QUALIFICATIONS OF NEW KING

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 309, 15 December 1936, Page 6

QUALIFICATIONS OF NEW KING

) HIGH ’IDEALS ARE SHARED BY HIS QUEEN. BY PERSEVERANCE -AND COURAGE HE HAS 11 OVERCOME INFIRMITIES. > LONDON, December 10. “Of the many visitors we have had I have not met one who has asked more questions or showed greater understanding of our funda- , mental problems; he does like getting to the bottom of things,” was r the remark of the manager of a large business in one of the principal ) British manufacturing cities when summing up the personality of the ’ Duke of York, says the Times. t “These remarks apply equally to his interest in domestic and [ New Zealand and Australian tour, in which he recorded people he J Dominion affairs, which are shown by the diary he has kept of his 1 met and every conversation whiqh afforded something valuable, ’ 1 The Times adds. “The Duke of York may to an outsider appear ■ to be somewhat aloof, but his appearance is deceptive. Five minI. utes’ talk with him reveals'him as well-informed, anxious to serve ! j his fellowmen, to comprehend their difficulties and maintain to the full extent the high traditions of the family position. “As a boy the Duke of York suffered a slight speech defect, inducing shyness which might have produced lifelong results. Nevertheless, guided by skilled advice, but mainly through his own .perseverance and courage, he conquered the infirmity, traces of which manifest themselves only on rare occasions. “While the Duke of York is extremely conscious of the dignity lof the Crown and all it stands for, he is intensely human. Proof of ! this is shown at his annual boys’ camp. The Duke possesses an as- ; tonishing memory. He is an excellent shot and a good horseman, [ tennis player and golfer, and a keen gardener. He has many great i qualities and ideals. He has a will of his own but is always ready to t discuss a point with those not agreeing with him. Advice from re- ; sponsible quarters is not taken amiss. I High ideals Shared. , I “His consort shares the Duke’s high ideals. Apart from per- ; sonal charm she has the gift of quickly putting people at ease. She > ' possesses an unfailing sense of humour and an imperturbable tern- | ! per. Every genuine case of suffering appears to her sympathy, but ! i she is swift to detect professional begging. The Duchess’ powers of I I observation are acute. Little is not noticed when she is visiting a ! hospital or public institution. Committees would be astonished if ; they heard her private comments, especially when there has been a ; superabundance of eyewash, which both she and the Duke abomin- j ate. That is one of the reasons why the princesses are brought up j in an atmosphere of simplicity. Realising how Princess Elizabeth i might get her head turned, she is forbidden flattery and adulation, but I she and her sister are taught to acknowledge a crowd’s greetings, I good manners being strictly insisted upon. “The Duke and Duchess of York aimed to educate their daughters to be natural, unselfish and upsoilt, in which they are remarkably successful. Both love animals and keenly enjoy life. They are devoted to tjieir parents, and a more affectionate and united family it would be impossible to find, or one more ready to carry out more whole-heartedly any task, however onerous.”