THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1925. THE IMPERIAL AMBASSADOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19474, 8 May 1925, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1925. THE IMPERIAL AMBASSADOR.

It would be a splendid achievement if the latest of the Prince of Wales’s Imperial missions wore to bring about the healing of political and racial sores in South Africa. The idea is not fantastic, though extravagant optimism would bo out of place. Complimentary occasions lend themselves to expressions of generous commonplace, and enthusiastic words do not always represent corresponding action. . But the circumstances of the Prince’s reception at Capetown, as reported by cable, are pleasantly reassuring. It might go without saying that the Royal visitor quickly captured the hearts of the populace. Dunedin is acquainted with that unfailing and indefinable charm. But personal charm, compelling as its attraction may be, is not all important. The Prince’s ambassadorial qualifications are not confined to bis innate amenity. Ho is a public speaker of marked ability, and it may bo a mistake to suppose that bis considered utterances are the result of careful tutoring. In Wellington five years ago 1 bo delivered an address on serious matters of State which was obviously the independent expression of his own mind. His speech at the parliamentary dinner at Capetown on Saturday last seems to have produced a remarkable effect. An “ex-rebel” general has declared that “after Saturday’s speech the Nationalist views of Royalty would be very different from what they wore before.” The remark might seem to reflect upon the previous ignorance of Nationalists, but it is none the loss a valuable tribute. More explicit is the statement of the leader of the loft wing of the Labour Party that “if South Africa became a republic tomorrow, and the Prince were a candidate, he would bo unanimously elected President.” His visit, added Mr Kentridgo, would probably result iu “the killing of racialism and of the talk of secession once and for all.” Good and promising words, upon which, it is to bo hoped, the shadow of reaction will not fad after , the fervour of a special occasion has cooled down. General Hertzog declared tnat South Africa was deeply attached to the Prince and to the Throne. It cannot bo denied that the Imperial attitude of the South African Prime Minister has not been consistently unexceptionable. In the heat of parliamentary and electioneering controversy ho gave utterance to provocative and sinister expressions which must still rankle in unsophisticated minds. Ho may have done himself injustice, and at any rate his latest pronouncement of loyal allegiance should bo accepted with reasonable trust. The ideal of knitting the various parts of the Empire together in a brotherhood of free nations, mentioned by the Prince in bis Capetown speech, cannot be too steadily kept in view. Eveiy year contributes something to its realisation. Hie far-seeing statesman now lying desperately ill at Wellington has had his share iu the work. The Prince of Wales, N with unequalled opportunities and unique qualifications, follows with magnificent success the example set by his father and grandfather. The complete harmonisation of South African differences would be a goodly plume for him to add to the many decorations of his brow.