KING EDWARD’S ABDICATION

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22194, 10 September 1937, Page 14

KING EDWARD’S ABDICATION

REFERENCE IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DOCUMENTS OFFICIALLY RECORDED [From Our Parliamentary Reporter] WELLINGTON, September 9, The abdication of King Edward VIII last December and the succession to the Throne of his brother, King George VI, were recalled in the House of Representatives to-day, when resolutions were passed recording in the journals of the House several of the official documents published at that time. After receiving a message from the former King in reply to the loyal address from the House of Representatives, the action of the New Zealand Government in assenting to His Majesty’s Declaration of Abdication Act passed bv the British Parliament was ratified, and confirmed by the House.

Formal notification of the abdication of King Edward VIII and the accession of King George VI was also received from the GovernorGeneral, Lord Galway. The proclamation issued in England and in New Zealand proclaiming the new King was read to the House. Speaking oh the motion that this document be recorded in the Journals of the House, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) said it was a great privilege and an honour to attend the Coronation of Their Majesties. It would be impossible to find words to express the wonderful admiration and attection of the British people for the Throne. He had met Their Majesties at Buckingham Palace, and felt as if he were with friends. Although I have had a good deal of experience, I have never felt more at home on any occasion than when I first met the King and Queen, said the Prime Minister. It was a privilege indeed to represent New Zealand at the Coronation, and to see for oneself the great display of affection for Their Majesties by millions of people.” The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton). He expressed on behalf of members of the Opposition their unbounded J?y al ty and goodwill to the King. The Opposition, he said, had intense pleasure in joining with the Prime Minister in wishing the King and Queen a long and fruitful reign. The following message from the New Zealand Parliament is to be sent to the King;— To the King’s Most Excellent Majerty— Most gracious Sovereign we. Your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Council and the House of Repr?' sentatives of New Zealand i Parliament assembled, respectfully beg to submit to Your Majesty congratulations on your accession to the Throne, and on your Coronation, and to assure Ycmr Majesty of our loyal attachment to your person, and we would pray for Your Majesty the glory of a reign to be distinguished by peace, prosperity, and general advancement in the social and economic conditions of your subjects.