THE EMPIRE'S THANKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 106, 7 May 1935, Page 7

THE EMPIRE'S THANKS.

SCENE AT ST, PAUL'S SERVICE.

TREMENDOUS PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION.

(Received 10.30 a.m.)

LONDON, May 6

The cheers of the vast crowd as the Royal carriage emerged from the Palace were the most deep-felt and enthusiastic that ever greeted Their Majesties. The King seemed almost awed by the tremendous demonstration. He smiled a little wanly and appeared to be moved to the heart by the greatest welcome of his reign. The Queen was more self-possessed. Smiling and gracious, she bowed slightly right and left as the carriage moved forward. As they proceeded along Constitution Hill, Their Majesties looked radiantly happy. They seemed to know that the stupendous welcome was more than an expression of holiday happiness. It wag a great outpouring sf the nation s affection. The King wore a scarlet and gold Field Marshal's uniform. The Queen carried a bouquet of red, white and blue roses and cornflowers, sent by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners early in the morning. A congregation of 5000 people in St. Paul's rose and sang the first verse of the National Anthem as Their Majesties took their seats, followed by the Old Hundredth, "All people that on earth do dwell." The service then opened, the Dean leading the responses after which the choir sang psalms. A Feast Of Colour. By 10 a.m. the great church was fairly full, and thenceforward the processions of the Diplomatic Corps, uniformed members of Cabinet, Indian Princes and their wives and red-robed aldermen who were seated in the choir, constantly added to the feast of colour, which was complete when the Gentlemen at Arms, bearing the King's ensign, marched in. The assemblage rose in honour of the Royal flag. The blue-gowned common councillors of the Corporation of London were the principal contrasting note to the crimson of the military uniforms, but the imposing gathering of be-wigged and be-robed judges behind the Cabinet Ministers was another noteworthy group, as were the glowing colours and jewels of the Indian Princes seated in a row adjoining the Royal personages under the Dome. At 1 1.20 the mitred Primate entered, closing the long procession of clergy and choristers, including children from the Chapel Royal in their familiar Tudor red gowns. Twelve patients from Roehampton Hospital represented the wounded soldiers of the World War, while five members of the Boys' Brigade were given seats, representing thousands who in relays had carried messages to the King. Baden-Powell scouts were conspicuous as programme stewards and the entire spectacle reached the climax when the Royal procession, headed by the King, who escorted the Queen, arrived. The placidity of the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in facing a gigantic audience was remarkable. When the congregation was seated, Dr. S. M. Berry, Moderator of the Federal Council of the Evangelical Free Churches, read the lessons from the first chapter of Joshua, verses seven eight and nine, followed by Revelation xxi., verses 10, 11, 23 and 24. Cecil Spring-Rice's beautiful hymn, "I vow to thee my country all earthly things above," followed to Gustav Hoist s music. This provided a very happy introduction to the address by the Primate, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang. Special Prayer for the Empire. After prayers for a blessing upon the King and Queen, the Princfof Wa.: and all .he Royal Family power and crowned with honour." the following may long continue in peace < Y. J A j exander: -Almighty God, special prayer was spoken y Sovereign who rulest in the Kingdom of men Lord King George a the men of divers draw together, we pray Thee, bearing races, languages and customs her ; n brot herly concord, one another's burdens and working « ce and get forwar d they may fulfil the purpose o y Thy everlasting Kingdom. Pardon, w and and shortcomings. Keep.far rom us se freedom to give us grace to employ Thy good girt Thy glory and the welfare of mankind.