THE KING'S MESSAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 186, 6 August 1914, Page 5

THE KING'S MESSAGE.

HOW THE CAPITAL RECEIVED THE NEWS. TREMENDOUS ENTHUSIASM. DEMONSTRATION IN PARLIAMENT GROUNDS. fßy Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Expecting to hear an important message, but not the momentous announement which came to hand at the last moment, a great assemblage faced the Governor when he stood on tbe steps of the old Parliamentary Building 3 this afternoon. It was an appropriate place, from where the citizens of the capital have heard many memorable declarations of peace apd war, but none so fraught with immense possibilities as the present. The afternoon was beautifully line, and the throng filled every available space far away out of hearing of tlie speakers, though the great news travelled quickly through the outskirts, as could be seen by the general wave of enthusiasm which swept over the' thousands when his Excellency read the message:—"War has broken out with Germany." Instantly hats waved, and a roar rather than a cheer rent the air. Then like a rebound on the great wave of sound came three cheera-ior the King "Down with Austria," shouted a foreigner close to the front of the crowd but those who listened to the proclamation were not in the mood for this kind of defiance. Loyalty to King and country was the only sentiment for which there was room at the moment, and this found expression in the sineW of "God Save the King." s ° The King's message, as read by his Excellency, was as follows:— *' - "I DESIRE TO EXPRESS TO MY PEOPLE IN THE OVERSEAS DOMINIONS WITH WHAT APPRECIATION AND PRIDE I HAVE RECEIVED MESSAGES FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS DURING THE LAST FEW DATS. " THESE SPONTANEOUS ASSURANCES OF FULLEST SUPPORT RECALL THE GENEROUS SELF SACRIFICING HELP GIVEN BY THEM IN THE PAST TO THE MOTHER COUNTRY. " "I SHALL BE STRENGTHENED IN THE DISCHARGE OF THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH REST UPON ME BY THE CONFIDENT BELIEF THAT IN THIS TIME OF TRIAL MY EMPIRE WILL STAND UNITED, CALM, AND RESOLUTE TRUSTING IN GOD." GEORGE R.L" .'lie following message has been sent from his Excellency the Governor to tlie King in reply.— "NEW ZEALAND DESIRES TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS MAJESTY'S GRACIOUS MESSAGE AND TO SAY THAT, COME GOOD OR ILL, SHE, IN COMPANY WITH DOMINIONS AND OTHER DEPENDENCIES OF THE CROWN IS PREPARED TO MAKE ANY SACRIFICE TO MAINTAIN HER HERITAGE AND BIRTHRIGHT.*----y v , * • LIVERPOOL. |»