TRIBUTE TO KING GEORGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1929, Page 1

TRIBUTE TO KING GEORGE.

U.S. ADMIRAL’S STORY. SAN FRANCISCO, December 20. Sympathy for the King of England's illness, and a tribute to his unfailing democracy, kindliness and charm of manner were expressed in Washington hy an American naval officer who saw much of His Majesty during the world war. Rear-Admiral Hugh Rodman, retired, who commanded the Sixth Battle Squadron as a part of the Grand Fleet under Admiral Sir David Beatty, recalled the King’s visits to the American fleet off Scapa Flow and Edinburgh. “'Fhe King made several official visits to the fleet and my flagship, the New York,” lie said. “While always 4 very dignified, he was extremely democratic and had a most pleasing personality, with a charming, easy, direct manner. “ On one occasion, when lie was inspecting the New York, and all thr men were mustered, he was kind enough not only to address several of the crew, hut selected one of the petty officers who Jiad distinguished himself, shook hands with him and entered into quite iin animated conversation. C “ Again, he visted every corner nl the slfip, even the engine room and the fire room. Then when 1 recalled to him an incident I had heard of a fast tiip l ” • had once made on a British cruiseout of Halifax, when lie had himself 1 shovelled some coal into the furnace, he at once did the same for the New York laughingly throwing in several shovels full of coal. “He was always most affable and V very cordial and it was always very 7 \ oasv and a great pleasure to talk to o I'""”