A CONSCIENTIOUS KING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 13

A CONSCIENTIOUS KING

Influence of George V on the Empire

Love of Home and People

What motto had George the Fifth for the great- Empire over which' he ruled'so well?' This question was never answered in terms representing a definite choice, but those who worked nearest his late Majesty have selected one of his.own public phrases as indicating his preference and policy: “The glory of the nation.is founded on the homes of the people.”

If that phrase be accepted as the idealism of the late King, it is certain that his ideals were put into- practice r.nd maintained throughout his arduous reign as an example to the nation. He was a real “family man,” and as husband, parent, and Royal .employer, he enjoyed' affection . and devotion. He . did not spoil his children,, and when, later in life his intimate-friends suggested . that lie was spoiling his grand-children, the King’s defence was simple in its wisdom : "That is because I am getting older.” He believed in. bis friends, who were selected from all classes. 'Flatterers and insincere men stood po chance with him. He enjoyed the absolute devotion-of his servants, and reciprocated it with a frank fcentinient of friendliness. Ndbody could driVe-a car like his own chauffeur, Humphries, for ' instance, and -piper .MacGfegbr WaS the 'chief ; of pipets;- So with all who served the King. When trainer Marsh expressed regret that none of the King’s horses bad won the Derby, and that Knight df Garter would not be ready for the classic race in 1924, his Majesty replied: “Never hurry a horse for me, Marsh. When you tell hie it is ready to run, I shall be quite satisfied. I Would much sootier have a nice tbree-jear-old than a bad two-year-old.” The late King George also had a keen interest in farming. He cultivated three farms at Sandringham, totalling about 1000 acres, besides owning several outlying farms in Norfolk, which were in the hands of competent tenants. On his own holdings he bred Southdown sheep and Berkshire pigs.' Good' kennels also were kept there, and the dogs frequently were exhibited at the best shows. All the Sandringham produce was marketed ;r. the ordinary way. Every farm-hand received a pension at seventy years of age. The cottages on the Royal estates here the envy of all rural workers. Sport always played an important part in the late King's life. He was ihe best “shot” (lie Royal Family had had for a very lung time, and his skill as a marksman was demonstrated in the jungle arS well as on the moors. Duckshooting was bis favourite pastime at Sandringham. After his severe illness ih , 1928, however, his Majesty had to restrict his sporting activities being conrent With a morning ride in the RoW, ' but ilo galloping, and an occasional game of lawn tennis, which always held a fascination for him and (lie Queen. ( Perhaps the late King was happiest ] when he was on his yacht, the famous i Britannia, racing at Cowes, where he at- t ways was a jovial figure. “Directly I set i foot on my yacht, 1 am the happiest man jn i

the world,” he once remarked to a. friend. There wao nothing he did not know about yachting, and his knowledge made him an efficient member of, the crew, not merely a figurehead. He preferred home waters, Cowes Bay and .the Norfolk Broads meaning much more to him than the Mediterranean or the Atlantic. His late Majesty was thoroughly British and preferred his own country, its scenery, and it brisk sea-breezes to that of till others. This did not mean that he Was not keenly interested in the life and customs of other countries, particularly India and the Dominions. In an intimate story of the life of King George V. the biographer ’(Richard C. Dent) asks this question: “How did King George like being a king?” The careful answer .needs no elaboration to make it acceptable everywhere with a.rare unanimity as to agreement. “King George . .. in every sense of the word, made the monarchy a real safeguard for democracy. ' Nobody knew his faults better than King George, but he has done something which, I think, .few kings in the past have ever achieved. He has made a ‘full-time job’ of his kingship, and everyone loves and admires a real worker. This brings me to a phase of his character on which, very naturally, I cannot dwell—the King’s true and heartfelt belief in God. In his speeches he never refers to Providence, but always to God, and this belief has shown itself all through his life ... I have never heard him say anything that was not strictly true. Long ago he promised Queen Alexandra that he would read a chapter of the Bible every day, and he has kept his promise. To his friends he is an ideal British gentleman; to his subjects, be is a great and beloved King.” Foreign opinions and impressions of the late King revealed that he was respected and admired abroad. In May 1923, his Majesty and Signor Mussolini met for the first time in Rome. “The meeting was very simple. A strong handshake, a few words, and then a decoration was pinned on Signor Mussolini’s breast by his Majesty. But it was nevertheless a dramatic rencontre—two modern leaders of nations sizing up each other. They were both rather grave, and then his Majesty smiled, and his smile is irrestible.- Signor Mussolini said afterwards: ‘The King of England is two men-—one with, and one without his smile.’ ” A representative American tribute epitomised the whole life and influence of George (he Fifth. The late American Ambassador, Mr. W. M. Page, wrote: “The influence of the.throne—and of him on the throne, being a reputable, thoughtful, industrious and conscientious man—is very great.”