The Guardian And Evening Star, with Which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1927. A LOYAL WELCOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with Which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1927. A LOYAL WELCOME.

The loyal welcome being extended to the Ducal pair on their triumphal progress through New Zealand is evidence in full of the abiding loyalty of the people of the Dominion. That full degree of loyalty and respect for the Throne has manifested before in various forms, but here and now we have a repetition of something of an amplification of all that has gone before. The people en masse have displayed the fullest regard for the King’s representatives, who have received a reception and a welcome which would be a worthy tribute to His Majesty •himself. To-morrow we will have the I representatives of Royalty here with us, and in the brief time at their disposal we may be sure there will he as fervid a demonstration as anywhere to the distinguished visitors who are honoring New Zealand by a personal visit. The occasion is one which will bring the people into personal touch with those in high places whence is assured the stability of our Empire. Both personages are distinctive. The Duke has performed worthy service and taken keen interest in Empire matters. He has a record for not shirking duty, and on sea, and in the air has won distinction for the discharge of responsible duties which fell to Ills lot. In peaceful pursuits he has taken a keen interest in industrial affairs, and never spares himself as opportunity offers to he informed of the possibilities of Empire trade. Ho is credited with being shy and retiring, but those are traits becoming the student and one keen to know rather than

to he known. But in his present mission he has a strenuous task, and the capable manner in which lie is disposing of the duties which arc his daily round, stamp him as a devotee to duty, one'ready and prepared to carry on. in* the fulfilment of the task which has been set him. The Duke has beside him a wonderful help-mate, one of those ra.ie pers audit ies who conquers as she goes. The Duchess holds pride of place wherever she goes, and is one altogether worthy to he the Second Daily of the Empire. The Duchess of York from all accounts has a winning personality which attracts and holds, and she has become the mired of all admirers. Her life, too, has been one of hnppv service. She has the happy knack of going about and doing good, and bus won a place in the hearts of the nation which makes her very dear to all. The Royal pair thus command a loyal welcome, for they win ii bv their own personal achievements and delightful charm of manner. The visit to Now Zealand and the extensile tour in the time at disposal is an occasion for remembrance. To many, and to the children in particular, it will he a historic milestone, something to count hack- to. Many can recall the visit of the present King in. 1901, and a greater number recall the visit of tho Prince of Wales in 1920. Both have left happiest memories. The present visit: will add to tho store of memories and assists us to appreciate the permanence of our Empire. The Duke and Duchess are displaying a special interest in the children As a young father and a young mother this is but natural, and in the time of enforced separation from their own offspring they will have the sympathy and regard of all uho appreciate all that family life means. In the same way the young children all through the Dominion will appreciate and remember the kindly words of the Duke and the tender smile of the Duchess. The Ducal pair are winning their way into the hearts of all New Zealand, and it is fortunate that here in this outpost of the far Dominion we have the opportunity of coming in personal touch with the lepresentatives of the House of Windsor, and extending to them and indirectly to the King, the abiding loyalty of the people of Westland who to-morrow will welcome the Royal visitors hcnrtilv.