ALBERTA GREETING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 198, 5 June 1939, Page 5

ALBERTA GREETING

PROCEEDINGS MOST INFORMAL. TALK WiTH SOLDIER'S WIDOW. GOVERNMENT SELLS SEATS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) EDMONTON, June 2. The Premier of Alberta. (Mr William Aberhavt), who a few months ago closed Government House, and forced the King’s representative, the Lieu-tenant-Governor (Air J. C. Bowen), to move to a hotel, to-day welcomed their Majesties to the. capital of the world’s only Social Credit government, states the special representative of the Associated Press. •Standing on the steps of his Legislature, Mr Aherhart assured the King “of the sincere and enduring loyalty of the people of this province to your Royal Throne and your most excellent person.” His only reference to the 25 dollars a month plan lie lias tried, vainly to institute during bis four years of office W.as: “The people of Alberta trust that under the guidance of Providence, they may continue along the path of social, ’economic, and national progress.” The King replied: “I feel assured that, blessed as they are with rich, fertile soil and an enterprising and courageous spirit, they will continue to overcome their many difficulties.” Air Aherhart caused ai storm in Edmonton by bringing his nine-year-old granddaughter from Vancouver to present the Government bouquet to the Queen. The public protest was so strong that, at the last moment, she was replaced by a child from a local orphanage. The Government provided a novel welcome, for Their Majesties by lining both, sides of a two and a. half miles straight stretch of road with six-tier temporary stands, seating 68,000. There were packed, and Their Majesties drove down the narrow avenue to a deafening roar of applause. The Government .charged a. dollar a seat. As the stands completely blocked the pavements, those who wished to view the Royal progress were left no choice. This fact was notjed by Air Aherhart’s critics. Casual Informality. There was a good matured, casual air about Edmonton, basking in the spring sunshine. This was.'reflected at the presentation of addresses of welcome to Their Majesties,' when public officials and. guests mingled on the steps of the Legislative Building. Thus, the King, in Air Force uniform, found himself close by a, vendor of popcorn in a, “ten-gallon” hat. When Their Majesties entered this Chamber, the latter strolled down the red carpet, offering his wares. A boy who clambered up the face of the building was hastily removed from the balcony just before Their Majesties appeared on it to acknowledge the cheers.

The keenness of the King’s observation was instanced as he was leaving the Legislature, when he noticed a. woman in the crowd wearing the Victoria Cross. He stopped and asked her why she had not been, presented to him earlier with the holders of the decoration.

She told him the decoration was awarded to her husband, who died at V-imy. When she learned with disappointment that slie would not be presented at Calghry, she to Ed monton, hoping to seei the King and Queen. Their Majesties spent some minutes chatting to her. The King -also met Colonial Louis Scott, who was the R-o-yal Air Force Officer Commanding at Earnborough when tli-e King trained there. _ Their Majesties came down into the prairies to-day from their log hut in the Rocky Alountains with obvious regret. They rose early and walked two miles before joining the train. When the train j reached the exit of Jasper National Park they ordered it to be stopped and walked for 35 minutes along the- right-of-way, the train following. When Their Majesties rejoined the train the engine-driver made the highest speed of the tour, arriving at Edmonton five minutes before the scheduled time.