HEAD OF FAMILY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 177, 10 May 1935, Page 5

HEAD OF FAMILY

MORE THAN KING.

NEW MEANING TO THE WORD.

CENTRE OF NATIONAL LIFE.

THEIR MAJESTIES’ PERSONALITIES. HOMAGE OF FREE PEOPLE. (United Press Association—Copyright). (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) ' LONDON, May 9. The scene in the great Westminster Hall has not been equalled in history—--464 peers and 455 members of the House of Commons ‘ assembled to hear the addresses of the two Houses read by the Lord Chancellor (Viscount Sankey) on behalf of the Lords, and by the jSpeaker (Mr Edward A. Fitzßoy) on behalf of the Commons, in the presence of representatives of the Dominions, former Cabinet Ministers and Judges. Headed by the ISergeant-at-Amis and the Speaker, in full uniform, members of the House of Commons formed fours, the first of them being Mr MacDonald, Mr TLansbury, Sir Herbert Samuel and Sir D. H. Herbert. Then came Mr Baldwin, Major Attlee, Mr Lloyd George (as father of the House), and Sir Austen Chamberlain. Their’ Majesties were seated 1 on rose and gold-coloured thrones, flanked by their four sons, fronting the parliamentarians’ war memorial. Their sons sat on the traditional red leather benches. Crown a Living Reality. The Lord Chancellor, offering heartfelt congratulations, said that into 25 years had been crowded the fierce or* deal of the most war in history, the toil of. rebuilding which had shaken the structure of our common life, and the slow, arduous endeavour to regain prosperity and establish peace. Elsewhere thrones and constitutions had failed to last out the strain, yet in this realm the development of public rights and liberties had not been arrested, but had 1 been made wider and surer. His Majesty ruled over a nation of free citizens.

“Tlie Throne stands more -firmly than ever before as the centre of the national life,” said the Chancellor. “Your Majesty’s own personality has made the Throne not merely a symbol but a loved and living reality. It has given new meaning to the name of King. Her Majesty’s unfailing interest in the lives and homesof the people has won for her a place of her own in their affection. In your sons, always active in every part o* the world in public service, we have sure confidence that when this generation has passed, when this week’s bright pageantry becomes a distant memory, the House of Windsor will still reign over a loyal united people. From the depth of our hearts we pray that Qod will bless your Majesty.’ Mr Speaker followed in similar strain, and concluded: “By the gracious aid of the Queen you have won, by sympathy and kindliness, something warmer than allegiance, more, profound than loyalty. To-day you are more than Sovereign. You are the head of the family. We offer, with deep respect and affection, the homage of a free Parliament and pray that by the blessing of Almighty God you may long continue as Sovereign of a proud and devoted people.”

Stirring Repiy by the King. The King, replying to the speeches, said: “ I thank you from my heart for the loyal address and for your words of devotion and affection for myself, the Queen and family. Your presence, accompanied by the Prime Ministers of the Dominions, gives rise to many memories and thoughts. “The Mother of Parliaments and her children have grown to full estate and stand now on equal terms in common allegiance to the Crown. The unity of the British Empire is no longer expressed by the supremacy of the timehonoured Parliament of Westminster. The Crown is the historic symbol that ' unites a great family! of nations and races scattered over every quarter of the earth. 'Never before in history have such wide varieties of speech and culture been brought into the Commonwealth of peace. I especially welcome the representatives from my Indian Empire. “This, my Palace of Westminster, is the very cradle of our envied parliamentary institutions. Here is the anvil oin which our common law was forged to become the joint inheritance Of the United States of America and our own community of peoples. Beneath these rafters of medieval oakwitnesses of historic tragedies and pageants —we celebrate the present under the spell of the past. “It is to me a source of pride and thankfulness that the perfect harmony of our parliamentary system, with a constitutional monarchy, has survived the shocks that in recent years have destroyed other Empires and other liberties. Our ancient Constitution is very adaptable to change. It has during my reign faced and conquered perils” of warfare never conceived in earlier days and met and satisfied new democratic demands both at Home and

overseas.” The King continued: ‘ ‘The system bequeathed us by our ancestors, again modified for the needs of the new age, has been found once more, as of old, the best way to secure government by the people, freedom for the individual, ordered strength of State, and rule or law over Governors and governed alike. “In looking back over the 25 years of my reign, the thankfulness I Tfeel today is chiefly for the escape from danger, greater than ever before, which threatened our land. I can never for-

get how peril from without at once united all parties, classes, Governments and races in the Empire. Let us not, in this hour of thanksgiving, fa.il to remember those who gave their lives, or are now maimed or blinded, that we might continue to enjoyi the blessings of life. In the aftermath of war, in a world exhausted by its ordeals, impoverished by its destruction, we set ourselves to resume our normal ways, recreate the structure of our industry and commerce, and respond to the urgent desire to improve conditions of life. We were treading unfamiliar, broken ground, for there had bhen farreaching changes, specially in economic conditions. Everywhere a feeling of uncertainty and a lack of confidence hung like a shadow over human endear vour, but we made headway by the earnest goodwill, prudence and stability of my people. “To-day the country has attained to a measure of industria lsuccess which gives it confidence in the future. J am very conscious that these years brought hardship, often disappointment, and I have been moved to profound admiration for the greatheartedness of my people and the steadfast fortitude and unbending will to overcome it which they have ever shown in their anxieties. “I sympathise deeply with those who endured the sadness and the burden of unemployment. It is a source of comfort to me to feel that from these times of trial there has grown up throughout our community a stronger feeling of fellowship with one another. “I give thanks to Almighty God, wlio has so far sustained me and my people, and pray we may continue to pursue the cause of freedom and progress in the spirit of peace, tolerance and understanding.”

