \ OCI ferous assurance of the welcome with which his visit is leceive in this Dominion, and as he proceeds on his onerous task con veying the personal representation of the King into the di ® ien centres of New Zealand, his duties will be greatly eased, no dou .y the warmth of the reception which awaits him he is to appear.

Although he is the third member of the Royal Family to visit these islands, Prince Henry will find that enthusiasm and interest in his arrival will not be one whit the less. On the contrary memories of the visits of his two elder brothers and the chaiming Duchess of York have lingered long, and have left in our minds a particularly favourable predisposition towards any other membeis of the Family to visit us.

In these democratic days much of the awe and glamour associated with kings and princes have passed. Those wb*> sit on thrones have been bereft of much of their former power. The British monarchy, however, whose power was constitutionally limited hundreds of years before other European rulers discovered to their cost that unrestrained power was an easy gateway to oblivion, has strengthened its position through the ages. The British Crown was never more secure on the head of the monarch than it is now, and never was it more widely recognised that the destiny of the Empire is inextricably interwoven with the future of the dynasty;

The keystone of our widely divided Empire is the throne, and Britons everywhere are united in loyalty and affection to him who in his own pei’son represents the majesty of Empire. It may be only sentiment, but sentiment is essential to concord. For that reason the existence of the British Commonwealth of Nations without a visible overlord is unthinkable. Without that personal tie provided by the Royal House, the various minor difficulties which arise from time to time unavoidably in so widely scattered an Empire would bring about a dispersal and a dissolution which would not only be catastrophic for ourselves but disastrous for the world. .

To this Royal Henry, whose name betokens his descent from the longest line of English kings our welcome is heartfelt and spontaneous. The emotions that his presence evokes are not such as Britons find easy to express. We shall prefer to show our feelings by making him one of us. Let there be no unpleasant show of snobbishness abput the details of his visit. We are all members of one community, but it is inevitable that some should come in closer contact with the Royal guest than others. The stiffness of our respect for his position will doubtless be'melted by our regard for him as a man. That depends upon himself. In the meantime wo can all wish him a pleasant and profitable sojourn amongst us.