QUEEN’S MESSAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 28, 13 November 1939, Page 5

QUEEN’S MESSAGE.

TO WOMEN OF THE EMPIRE. “REAL AND VITAL WORK TO DO.” (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, November 11. The Queen, broadcasting to the women of the Empire, recalled that her last address was from Halifax, Nova Scotia, during Their Majesties’ tour of Canada and the United States, when there was peace and the very idea of strife and bloodshed seemed impossible. “I speak to-day in . circumstances sadly different,” said Her Majesty. “For 20 years wo have kept this day of remembrance as' one consecrated to tho memory of a past and never-to-be-forgotten sacrifice; and now the peace which that sacrifice made possible lias been broken, and once again we have been forced into war.

“I know you would wish me to voice, in the name of the women of the British Empire, our deep and abiding sympathy with those on whom the first cruel and shattering blows have fallen—the women of. Poland. Nor do wo forget the gallant womanhood of France, who are called on to share with us again the hardship and sorrow of war. War has- at all times called for fortitude on the part of women. “Though in the past women have felt able to contribute little to the practical war effort, the position has now changed, for we, no less than men, have real and vital work to do. The call has come, and fropi my heart I thank you, women of our great Empire, for the way you have answered it. The tasks .you have undertaken cover every field of national service, and I would like to pay my tribute to all of you who are giving such splendid, unselfish help in this time of trouble. ‘The Humbler Part,” “At the same time I do not forget the humbler part which so many of you have to play in these trying times. I know it is not so difficult to do big things." But these tasks are not for every woman. It is the thousand and one worries and irritations in carrying on war-time life in ordinary homes which are so often so hard to boar. IMany of you have had to see family life broken up, your husband going off to his allotted task, and your children evacuated to places of safety. The King and I. know what it means to be parted from our children, and we can sympathise with those of you who have bravely consented to this separation for the sake of our little ones.

“Equally do we appreciate the hospitality shown by those of you who have opened your homes to strangers and children sent from places of special danger. You are giving real service to the country. It is, after all, for our homes and for their security that we are fighting; and we must see to it that in spite of all the difficulties of these days our homes do not lose those very qualities which make them the background as well as the joy of our lives.

“To all of you in every corner of the Empire who are doing such fine work in all your services, or who are carrying on at homo amidst the trials of those .days, I would wish to give a message of hope and encouragement. Wo have our part, to play, and I know you will not fail in yours. “Only when, wo have won through to enduring peace shall we he free to work unhindered for the greater happiness and well-being ol all mankind. We put our trust in God Aho is our strength in all times of trouble. I pray with all my heart that He may bless, guide and keep you always.”-—Brit-ish Official Wireless.