ABSENCE OF ROYALTY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1928, Page 2

ABSENCE OF ROYALTY

—— —a©*— at hardy ceremonial (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. Jan 18. Mr Arnold Benneti finds himself roundly assailed in a sheaf of letters published in the Daily Express in which paper he complained of the absence of Rovnltv from the Hardy cere-

monial. Air Bennett returns to the attack by saying that it is indisputable that the arrangements were shockingly had. With regard to Royalty, he says lie did not suggest that the King should he present. He realised that His Majesty for various reasons, could not lie there, and in any case such a suggestion from private citizens was gravely out of place. “I merely permitted myself to express respectful regret at tlieir absence. I repeat that a military funeral of similar importance would not have lacked the presence of Royalty. Although I have received scores of abusive letters, I maintain my position, and in maintaining it, I feel I am supported by a large number of citizens.”

The Daily Expres editorially says: “The Royal family are strong and secure enough in the respect and affections of the, country to stand the criticism of a sincere and reputable man of letters in Air Bennett’s position, but where Alt' Bennett was wrong, was in the assumption that the funeral of Afr Hardy could properly bo compared with that of a field-marshal or admiral. These, are in the direct pay of the State, and thus in the direct service of the King. Hr Hardy was in an entirely different position. It would he an intolerable burden on the King and Royal family, as well as a misconstruction of their functions, to expect their presence at even’ public funeral, and to witness the grief of relatives of one who was unknown in a personal or official capacity to the Royal family.”