LOYAL PLEDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 296, 14 December 1936, Page 3

LOYAL PLEDGE.

PEOPLE'S TRIBUTE. ANXIOUS PERIOD PASSED. CROWD CONTRASTS. As the sun shone again on the city to-dav after the passing of the shadow of the eclipse, so the city this afternoon roused itself from the darkness and doubt of the last few weks to a new doubt of the last few weeks to a new Sovereign, King George VI. Through the (lavs that have passed the citizens of Auckland, as in the other communities of the Empire, have felt the first stunning surprise of the suggestion of abdication of their loved monarch, King Edward VIII. They have felt, too, the burden of anxiety that lay over the nation through the days of indecision, and the final tragic parting. Thus there was to the gathering to-day the same feeling of restraint and sorrow that hung over that last gathering following the death of King George V. Those recent events were still fresh in the minds of the crowd of people who assembled to-day. They thought back over the past year and the changes it had brought. They remembered the tragic suddenness of a death that had stricken them all as closely as though a member of their own family had passed. They remembered the jubilation with which they had welcomed the young King who had already won their hearts, and they remembered, too, the great promise that King Edward's accession to the Throne had spelt. Then their minds came to the near and more sorrowful happenings when that youthful Sovereign had renounced the Throne and the promises it had carried. Reminiscences. In all these imaginings and all these reminiscences there was a buzz of subdued tongues. But though the thread of sorrow in that gathering was a strong one, linking all in a unity of feeling, there was, too. among them a release of spirit. One King had gone, but the Monarchy and Constitution remained. In new-found pride they gathered to-day to pay tribute to the Throne and a Royal Family that already stood high in tlieir affections. I here was talk of the gracious Duchess, now Queen, who not so many years ago had looked 011 the same scenes that surrounded them, and by the charm of her personality had won their hearts. They thought of the noble I rinee who had stood beside her 011 that occasion, and they thought, too, of two pretty little princesses who would add grace and happiness to a Royal home. Official Group. , The official guests at the ceremony included the Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong), members of the Auckland City Council, members of the Consular Corps, members of Parliament, members of the Legislative Council, Dr! L. G. Drury, president of the Council of Christian Congregations, Archbishop Averill, Bishop Liston, the Jewish Rabbi (the Rev. A. Astor), the Moderator of the presbytery (Mr. H. B. Burnett), the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board (Mr. C. G. Macindoe). the chairman of the Auckland Power Board (Mr W. J Holdsworth). the chairman of the Auckland Transport Board (the Hon. H. Ct. R. Mason), the chairman of the Auckland Education Board (Mr. T. U. Wells), Mr. Justice Fair and Mr. .Justice ' Callan. Martial Music. The first break of colour and tlie first till ill of to-days ceremonial proceedings j came when, in tlie distance, the waiting | crowd at the Town Hall heard the sound I of martial music and then up Queen Street was seen the approaching parade 1 of the four guards of honour, accom- I panied by the hand of the Roval Marines from H.M.S. Achilles. It was an im- 1 pressive occasion. The varied uniforms of the Royal Xavy, the Royal Marines, the Royal Xew Zealand Artillerv and the Royal Xew Zealand Air Force, and j the flash of arms as the various units took up their positions in front of the dais from which the Mayor read the Proclamation all added colour to the scene.