Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1936. AN EMPIRE’S GRIEF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1936. AN EMPIRE’S GRIEF.

I Common sorrow at the death oi a beloved and respected Sovereign binds the peoples of the British Empire, irrespective of race, religion or condition, in a bond stronger than anv other of the many links that together make a cohesive sovereignty. The grief that is felt by all the subjects of the late King George V. is the more poignant because of the suddenness with which the Great Leveller demanded payment of the debt that all must pav to Nature. Bu! a little while ago his Majesty apparently had many years to reign over a people who appreciated his qualities and became more sincerely attached to his person and the Throne as vears went by. This growing attachment war due to the fact that more than evei the people had the good fortune to be [able to couple with the general idea of Empire the particular idea of the Monarch himself. For nearly a century British people have enjoyed that same good fortune. From that dav in 1837 when Queen Victoria, stil [only a girl, won the hearts of her subjects by her youth and purity, we of the British race have been blessec in the personality of our Sovereigns The .Great Queen herself gave he) name to an age that will compare in greatness with, any that the world ha; known, and her son earned the title of “ The Peacemaker.” From his earliest days, King George set an example of domestic life that has hac an inestimable influence in counteract ing the tendencies that were the natural outcome of the Great War For this alone he will be accorded an honoured place in history. In his [personal relations with his subjects ir the Homeland, where frequent contac, applies a sharp test, no less than in the farthest parts of his realm, Georgs V. showed a sympathy and an understanding that won the hearts of all. adding strength to the Throne, mort than evet “ broad based upon the [people’s will. In no case were Sovereign and people drawn close: together than during the strenuou: years of the Great War. King George by example and precept, set a stand dard of life and action to which rnus be attributed much of the restraint calmness and ordered activity will which the Empire approached eacl crisis as it developed. With sucl personal characteristics it follows tha King George realised and appreciate! constitutional relations between rule and subject. What this means tc Greater Britain is but dimlv realisec [by even its most loyal citizens. It i: taken now for granted rather thar made material for comment. Yet thi [realisation of a thoroughly workable democratic system associated with i monarchical constitution is one of thr marvels of this age. Other famou. monarchies have either vanished o are become menaced dictatorships Britain’s remains not merely inviolate but inviolable. There are republic: that envy our nation its enjoyment o" this unguessed blend of kingship witi popular liberty. We have come tc experience the strength of a kingdon as Kipling has sung it —where a Kinj and his people thoroughly trust eacl other. The Crown is now. in M Garvin’s words, an unchallengec miracle of historic vitality. Firm a: [it was when King George ascended it |by his personal character, his kingh dignity, and largeness of heart and hi adherence to constitutional rights, th' British Throne to-day rests on a firme foundation than ever, a foundatior compounded of the respect, the good will and the affection of the people.