Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1944. BRITISH MONARCHY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1944. BRITISH MONARCHY.

T HE Papacy excepted, the British Monarchy is the oldest established institution in Europe, dating from 829, when King Egbert became ruler over all England. King George VI., whose birthday is to-day, can trace his descent straight back to Egbert, and can take pardonable pride in the reflection that he has done his part to keep Ihe Monarchy on strong foundations. Called to the Throne unexpectedly and reigning during one of the most critical periods in national history, he has done exceptionally well, sharing his people's dangers and hardships, and casting his influence to forward the highest ideals. There have been greater kings so far as personal exploits are concerned, but King George has proved the type most suitable for Hie time’s requirements. being content to leave to the Prinm .Minister the task of governing the country. Not all monarchs would be so selfcffacing. The wishes for “many happy returns’-’ will be sincerely offered to-day throughout the Empire and beyond. Monarchs become fewer and less influential, but the British Crown remains unaffected by drastic changes elsewhere. Older than Parliament, the British Monarchy seems likely to last as long. Continuity is assured whilst the monarchs maintain the standards of King George VI., and there is real hope of such maintenance. Gone are the days ■when a king could do no wrong, or when he could be dictatorial with the rights and liberties of his people subject to his whims, caprices, and affections. The British Royal House realises this, and shows little desire to stray beyond the Bill of Rights passed in the seventeenth century, limiting the. monarch’s powers. Some nations preler Presidents and republics, but experience has not demonstrated that this system of government is an improvement on the British monarchy, and there is little desire. noAvadays, in the Empire to exchange the sceptre for a Presidential wand of office. Sentiment apart —and sentiment is important in this matter —one King for all is preferable for Empire links than a series of Presidents, coming and going as election results decide. Some foreign critics declare that there is too much that is unreal about the British monarchy, which—they say—is in keeping Avith flu* national gilt lor seeming hypocrisy. They claim that the King is not much more Ilian a figurehead, and mainly Ihe centre of ceremonial and formalities which themselves are obsolete. 'These critics overlook that much is done in the King’s name, that Ministers act in his name, and that although he accepts Iheir advice, he is not without power and influence in forming their decisions. There is much that seems paradoxical in the British system of constitutional government, but it Avorks avell, and leflection Avould prove that its Aveaknesses are more apparent than real, fn most republics, there is less public liberty and the Presidents arc less subject to controlling influences, apart from military pressure, and as a consequence there is little jn the administration of these lands that the British Empire need envy.