BIRKENHEAD.

Auckland Star, Issue 23, 28 January 1901, Page 5

BIRKENHEAD.

The Mayor (Mr J. H. Witheford, M.H.R.), Councillors, and residents of Birkenhead assembled outside the Borough Council Chambers to-day for the reading of the proclamation. Mr Witheford said that a message had previously been despatched to tha Governor, deeply regretting the death of our beloved sovereign, and they -were now met to acknowledge the rule of King Edward Vll. To the great qualities of the new King was attributed the peaceful solution of the American difficulty at Venezuela, and all admitted his pence-making qualities. He considered the greatest quality of a ■man or a monarch was that of being a peace-maker. The greatest nations of the earth, Russia, Germany, and France, and the great English-speak-ing nation, America, recognised the great qualities of the new King. It avus acknowledged that his diplomacy, conciliating spirit, and general charm of manner had prevented England and America being embroiled in war over the Venezuela difficulty; and that his diplomatic and conciliatory message, had rendered possible an amicable solution of the difficulty. The proclamation was then read, the band played' God Save the King, and fall flags in the district were raised mast high. The borough councillors and residents then adjourned to Mr Witheford's private residence, where luncheon' was partaken of, the Land playing meanwhile on the lawn. At luncheon the healths of the King and Queen were duly honoured.