THE STATE DINNER.

A BRILLIANT FUNCTION. MR AND MRS FORBES PRESENT. (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 9. Mr G. W. Forbes and other Dominion Ministers and their wives attended the State dinner at Buckingham Palace to-night. It was a brilliant spectacle. In the State dining-room on the first floor the guests were seated at a great horseshoe table, their Majesties being at the top, with members of the Royal Family nearby. . After dinner their Majesties mingled with the guests. Mr Lloyd George and Mr Winston Churchill ‘ were included among the guests.

FUNCTIONS UNITED IN LOYALTY. ADDRESSES FROM PARLIAMENT. “A VERY HUMAN SOVEREIGN.” LONDON, May S. In both Houses of Parliament a motion that a humble address be presented to his Majesty! to congratulate him on the occasion of the 2otli anniversary of his accession was carrieci unanimously, after speeches in support from all parties. The King will visit Westminster Hall to-morrow to ie~ ceive the addresses. . In the House of Commons the Prime Minister (Mr •J. Ramsay MacDonald) said that the King had received m the streets of London a greeting which went far deeper and higher than a mere formal expression of loyalty from the people to their Sovereign, it revealed a regard and appreciation warmed bv personal affection. The words which the King spoke over the wireless disclosed his secret hope, Mr MacDonald continued. A very human Sovereign had taken possession of the hearts of his people. He had worn the crown not only with the dignity and distinction of monarchy but also with the rectitude of a constitutional sovereign, solicitous to preserve the liberties of the nation and the rights of Parliament, and also with the consideration and care of one wlio rejoiced in his people’s joys and sorrowed when they suffered.

No Mere Survival. There was a time, the Prime Minister said, when the Crown seemed to be little more than the survival of an institution—an inheritance of the past, a part from tradition whose value was to give some measure of support to continuity in the constitutional, political and spiritual evolution of the nation. _ “To-day these mainly intangible justifications are supported by others of more angible character,” said Mr MacDonald. “The great Dominions have passed beyond the colonial stage. Westminster is no longer tlieir capital city. The evolution of their nationality has made them seii-governing communities. The Statute of Westminster, which sealed their freedom as States, discovered and proclaimed a. bond of continuing unity and that bond is the Crown. To-day the existence of the Crown enables the Dominion nations to be free and still united together.”

A Socialist’s Tribute. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr George Lansbury), seconding the address to the King, described the King’s broadcast to the Empire on Monday as unsurpassed m the history of monarchs. That his Majesty should have remembered the unemployed on such an occasion stamped him as very human. Mr Lansbury added that though lie was a through and through he had always believed in the destiny of the British people. He hoped' that, the young men and women of the Empire wou&J lead the world, upholding individual and international freedom and liberty, away from war and 1 trust in war. Mr Lloyd George, supporting the motion, said there had been no more remarkable scenes in living memory than the past few day's’ demonstration of gratitude and deep affection for bis Majesty. It was a celebration of the triumph of democratic government under the King’s leadership. Despite the economic depression the condition of the people had improved and the nation’s wealth was the envy of the world. There were few other countries

and no empires of which this could be said. No wonder people of every class and condition universally prayed 'that his Majesty’s beneficent reign would long continue.

MANY CLIMES, ONE SPIRIT.

THE UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

STIRRING SPEECH BY THE KING

LONDON, May 8. The King’s thanks to the nations of the world for their congratulations on his attainment of his silver jubilee were expressed at a levee which his Majesty held at St. James’ Palace this morning. Congratulations on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps were presented by the doyen of the corps, Senator Regis de Oliviera (Brazilian Ambassador), by the Empire Prime Ministers, by India through Mr Ramsay MacDonald, and by the the Secretary of State for the Colonies (Sir Philip Ciinliffe-Lister) on behalf of the Colonial Empire.

