16 MAY 1931, Page 3

Lord Athlone • We with many others would heartily welcome

home Princess Alice and Lord Athlone after his term as Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, and as the last Governor-General to be also High Commissioner, or the King's direct representative in dealing with the native Protectorates. During seven years, marked by several grave difficulties, the Queen's brother has done truly great service to the Empire, and we believe that South Africa recognizes this fully, not least General -Hertzog. - It -should- be -remembered -here; too. Only a strict sense of his constitutional duties combined with consummate tact enabled him to prevent troubles arising in the Union. His cheery demeanour, too, was almost as popular as the charms of Princess Alice. The sympathy shown to them when a 'great loss befell them was only one proof of the quite unusual affection that they inspired throughout the Union.

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