CANADA AS A LINK

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 126, 31 May 1939, Page 9

CANADA AS A LINK

THE EAST AND THE WEST

SPEECH BY THE KING

APPRECIATION OF WELCOME

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Received May 31, noon.) VICTORIA (8.C.), May 30. Standing at Canada's western gateway, the King today reviewed his journey across the continent and made passing reference to the international situation with the comment, "Some day the peoples of the world will come to realise that prosperity lies in co-operation and not in conflict."

The King's address, which was broadcast throughout the nation, was made at. a luncheon tendered by the Government of British Columbia.

Their Majesties had just completed a long drive through the streets of Victoria. In keeping with the reputation of the lovely city as a bower of flowers, the streets were strewn with rose petals. In thanking the Canadians for the wonderful welcome they had given the Queen and himself at every stage of their journey from ocean to ocean, the King said: "To travel through so grand a country is a privilege to any man, hut to travel through it to the accompaniment of such an overwhelming testimony of good will from young and old alike is an experience that has, I believe, been granted to few people in this world. We are deeply grateful for it. We shall never forget it, and the inspiration it has given us will hearten and encourage us for the rest of our lives."

After making references to the qualities of the Canadian people, the King said, "For most of you present, the task must be the development of the heritage that has already been secured. Nevertheless, in this vast land you have still before you the rewards . of pioneering and the prizes of exploration. You have only touched the fringes of the Great North. ... In the north is a field of enterprise for youth which will take generations to exhaust. . . ."

He concluded: "Here on the shores of the Pacific I can realise (he position which Canada occupies. Her Atlantic windows look to Europe and her Pacific windows to Asia and the Far East. As science reduces the barriers of s[>ace this country will become a thoroughfare between the two hemispheres. Some day the peoples of the world will come to realise that prosperity lies in cooperation and not in conflict. With the dawn of that brighter day I look to Canada playing an increasingly important part in furthering friendly relations between East and West. With the widening of her role of international interpretation will come corresponding benefits to mankind."

Distinguished guests, of whom there were 259, so approved of the King's remarks that they threw etiquette to the wind and rose to their feet and cheered and applauded. The Premier, Mr, T. D. Pattullo, in welcoming the King, declared that British Columbia was firm and steadfast.