LIBERATOR’S DAY

Hawera Star, Volume L, 19 December 1930, Page 9

LIBERATOR’S DAY

CENTENARY OF BOLIVAR. CELEBRATION IN LONDON. ißntislj Oftieiai Wiita.ess.) RUGBY, Dec. 17. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Arthur Henderson, spoke at the centenary celebration of the American liberator, Simon Bolivar, in London to-day. He reviewed Bolivar’s work and the attitude of Great Britain, under Canning, and claimed that Bolivar signally deserved the name of Liberator, as five States ascribe to him their independence. The relations between the British Government and the countries who looked to Bolivar as their national hero had continued to be most friendly, and had never been more cordial than to-day. Mr. Henderson concluded: “Nor do I forget the importance of their contribution to the League of Nations’ work for world peace. On behalf of the British Government .1 most cordially wish them many more centuries of' prosperity and progress.”

Simon Bolivar, horn Caracas 1783, died at San PedrO, December 17, 1839, began his revolutionary career in 1810 with General Miranda in the revolt against Spanish domination in Venezuela. Nearly ten years’ vicissitudes of fighting found him finally, aftei\ the Battle of Boyaca in 1819, master of Venezuela and Colombia. In 1821 Bolivar completely routed the Spaniards at the decisive Battle of Carabobo and next year he entered Quiato, liberating what is now Ecuador from Spain. In Peru he won the battle of Junin, and with the defeat of the Spaniards at Ayacucho ended Spanish rule in South America.