KING'S MESSAGE TO PEOPLE OF EMPIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 9

KING'S MESSAGE TO PEOPLE OF EMPIRE.

WARMEST WISHES. Father's Dedication to Service Repeated. HIGH DUTY REALISED. ~~V — United Press Association.—Copyright. LOKDOX, January 1. The following message from His Majesty King George VI., to the peoples of the British Empire was issued yesterday from Buckingham Palace:— On ttii the firat New Year's Day of my reign I send to all the peoples of the Empire my warmest wishes for their welfare and happiness. In succeeding to the Throne I follow a father who won for himself an abiding place in the hearts of his peoples, and a brother whose brilliant qualities gave promise of another historic reign—a reign cot short in circumstances on which from their very sadness none of us would wish to dwell. I realise to the fun the responsibilities of my noble heritage, and I shoulder them with all the more confidence in the knowledge that the Queen and my mother, Queen Mary, are at my side. Throughout my life it will be my constant endeavour to strengthen that foundation of. mutual trust and affection on which the relations between the Sovereign and the peoples of the British Empire so happily rest. I ask your help toward the fulfilment of this purpose, and know I do not ask in vain. To repeat the words used by my dear father at the time of his Silver Jubilee—my wife and I dedicate ourselves for all time to your service, and we pray that God may give us guidance and strength to follow the path that lies before us. The "Daily Mail" points out that it is the first time in history that a British King has issued a Xew Year message to his peoples. His Majesty's message was broadcast immediately after Big Ben had chimed the hour of midnight. This was followed by the strains of "God Sare the King."