The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1920. THE PRINCE'S VISIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1920. THE PRINCE'S VISIT.

The Prince of Wales is losing no time in visiting the various portions of the widespread Empire over which his father reigns with such signal success. As soon as the Prince returned from Canada and America —a wonderful tour that is without parallel in the history of the English-speaking peoples of the Western World—arrangements were made for a tour of New Zealand and Australia. Wherever he went in his late journeyings—in the historic towns of Eastern Canada, in the raw settlements of the great plains, in the lumber camps, the mining villages, the Indian Heserves, and the throbbing streets of New York—the Prince met with an astounding and overpowering welcome that poured like a tidal wave about him. The people took him to their hearts with a spontaneity and sincerity which must have been most gratifying to him as well as to King George. This success was undoubtedly, in large measure, dm to his personality. Canadians and Americans found him just a kindly, charming, modest and unaffected English gentleman, who fitted in admirably with the democratic spirit which they prize so highly. For the time being, though an honored guest, he was at one with them in their hopes, aspirations and recreations. Moreover, in a quiet, unobtrustive fashion he had done his bit in the War,; had gone through the experiences, and faced the risks to which both Canadians and Americans were exposed, and was accorded a comradeship in arms as well as a high place in his hosts' hearts as the future head of the British Empire. The Prince showed Democrats and Republicans that it was not only possible, but natural, for the heir to the British Throne and Sovereignty of the greatest Empire known to the world, to be thoroughly and Imperially democratic in, spirit and in fact, thereby enabling the people to recast their ideas of a monarchy that, is as nearly perfect as it well can be, and the effect was plainly evident in the enthusiasm displayed over his visit. The loyalty and patriotism of New Zealand will undoubtedly ensure for the Prince a reception in every way commensurate with the best traditions of hospitality, and with a warm hearted affection and pride, the outward and visible signs of a deeply rooted appreciation of the liberty we enjoy under a ruler who can be- regarded with unforced esteem and respect, such as could not be paid to many of his predecessors to whom what may be termed democratic royalty would have been intensely repellant. At no time in history has the Royal office stood higher throughout the Empire than is the case to-day. The throne is regarded as an element of stability and permanence amid the shifts and changes of parties and opinions,, besides being the connecting link which keeps the whole worldrealm together. It is that consideration which gives importance to the Prince's tour beyond mere personal triumphs. The young Prince who is making hiraself ac : quainted with the units of the Empire is taking a step that must strengthen the bond of union, and should stimulate the people by liis example to arrive at a better understanding between the Dominions, a wider charity between the various classes which constitute each entity. Sir Sidney Low, in a recent contribution to the Observer, said in relation to the Prinee's western tour : "All the industrious propagandists and well-intentioned publicists who preach • an Anglo-American entente have scarcely done so much to attain their end as one Royal tourist in a few days of sight-seeing and easy social intercourse. It lias been an instructive, as well as an interesting, episode; and it offers large promise of influence and usefulness to the young Prince who played the leading part in it, and played it so well." With further opportunities of extending his influence the Prince will gain additional experience of the conditions which exist in the southernmost part of the Empire, and it may be taken for granted that everything possible will be done in New Zealand to make the Royal guest's visit a perfect success from every point of view, and that all classes will unite in the effort to make his tour of the Dominion a memorable event in its history;

REPATRIATION COMMITTEES. The claim was made at the last meeting of the New Plymouth Repatriation Committee that the. success attending repatriation 'in New Zealand, has been due largely to the work of the local committees. There is evidence to support the claim. The original scheme of appointing large committees and allowing them practically to settle the points of policy did not promise particularly well, but decentralisation contained the element of success, which was assured when all the administrative posts were filled by able and earnest men, and hearty co-opera-

tion was given by tlie Ministerial Board, which almost invariably adopted the recommendation? made by the committees. From unpromising beginnings has evolved one of the most efficient pieces of administrative machinery in operation in the Dominion to-day. To scrap it now, as lias been suggested by the Otago committee, would be a serious blunder, for it is capable of doing more valuable work. There is a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst injured or impaired returned men in regard to pensions and the circumlocutory process through which they have to go to have them reviewed or extended. In this, Kepatriation Committees could be of material service by considering the cases and the doctors' reports and making recommendations to the Pensions Board, The committees could also advantageously take over the housing and settlement of the returned men. One thing is certain, this aspect of repatriation is lagging and Inust be speeded up if justice is to be done to the men who are clamoring for houses and land. But why stop at repatriation of the returned soldiers? Why not utilise the whole of the present machinery for training in new trades or professions civilians who have met with injury or adversity, and setting them up again in life, as is being done with the ex-soldiers? To improve their efficiency and make them useful citizens again would be one of the greatest investments the country could make. Then there a,re civil pensions. Repatriation Committees, comprised as they are of representatives of every section, are in a much better position 4 to know what is best to be done in regard to renewing and granting these pensions than any Government department. The system, we are sure, could be adapted to serve the civil as well as the ex-soldiers' needs, and prove a source of great benefit to the community.