THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

West Coast Times, Issue 672, 19 November 1867, Page 2

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

It will no doubt be satisfying to our Grey River contemporary if we reproduce the latest specimen of taste and good sense from the columns of the " best conducted journal in New Zealand." The following leading article appeared in the " Argus " of Saturday la«t, and is unquestionably a credit to the press of the colony: — " ' There is no place like Hokitika, and the West Coast Times is its prophet.' We might also add a variation of another Eastern proverb, 'If the Duke of Edinburgh won't come to Hokitika, Hokitika must go to the Duke.' The Hokitika prophet is exceedingly anxious that the Duke should visit the palatial metropolis of the ' County of Westland, 1 and strives to assure its devotees that the desired consummation of its wishes can be accomplished. The reasons adduced for dragging England's second son to a town of sand, wood, and calico are profound, and no doubt commend themselves to the practical minds of the citizens. The prophet does not profess any special feelings of loyalty or devotion to the Boyal Mountain. On this occasion at least it casts all delicacy or sentiment on one side, and takes a public-house — if not a public — view of the matter. "The Celt" itself could not dispose of the " divinity which • dotli hedge a King" in a more summary manner. And really perhaps it is as well that such should be the case. Boyalty has fallen so much into disrepute in these degenerate days, that it can hardly be complained of that the Hokitika Prophet should,treat Prince Alfred as it would a collection of wild beasts, or the last curious monster from the deep. No doubt it is worth consideration whether, as the people throughout the British dominions contribute towards the maintenance of its reigning family, they should not be entitled to turn them to profit if possible. And taking tins view of the matter it is not surprising that efforts should be made to turn the Duke of Edinburgh into sixpenny nobblcrs for the benefit of the Bonifaces of Hokitika. As the Prophet in one of its last utterance- properly puts ifc_" It will be necessary that some early movement should b« made, if it is desired the district should enjoy the benefits naturally resulting from si royal visit. What wo want to prevent is the exodus of miners to other colonies and provinces with their holiday money in their pocket. What wo want to secure is the local expenditure of the largo sum? that are sure to be spent on the occasiou — either here or elsewhere. Whatever necessary sum might be raised by subscription would bo returned fifty-fold to the pjefcots of the subscribers. It remains, however, for the townspeople to take action on the

subject." Now that is what we call sound practical advice : — Given a real live Eoyal Highness wan-anted to " take" with the million ; and given a thirsty million willing to look at the said Eoyal Highness and spend liberally for doing so— it is highly desirable that the said B.H. and the said thirsty million should be made acquainted with, each, other. But the Hokitika Prophet does not go far enough. It lias strangely forgotten to point out the other advantages that might be expected to follow a Uoyal visit. For instance, the benefit to trade through tho expenditure by the " Haut ton" with drapers, tailors, and hairdressers. Just fancy the excitement that would prevail »in the ieminine world ! What emulation there wo aid be in the matters of "chignons" and " trains !" What a demand for long-tailed coats and superfine black continuations ! And then, besides, the Prophet forgets all about the Corporation. That is a strange oversight, because the Duke's visit might possibly result in his leaving a faint ray of glory behind him. Hokitika has got a Mayor, and we know that it is customary for Royalty to favor Mayors with special marks of recognition. " Sir Blank Blank, Knt., 1 ' would sound very well and look magnificent in the reports of Council proceedings. And why not ? Why should not Mayors as well as town pumps have handles ? And then again thinK of the imposing spectacle of the Max or and Cor- ' poration presenting an address ! The marriage of the Adriatic by the Doge of Venice would be tinsel and Brummagem in comparison ! 'What could surpass the solemnity of the occasion on which " His ! Washup" the Mayor, in his robe lined with " vermin," as the country Mayor in Olago termed it, kneels down before H.K.H., and after being symbolically smitten with the sword istold to "riseSirßlank Blank, Knight !" aud is so overcome with his emotion as to be unable to get up without assistance ! And then the State Ball at the Opera House, when H.E.H. would of course open proceedings by dancing a minuet with Lady Blank Blank ! and afterwards dance a Highland reel with Mrs Councillor Malaprop amidst thunders of applause ! ! We must not forget the sight-seeing to be done — let's sec ; there's the Bar to begin with ; then we have the Wharf, the Beach protection, the Hospital, tho Camp, the Fire Brigade Hall, the Kanieri Tramway, and last, though not least, the West Coast Times Office. Considering' the many valid reasons which exist for H.E.H. visiting Hokitika, we would certainly recommend that a petition should be forwarded in something like the following terms : — "Whereas Hokitika is the metropolis of the richest goldfield in the world, &c. — and whereas your Eoyal Highness would attract large numbers of persons to ' the profit of your petitioners ; and, whereas, Hokitika has a Mayor and Corporation most humbly devoted to your Royal Highness, provided your Royal Highness will confer some mark of your distinguished consideration on the said Mayor and Corporation, your petitioners humbly pray, &c." We feel confident that if such a memorial were forwarded, accompanied by a copy of the West Coast Times, H.R.H. could not refuse. If he did, why the next best thing would be for the • Mayor, Corporation, West Coast Times, and all to go to H.E.H.