ULSTER’S LOYALTY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 17

ULSTER’S LOYALTY

Orange Celebrations

BATTLE OF THE BOYNE Lord Carson, from a special platform on the outskirts of Belfast city, witnessed a march past of 30,000 Belfast Orangemen in their progress to a field demonstration in celebration of the Battle of the Boyne, the anniversary of which was observed throughout Ulster with unabated enthusiasm. Ulster's old leader felt unequal to the task of addressing the great gathering at Finaghy, but he was hailed with striking demonstrations of affection as the Orange brethren, with bands and banners, filed past for fully two hours. Lord Carson, who carried his famous blackthorn, acknowledged the salutes, as did Lady Carson, who held a miniature Union Jack in her hand. There could have been no more impressive evidence of the real bond between the leader and his old-time followers —admiration and veneration on the one hand and pride in Ulstermen on the other. Resolutions adopted enthusiastically at Belfast and at demonstrations throughout the country served as timely proclamations to the world that Ulster’s position not only remains unchanged, but that the trend of affairs in the Free State has intensified, if that were possible, her convictions on the question of citizenship. Thousands of Orangemen pledged once more their loyalty to the King, the Throne and to the Protestant religion. They also recorded necessity, as loyal subjects for vigilance against Communism. Among those on one of the platforms were many delegates from Canada and the United States. “No Surrender.’’ The Prime Minister (Viscount Craigavon), addressing a large gathering of Co. Down Orangemen at Castlereagh, said that Ulster’s policy in the future would be the policy of the past, namely, no surrender to the disintegrating forces. Speaking at Downpatrick, Mr. Andrews, the Minister of Labour, declared that the Orange Order had saved Ulster, as he believed its principles would save the Empire. He continued: “I wish to say plainly and emphatically to our political opponents to-day —both those who reside In this part of the United Kingdom and in the other part of our island home—that while we desire to live on friendly terms with the people of the South, all this talk about a united Irish Republic is sheer nonsense. It is a foolish nightmare which can .nevey be realised, for as loyal people we will never agree to sever our British connection or to live under any flag but the Union Jack. (Applause). “IVe very definitely mean to retain our Imperial representation at Westminster and to maintain our Ulster Parliament.” .Similar sentiments were unequivocally expressed on every Orange platform. COMMERCE CHAMBER Dinner at Palmerston Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, October 12. The annual dinner of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce was held to-night, the president, Mr. A. J. Graham, presiding over a large gathering. The speaker of the evening was Dr. G. 11. Scholefield, Parliamentary Librarian, who spoke on Japanese competition and markets. The guests included the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, Mr. J. Pearce Luke, vice-president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr. A. D. Kerr, president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Mr. J. K. Hornblow, chairman of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of local and civic bodies. Apologies were received from the Hon. R. Masters and Mr. A. Burgess (Wanganui), president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce.

The toast list was as follows:—“lndustries and Commerce," proposed by Mr. M. A. Eliott, and responded to by Mr. F. J. Nathan; “Palmerston North and District,” Mr. A. D. Kerr, and responded to by the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, and Mr. D. Collis, chairman of the Kairanga County Council; “Associated Chambers of Commerce,” Mr. J. 11. Stevens, and responded to by Mr. J. P. Luke.