The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1927. THE ROYAL VISIT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1927. THE ROYAL VISIT.

Tiif. Duke and Duchess of York in that wonder ship, the Renown, something in itself typical of the might and majesty of the British Navy which is in fact the author of our being as an overseas nation, and the assurance of long life to the Dominion, will arrive at Auckland to-morrow. The Royal party consists of a great entourage in keening with the importance of the occasion. New Zealand is honoured certainly in being the first country to be visited on this memorable tour, assuring as it will a freshness and very personal interest in the movements of the Royal party from tomorrow onward. The present Duke of York is the son of our reigning King, who himself as Duke of York, with his Royal Consort, visited New Zealand a quarter of a century ago. Less than seven years ago the Heir Apparent was with us. To that New Zealanders have a knowledge and intimacy with the Royal Family which has made for the more intense loyalty and attachment to tile Crown head. The present visit to the Dominion is going to he a very comprehensive one. hr the time at their disposal, the Duke and Duchess are to cover the greater part of the country, and will visit all centres of interest. There is a degree of rush about the tour, which is unavoidable, owing to the distances to Ire covered in the time, but all parts are making the best of it, and the shortness of the stay will not be a factor to dim the fervour of the loyal greeting which will be extended to the Royal party. Many important towns in New Zealand wilft have the party with them only a few minutes—not permitting time to leave the. railway stations. Here, the party stop over one hour, enabling a public gathering to lie arranged for on Cass Square, where there is sure to be a great concourse of people on tho eventful date set down in the time

1. 1 1 ■ le. Our Royal visitors come with

reputations tor great, publie popularity at Home. Here where matters are freer

and more easy-going, they will no doubt, as the Prince of Wales did. find themselves equally at hum* with the people. There should, as no doubt there will he, much relaxation in forms and ceremonies laid down in the official hook of etiquette for such occasions. New Zealand claims to ho second to none in the matter of loyalty, hut is equally democratic, and the two spirits blend well. On that account the Royal vistors will find their reception cordial and whole-hearted. They come to us as the representative of His Majesty, the King, the head of a united Empire. 111 that exalted position they will he entitled to our fullest respect decorously conveyed. There have been some talk of demonstrations by un-

employed. The Mayor of Christchurch—himself a follower of Labor- - lias spoken .very sensibly on the point, and those disposed to ho recalcitrant in the matter might well review the position in the. light the matter has been put to them. Wo want to honor the visitors for their mission’s sake, and in particular should do nothing to dishonour them. The Government appears to have risen to the occasion by arranging as completely as possible for the tour, and it remains for the various Committees to see that each centre does its part. Tn particular, the children as the rising generation, should he kept in the forefront, and afforded the opportunity to remember and recall the visit with feelings of interest and pleasure. Its import lies in the fact that the visitors represent the Crown head of the gieat Empire to which we belong, and like the head of ally reputable house-hold, respect and honour arc due to that pivot of control. It, is the unity of the nation as a whole which assures solidarity. That strength assuies permanence, and means security and coin fort for the rising generation and for those who come after in the years following all of which it is hoped wiM witness the growing group of a Greater British Empire.