The Wanganui Chronicle. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1026. THE ROYAL VISIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19719, 9 December 1926, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1026. THE ROYAL VISIT

The farewell gatherings for the Duke and Duchess of York given the other day by the Pilgrims’ Club and now by the Australian and New Zealand Club in London have shown the Duke in a pleasing light. His speeches have been simple and straightforward, revealing the seriousness of his conception of the high duty that he has to fulfil. Canberra, of course, is the principal objective of the long journey soon to be undertaken, and the Duke makes it clear that he is fully sensible of the importance of his task there. He is to “open Canberra,’’ to instal Australia’s representative Parliament in the new capital, and that is a great mission. But it is also evident that the visitors will be keen to get into touch with the people of Australia and New Zealand and learn something of life in these outposts of the Empire.

In describing the Duke as an ambassador of Empire Mr Bruce has used a familiar phrase, but one that loses nothing through familiarity. Service to the Empire is regarded as a privilege and a duty in the Royal Household. The King himself is the honoured sovereign of domains that spread Throughout the world. Since he came as Duke of Cornwall and York to visit the Dominions of the South Seas the Empire has expanded and developed. The Dominions have found a new part in the nation’s work and a new place in the nation’s councils. King George has kept in touch with this growth, taking a keenly personal and practical part in the affairs of the Empire. It is said that during thS Great War he was the hardest-worked man in the realm, and his sons have been imbued with the same ideals of service.

The Prince of Wales has toured Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, India and the Orient, and Africa as a veritable ambassador of Empire. He has accomplished great tasks with singular success. The Duke of York is about to undertake a similar mission, and his record of service at Home indicates his ability to carry it through. He has taken as his especial care the industrial and social well-being of the people among whom he lives, and he has shown remarkable insight and sympathy in the performance of his self-imposed tasks of social service. His interests and his experiences alike suggest that he will really try to get into close touch with the lives of the people whom he meets abroad, and that is a sufficient guarantee that the Duke and Duchess will be very welcome in this country.