Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 1920.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 1920.

OUR GREATEST AMBASSADOR. The Prime Minister of Great Britain dubbed tlie Prince of Wales "our greatest ambassador.” That was before the Prince made his royal tour of these southern seas- Since then 3?rince E'-l-ward lias returned from his grand tour, and speaking at the Guildhall this week, Mr Lloyd George, as if to confirm the title he had earlier accorded the Prince, said that Prince Edward by his tour had strengthened the invisible ties of Empire by ‘'his charm, the remarkable charm, the winning charm, the joyous charm of his personality.” Very aptly the Heir Apparent has been styled “Prince Charming” during the tour, and the Premier with his gift of expression had emphasised that title by the interpretation of the universal charm of manner and personality • which marked the Prince's ways with all with whom he came in contact. No less charming than his ways, was the happy (expression of his impressions of New Zealnd where he spent an all too short brief month, going and coming among the people of this Dominion. The Prince Jikened our loyalty to that of London itself, where the feelings of the people overflowed in such spontaneity of expression. It was a wise step to send the Prince abroad and • get into touch with the people. This ambassadorial duty was well done and. has left a lasting impression throughout the portions of the Empire visited. The Prince’s Guildhall speech stands out as the coping stono to that grand tour, and demonstrates how faithfully the duty was performed and how much the performance was a personal pleasure The Empire stands by the fidelity of the people. Farflung as it is, and remote as are many of its parts, it has a common centre in the and ruling house. The people look to the Sovereign ns the head of the family household, and that head respected, the family life will be one of concord. The present King is not a stranger to thousands of New Zealanders, and the future King is personally known to the people of the Dominion. This intimacy assures that this outpost of the Empire will continue one of the most loyal of the oversea Dominions, and a very tower. of strength to the solidarity of the Empire. Th? Prince of Wales has made possible a vlery considerable contribution to that desirable affection and loyalty. He came amongst us as one of ourselves, and mixed with the people interested in them and their livelihood. This intimacy and the charm and frankness with which it was carried out, endeared the Prince to the hearts of the people and made him the most beloved of the natfloni. He was a Veritable Charming in his winning ways widen were always so genuine and spontaneous. As Mr Lloyd George aptly judged the tour, the Prince was just as much at home in the Dominion as in London. Here, as there, Mie was among loyal and true subjects who regard him as a representative of that sovereignity which gives the Empire its might and power, and which is supplied by the fealty and affection of the people who delight in honoring the ruling house of Great Britain.