“Many years before pur happy part nership began, I had as midshipman sailed tlie Seven Seas. I realised early that the Empire has many climes, but one spirit. I regard this as a unique gathering, where we can tell one another of our successes and also, of our failures and) mistakes but there will be no sharp criticism nor vain regrets for we are in sympathy one with another and conscious that we have acted according to our rights for the good name and ordered prosperity of the family. “We are sometimes told that we are lacking in logic and that our political institutions are loose and undefined, but I look back on the trying and testing time through which we have,passed and wonder whether a less flexible system would have withstood the strains to which we have been subjected. With shield and buckler we have kept in spite of all difficulties, our heritage of liberty, alike for the individual and for our many constituent races. The num berless and invisible ties of sentiment and tradition which bind us together are indeed delicate, hut many strands make a cable strong to bind in times of adversity. It is my prayer no less than my firm belief that this bond of spirit may prove also a bond of peace. “Some of you are, with a few happy exceptions about my own age, I pray for the continuance of God’s blessing on your labours, and with His help I will work on .with you in the years that remain for that object which ever has been next to my heart-—the welfare of the Mother Country, of the dominions overseas and of India, their happiness and good repute.” The King, in reply to the Diplomatic Corps said that he and the Queen wei o deeply touched by the warmth and sincerity of its wishes. He added, “I pray God that the unity of purpose which has brought you here to-day may ho a symbol of enduring peace in the world at large.” The King prefaced his reply to the dominions with a welcome to their representatives. “We welcome one and all to our home;” he said. Proceeding he said: “Eventful your visit cannot fail to be. I trust it will be happy also, and when the time comes for your return- I would ask you to take back each to his own people a message of affection to every member of this great family of wliidli I am so proud and thankful to be the head, and a message of deep, gratitude for tlie loyal, kind words which you have spoken on their behalf. Before I succeeded my father, the Queen and I had the privilege of studying at first hand the dominions overseas and India. We were fellow travellers then, as now, comparing notes and sharing our impressions. We treasure these memories and keep them alive. Moreover, wliat we forget our four sons are now able to recall.” —British Official Wireless.

COLONIALS IN LONDON. PUBLIC WELCOME PROPOSED. LONDON, May 9. As it is estimated that 53,000 Australians and New Zealanders are now in London taking part ill the jubilee, Mr H. K. Hales; M.P., will ask the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr J. H. Thomas) in the House of Commons on Monday to consider organising an official welcome to them at the Albert Hall to demonstrate that their visit is appreciated.

DINNER TO “DOWN AND OUTS.” YOUNG WOMAN’S BENEVOLENCE. LONDON, May 8. Miss Betty Baxter, a clergyman’s grand-daughter, aged 23, known as the “Silver Lady of the Embankment, gave a dinner to 600 down-and-out men and women at Westminster Hall. The King, upon learning that the 600 were drinking their Majesties’ health in tea, telegraphed his thanks. As they left the hall each man and woman was given a ticket for a free bed and breakfast. Miss Baxter maintains a free coffee stall in Trafalgar Square which nightly is a godsend to the destitute. Loyal fervour again rose to the highest pitch among 50,000 people assembled at Buckingham Palace when the King and Queen appeared on the balcony, causing the crowd to surge across the road, waving hats and umbrellas.

The Duke of Gloucester joined his parents and the trio remained for ten minutes, bowing and waving to the crowd.

The West End traffic is as congested as ever, an endless stream of vehicles moving at snail’s) pace. The Empire as a family of nations

is the keynote of many editorials in the newspapers. Tlie “Daily Telegraph” describes the King’s broadcast reply to'the Empire addresses as one of the most remarkable speeches ever made by a British Sovereign, the words of which will he quoted not merely by statesmen of to-day but also by students of history centuries lienee. ‘lt is a familiar truth,” says this journal, “that the Crown is everything to the Empire. Now we know wliat the Empire is to the Crown. It is a family alliance for' the maintenance of common ideals.”

ASHBURTON OBSERVANCE.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE. MATINEES AND A CEREMONY. Primary schools in the Ashburton district and the Ashburton Technical High School celebrated tlie King s Jubilee to-day with special picture matinees and other functions. Entertainments were provided 1 at the Majestic Theatre for several institutions, the Tinwald School held a sports meeting in the Tinwald Domain, and the Allenton pupils had a function at the school. . Approximately 900 children from the Ashburton Borough, Ashburton East, Convent (primary), Ashton and Lismore schools attended a picture screening this morning, and students- of the Ashburton Technical High School and the secondary departments of the Convent School were entertained this afternoon. Many parents and friends assembled at the Allenton' School for the celebrations there. A programme was given by the children, sports awards were distributed, portraits of then’ Majesties the King and Queen unveiled and ail appropriate address delivered. Speaking to the children, the Ven. Archdeacon A. J. Petrie stressed tie greatness of the British Empire and of the last three sovereigns, and indicated the wonderful power and influence they exerted over the whole world. In spite of this greatness, Mr Petrie said these sovereigns retained a fine humility and gentleness of spirit, and particularly was this the case with the present Rii\g. Such were the traits of character which earned the whole-hearted- loyalty of the peoples of the Empire, and so cemented the greatness of "that Empire.

BALL AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. HEADMASTER ADDRESSES PUPILS The Assembly Hall at the High School was last evening the scene oi the jubilee hall given to the pupils as part of the functions of the Knig s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The hall was gaily decorated, and filled to overflowing. ' A most enjoyable evening was spent. During the week, m assembly, the Headmaster (Mr E. A. C'ockroft) had spoken to the pupils on matters concerning tlie reign of George V. and Queen Mary. He showed that although the King was the strictest of constitutional inonarchs lie still bad j definite opinions backed up by a reasoning mind. He showed also how the King and his family were admired by his people and that the British nation, was so much the stronger for having such a king.