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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 117, 15 February 1928, Page 11

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FOR PRINCE OF WALES CONFERRED BY THE KING MASTER OF MERCHANT NAVY AND FISHING FLEETS By Telegraph.—press Association. Copyright. (Rec. February 14, 8.25 p.m.) London, February 13. To mark appreciation of the work of the merchant, service in peace and War, the King, has conferred a new title on the Prince of Wales, that of Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets. His Majesty has long considered how to link up the merchant services with other Empire services by making Royalty the titular head. He found a difficulty iu choosing a title. Exhaustive search of historical records failed to reveal a precedent, but the King believes that Master is the most suitable title. The Prince of Wales in future will wear a merchant master’s uniform at merchant service functions.—A.P.A. and “Sun.” (Rec. February 14, 10.15 p.m.) > London, February 14. It is understood that the Prince of Wales’s new title was due solely to the King’s initiative. His Majesty was insistent that it should not convey any suggestion of military rank or imply connection, direct or indirect, with the Admiralty. The King devised the title himself, rejecting the alternatives of commodore, governor, and warden. The authorities consulted considered it impossible to improve on the King’s own suggestion in the matter. How the Prince will interpret his new office remains to be seen, but it is known that he is most keen and intends to make the position a real one. “We are more than satisfied that our new master will be a live wire,” said one who has opportunity to know. He becomes the titular head of the entire merchant fleet of the Empire, from ships like the Aquitania to the humblest barge.