THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1715, 22 May 1917, Page 2

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

TRIBUTES to the capacity sljoavh by the Prince of Wales in the discharge of public services Avere made in the House of Commons recently,, in reference to His Royal Highness’ chairmanship of the Pensions Committee.’ With the establishment of a Central Pensions Department, the poAvers of the Statutory Committee under the War Pensions Act were placed under the control of a Minister. Referring to the matter" in the House of Commons, Mr Bonar Law said Mr Asquith, Avho Avas then Prime Minister, “felt it Avas map-

propria te that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales should continue to act as chairman of the committee after they had lost their full independence. Acting on my right hon. friend’s advice, His Royal Highness has accordingly resigned. I think it only right to add that during the tenure of his office His Royal Highness took deep and continuous interest in all the proceedings of the committee —(cheers) —and in the performance of the first public duties of this nature which he has undertaken he has shown a. zeal for Ihe public service, and more particularly that part of it which relates to the welfare of our sailors and soldiers, which may inspire the country with confidence as. to the contribution to (he national service which may be expected from him with increasing years. (Cheers). I think I ought also to add, that during His Royal Highness' tenure of office as chairman the Statutory Committee have laid the foundation of a system of pensions and allowances to our soldiers and sailors and their widows and dependants more humane and generous in its provision than any which had, previously existed.” Mr Asquith also paid a tribute to the invaluable services of the Prince of Wales as chairman of the committee.