VISIT OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Southland Times, Issue 738, 18 October 1867, Page 4

VISIT OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

It is not improbable that his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edustbttbgh has already reached the Australian shores. From the programme of his movements received by the Victorian Government by the last mail, it would appear that the Galatea with its noble commander may be expected in these latitudes about the first or second week in October. It is therefore reasonable to calculate that, at the latest, the Prince will visit New Zealand in December or January next. What preparations are being made in this colony to give His Eoyal Highness the reception a loyal people should award the son of the most beloved Sovereign, that ever sat on the throne of England ? But little as yet appears to iave been done. The General Govern-i-aent have been officially informed that he will visit New Zealand, and doubtless money will be forthcoming for a Wellington reception. But the question arises, shall the representative of Eoyalty he allowed to form his ideas of the importance of this colony from a visit to a Province, which, though the seat of Government, is inferior to nearly all others in productive capabilities? We think not. In order to give the young Prince a clear conception ofthe resources and value of the New Zealand possessions .of the British Crown every Province should be visited, and there is every reason to believe that such are the views of His Eoyal Highness and his Queen-Mother. In the despatch forwarded to the Governors of the Colonies, it was distinctly stated : that in making a visit to the colonies the Duke of Edingssas; wmA at obtaining* by personal

inspection, a correct estimate of the extent and value of Britain's Colonial dependencies, and to this end he placed himself in the hands of the respective Governors as to the localities he should visit — that when once on the Australasian shores, he looked upon the viceregal authorities as instructors as to his course of action, and would abide by their advice. The question arises, will he come to Southland ? "We believe he will if invited. It has already been officially announced that His Excellency the Governor has intimated his intention of recommending a visit to Otago, and there can be no doubt Southland will not be overlooked if a becoming invitation is givenp Is Southland prepared to give His Eoyal Highness a befitting reception? We think she is. There is now a Eifle Corps, scarcely inferior in numbers to those of the larger Provinces ; there is an agricultural country and agricultural enterprise unequalled in New Zealand, and a loyal people who will strain every nerve to give the Queen's sailor-son an enthusiastic welcome. Mr Harris, now a member of the General Government, and the Southern Island representative of that Government, in announcing the probability of the Duke of Edinburgh's arrival in Otago, intimated that the Galatea was so large a ship that it would be found desirable for His Eoyal Highness to come down in the Brisk, or some other moderate-sixed frigate, Port Chalmers not affording safe anchorage for the great ship. It is not for us to question this opinion. It may, however, be pertinent to the question to suggest a way out of tbe difficulty. The Bluff Harbor would be a safe port into which to bring the Galatea and keep her during His Eoyal Higness's stay in the Southern Provinces. If the Duke desires to see the country, and we believe he does, what better opportunity could be afforded than an overland trip"' from Invercargill to Dunedin. He would see more of true colonial enterprise in the three days journey than could be seen during months of popping in and out of the various provincial ports. It is within the compass of probability that if this suggestion could be carried out an escort of at least two hundred would be found to conduct the august party to the neighboring Province of Otago, and, we doubt not, give an impress so favorable to Southland as an agricultural country that time would never efface. An objection to this proposal may be advanced, — that if the Galatea did come to the Bluff Harbor and remain at anchor during His Eoyal Highness's sojourn in this Province and Otago, that a difficulty would arise in his reaching the ship at the time. of his departure. This argument is fallacious. With the advantage of the telegraph, the Galatea could at any time be at the Otago Heads to await the embarkation of the Eoyal party. The question is, however, shall we invite his Eoyal Highness to visit Southland ; and if we do, what steps should be taken to prepare for his reception. In Victoria a Eoyal Commission has been appointed, and we think it the best system to be adopted. It is not, perhaps, consistent to advocate a Provincial Commission, but it is advisible to nominate a number of gentlemen of Southland as a Eeception Committee, and recommend to His Excellency the Governor that in the formation of a Eoyal Commission for the colony representatives for this Province should be included, and selected from the names submitted. "We have *but little doubt that if an invitation is sent through the Governor to the Duke of Edinburgh, he will visit Southland, and the General Government supplement largely public contributions in order to enable us to give him a handsome reception. If this is to be done it must be done quickly. There is no time to be lost, and both the Provincial Government and the public should at once take the matter up in earnest. It is not to be supposed that the Government will, as on the occasion of the Governor's visit, provide all the funds for the reception of the Duke of Edinburgh, but we have no misgivings as to the liberality of the loyal Colonists of Southland. They will, we feel certain, by both labor and means, make His Eoyal Highness's welcome a more demonstrative affair than has yet been witnessed in this Province.