The Franklin Times WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1934. KING OF THE BELGIANS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 21, 21 February 1934, Page 4

The Franklin Times

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1934. KING OF THE BELGIANS.

PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. Office and Works: ROULSTON STREET, PUKEKOHE. ’Phone No. 2. P.O. Box 14. “We nothing extenuate nor aught set down in malice.”

THE tragic death of the King of the Belgians removes one of the most striking figures of the early War per-

iod. King Albert, without imitating the autocracy of his neighbour the Kaiser, was a leader of his people. The Kaiser who was All-Highest fell, but the King who led a democratic Government remained, his throne more firmly established by the affection and respect of his people. When war was threatened and the neutrality and integrity of Belgium were imperilled, King Albert expressed the steadfast resolution of the Belgian people. When his appeal to Germany to remember the solemn guarantee of Belgian neutrality was brushed aside his resolution did not fail, and he placed himself at the head of the Belgian Army. Throughout the War he remained with his soldiers, as a leader who shared their perils and hardships. His reentry to Brussels after the Armistice was marked by a wonderful demonstration of public affection.

Leadership marked his kingship in peace as well as war. Before ascending the throne he undertook an extensive tour of the Belgian colonies, and travelled in Africa from the Gape to the Congo. The observations made I hen gave him the keenest interest in his nation’s colonial development and in the post-War rehabilitation of Belgian trade and commerce. With lhis purpose he undertook personal tours in Europe and to South America, and presided at colonial congresses where his knowledge and experience enabled him to afford valuable guidance In Belgian enterprise. The tragic circumstances of his death may be said 10 typify his life. He was not a King apart from his people. Tall and commanding in presence he moved among

the people as their leader. He guided their enterprise, shared I heir I roubles. and took prat in their recreations. As a mountaineer be won distinction. After he became King tie found less time for this recreation, but devoted himself to aviation and often piloted his own machine. When Royally is

hedged around with so many restrictions there is something romantic in a

King venturing on a lonely climbing expedition. And it was this same King who, only a month before, personally effected a settlement of a Cabinet crisis which arose in Belgium. On that occasion there was the remarkable spectacle of a popular demonstration for the King and against the Ministry. It was the response of the people to the endeavours of a King who declared at the beginning of his reign that the prosperity of the nation must be achieved through the prosperity of the mass of the people.