KING'S GRATITUDE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1937, Page 9

KING'S GRATITUDE

LOYAL ADDRESSES

"THRESHOLD OF NEW LIFE"

COURAGE IN HIS TASK

Dnfted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received May 12, noon.) LONDON, May 11. Replying to the presentation of loyal addresses from the various parts of the Empire, the King said: "It is a great pleasure for the Queen and myself to welcome you all and to sincerely thank the. Prime Ministers of the Dominions for their addresses. I shall always remember with gratitude the kind words ,in which you have conveyed to me the loyalty and devotion of. my1 people in many parts of the world. I am happy that you who speak for them will be with me at the solemn service tomorrow. "Only two years ago my dear father received Prime Ministers and others representing the overseas Empire at his Silver Jubilee. My father spoke in moving words of welcoming you home. He has since gone from us, and it has pleased God to call me to be the head of this great family. "Today I stand on the threshold of a new life. Heavy are the responsibilities that have so suddenly and unexpectedly come upon me, but it gives me courage to know that I can count on your unfailing help and affection. "I shall do my utmost to carry on my father's work for the welfare of our great Empire. The Queen and I are not strangers to the life of our people overseas, and cherish the memory of the months we spent in visiting the Dominions. We shall indeed be happy if in the years to come we*have the good fortune to extend this personal knowledge. "Today the world is harassed by perplexity and fear. In this family of nations; linked by ties which are alike flexible and firm, we have inherited a great tradition of liberty and service, and I am confident we shall continue to work together to preserve our noble heritage and to 'iand it on unimpaired." The • Dominions representatives were /cry impressed not only with the

matter but the manner of the King's speech of reply to their addresses. He spoke vigorously and feelingly, practically without a pause, and there was not the slightest trace of nervousness. His programme 'is becoming heavier every hour, and seems to stimulate rather than tire him. His Majesty this month" is meeting the Dominions Prime Ministers and Ministers more constantly than any previous Monarch has done.