PARLIAMENT AND KINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 March 1936, Page 7

PARLIAMENT AND KINGS

TRIBUTES IN HOUSE GREAT SERVICES APPRECIATED [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, March 26. The usual ceremonial connected with the opening of Parliaihent took place to-day. The Governor-General, after inspecting the guard of honour, proceeded to the Legislative Council chamber, the galleries of which were crowded. Members of the House of Representatives were summoned and Lord Galway read the speech from the throne. When Members of the House of Representatives returned to their Chamber, the Speaker announced that the Governor General had transmitted to the House, a message informing members of the death of King George.

Mr. Savage moved that’the message from His Excellency be recorded in the journals of the House. In doing so, Mr. Savage said, he could say without fear, that the House, would .be united in the opinion that the passing of his late Majesty had taken from the British Commonwealth of Nations, not only a beloved Monarch, but also a true friend. A friend because he had stood four square for the right of the people to govern, and in those turbulent days of wars and rumours of wars, the right of the people to govern was sacred. During his reign of twentyfive years, great changes had been made, and at all times a sense of personal duty had been reflected on the part of His Majesty. Impartiality, kindness and co-operation, had been the keynotes of his late Majesty’s actions in every sphere. As King, his late Majesty’s readiness to accept farreaching changes and adapt himself to a changing world had been outstanding. As a man, his simplicity, kindness, and the general manliness of his make-up commended itself to all sections of the community, so that in mourning the loss, the House and people of New Zealand would speak with one voice. It was difficult to forecast what the future had in store, but of one thing they were certain. That was in the successor to his late Majesty they had a sovereign who was also beloved, who had interested himself in public affairs, and the welfare of his subjects, the conditions under which they have had to live, and toil. Mr. Savage concluded:. I feel I have not sufficient grasp of language to express what is in me to-day, and to fully express the feelings, aspirations and love of the people of this countrj r for the beloved Monarch, King Edward the Eighth. "UNSELFISH DEVOTION.” Mr. Forbes seconded the motion and referred to the spirit animating the jubilee celebrations. He said that King George had set a very high standard of unselfish devotion to public duty, a standard that.had been an inspiration to those who took part in the Jubilee gift. Public morality throughout the British Empire stood very high indeed, its source was inspiration from the . Throne. That would be King George’s lasting memorial.' The loyalty of the people of New Zealand had been deepened by King George’s reign, and would pass on undiminished to his successor. Mr. Coates spoke of the interest King George had always taken in soldiers during the war, and said His Majesty was always near and ready to give a cheery word to the soldiers. He also took a deep interest in the wounded men, and in sorrowing relatives of those who had been killed. He trusted the words of the Prime Minister and other speakers would radiate far enpugh to reach the Queen Mother, and help her in her time ot trial. Sir A. T. Ngata expressed the feelings of the Maori people in the passing of King George. He said that prior to June, 1901, the Kingship of the British Empire had been to the Maori people merely a name, but with the visit of King George, then Duke of York, the personal element had been introduced. The Maori people did not give one inch to any other in the British Commonwealth of Nations in allegiance and loyalty to the King, the great chieftain of the Empire. In the accession of King Edward the Eighth the fortunes of Maori and pakeha alike were in the safest possible hands. Mr. Tirikatene supported Sir A. T. Ngata. The motion was carried. Mr. Savage then moved that a respectful address be presented to King Edward, assuring him of the deep lamentation caused by the death of his father, expressing the congratulations of both Houses of Parliament on his accession and assuring His Majesty of their loyal attachment and hopes for a happy reign and prosperity for his subjects. This was carried. As a mark of respect to the memory of King George, the House adjourned till Tuesday afternoon.

40-HOUR WEEK

WELLINGTON, March 27.

Brief, but pointed comment was made to-day by the Minister of Labour (Hon. H. T. Armstrong) with reference to the statement made by the Secretary of the New Zealand Employers Federation (Mr. T. O. Bishop) on’the subject of the Government’s 40-hour week proposal. Mr. Bishop said that it would be disastrous to apply the policy in New Zealand. "Mr. Bishop has said exactly what, he would be expected to say,” said Mr. Armstrong. “That’s his job.”