THE DUKE OF YORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1922, Page 5

THE DUKE OF YORK.

INTEREST IN AUSTRALASIA. HOPES TO PAY A VISIT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. London, Jan. 28. The Duke of York was the guest of honor at the Australia Day luncheon. Sir Joseph Cook, who presided, warmly welcomed the Duke, and assured him that he would have a great welcome if he could see his way to visit Australia. The Duke, in reply, said, like the rest of his family he felt that he belonged as much to Australia and New Zealand as to the Motherland, and he said he hoped circumstances one day would permit him to visit Australia. The invitation strengthened his belief that these sentiments, were reciprocated. His knowledge of their great country was limited to the results of reading, and what his brother had told him, but he could assure them that when circumstances allowed and good fortune favored him, Australia would receive no more willing and interested visitor than himself. „ , He had learned that New Zealand was a country of magnificent scenery, as attractive as one might find anywhere. When Captain Phillip landed at Port Jackson 134 years ago he could not have foreseen how swiftly the country would grow in greatness. When an Anzac soldier was seen walking in our streets we recognise in his lithe stab wart figure an epitome of British breeding under a kindlier sun and in a freer air than was possible in these more crowded islands. With the famous Anzacs, whose deeds added such lustre and imperishable renown to Australia and New Zealand, each had very good ground for faith in herself. On Sir James Allen’s motion a vote of thanks to the Duke of York for his speech was carried enthusiastically. Aub.-NJA Cable Assn. I