PRINCE'S NEW TITLE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1928, Page 2

PRINCE'S NEW TITLE

HEAD OK THE AIERC HANT FLEE’]’. (Australian A* X.X. C'siM** Association.) Tii mark his appreciation of the work iff the Merchant Service in peace and War. the King lias conferred a new title oil ilia Prince of \A ales— “Alnstor of Merchant Navy fil'd Filling Fleets.” His Majesty lias long considered how to link uji I Ik* merchant, services with other Empire services bv milking a royal titular head. Around the difficulty in choosing the title, an exhaustive search of historical records failed t,> reveal a precedent, hut the King believes that Master in the most suitable title Tlio t’fiilce (if Wales in future Will wear it Mercltilnt .Master’s uniform at .Merchant Service functions: It is understood that fife Briilc-e of Wales dew title is ilue solely to the King’s initiative. His .Majesty is insistent that it should not convey any suggestion of military rank, of imply a connection direct of indirect witll the i Ail miraity. 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 the new office remains to he seen, hut it is known that he is keen and intends to make tlio position n roal one. “Wo arc more than satisfied that our new master will lie a live wire," said one who Ims an opportunity to know. He becomes the iiiuiar head of the entire merchant fleet of the Empire, from ships like the Aquitnnia to the humblest barge.