Norfolk Is.

[?] Duke at Norfolk Is.

?ER reading Mr. Selby New ild’s letter in your January sue, criticising the reception at •nment House, Norfolk Island, mour of His Royal Highness ike of Edinburgh, I feel I must it some of the statements re ig the behaviour of “holiday •s, tourists and mainlanders.”

“holiday makers and tourists” no defence as there was not ?le one present, unless there a “gate-crasher.” Invitations ilso withheld from the house of residents on the grounds teople in this category had, in ain, already had opportunities ing the Prince in their own towns in Australia and New id. refore it was considered that ;rmanent residents, especially k Islanders, should have the to themselves for this short . However, this ruling caused embarrassment to those lining house-guests (about 30 who, as British subjects, felt were entitled to meet the as fortunate enough to be t at the Reception, and in my i there was nothing to e in the behaviour of guests, e organising. In fact, I it the whole affair ran on heels. From my vantage point verandah, looking down on m, I could watch the Prince’s •ied progress as he moved the people and it was most ble that he lingered longest iversation with the Norfolk folk, so many of whom he •ecognise from their Pitcairn 200 invitations, gilt-edged, ed, and worthy of framing, sent to bona-fide Norfolk rs. The remainder were le to all residents and those in an official capacity.

'* understandable that Mr. d’s facts could be incorrect, ler he nor his wife were pre ; the reception, although as lent residents an invitation ailable to them.

J who were fortunate enough n to the Prince’s broadcast

on his tour could be left in no doubt that he carried away happy memories of his stay on Norfolk Island, and on behalf of every member of this community I feel I can express sincerest gratitude to the Prince for honouring this tiny outpost of the British Empire with a visit which will go down in the history of Norfolk Island as our most memor able occasion.

I am, etc.,

Mrs. C. J. Cameron.

Leeside, Norfolk Island. t The US Coast Guard Cutter Iron wood spent two weeks in Pago Pago, overhauling lights and buoys and also provided means to transport 32 Samoans from Hawaii on leave from military service. Other visitors included Navy Destroyers Carpenter, Fletcher, Radford and O’Bannon on March 21 and 22.