Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1930. TWENTY YEARS AFTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 May 1930, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1930. TWENTY YEARS AFTER

yO-DAY is the 20th anniversary of King George’s accession to the Throne, and as Royalties are human, His Majesty will probably reflect on the position as it was in 1910, and as it is to-day. When he succeeded the late King Edward, there were some misgivings that he was being forced into too big a job for his abilities, and that he would not prove to be the man Britain needed at the helm. Today, after twenty years’ experience, such criticism would be taken all back, it being realised that the King’s personal attributes, which were then thought to be inadequate for his new responsibilities, have proved to be the mainstay of the Throne, and of great assistance to the country, in hours of serious trouble, particularly during 19141918.

Simplicity and sincerity of character have enabled King George to effect far more than could have some with more showy gifts, and his personal influence, unlike some of his predecessors, has always been for the nation’s good. It is easy to believe that he endeavours to practise the maxims which are reported to be framed in his workrooms at Buckingham Palace and Sandringham. They are:—“Teach me to be obedient to the rules of the game. Teach me to distinguish between sentiment and sentimentality, admiring the one and despising the other. Teach me neither to proffer nor to receive cheap praise. If I am called upon to suffer, let me be like a wellbred beast that goes away to suffer

in silence. Teach me to win, if I may; if I may not,.teach me to be a good loser. Teach me neither

to cry for the moon nor to cry over spilt milk.” There is nothing spec-

tacular about such rules of life, nor are these easier to adhere to in palaces any more than in cottages, but a nation that followed such ethical guideposts- would have no reason to fear <c decay,” or other

ills predicted by those afraid of the Empire’s greatness. However future historians may rate King George, those of his own time are quite satisfied. He does his best, and no man can do more. Few monarchs try to do so much. It is good news that King George’s health continues to improve, and that he feels like resuming earlier duties. More rest is nevertheless imperative, and the King’s sons will now undertake some of the tasks that might have been the King’s. His Majesty will be 65 next month, an age when even the poorest expect to cease work, and it -would be unwise to take advantage o£ the King’s devotion to what he considers to be his duty. It cannot be through any desire to be

in the limelight that King George is eager to undertake a full pro-

gramme, as he must have long ago

been tired of the glamour that beats about a throne. The message of congratulation and good wishes sent by Lord Bledisloe, on behalf of New Zealand, will be endorsed throughout this country, and similar goodwill be displayed throughout the Empire. Monarch and people are mutually fortunate in being associated, and long may such association endure I