OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 52, 13 February 1918, Page 5

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Anzacs Furnish Mounted Escort.

The King’s Speech.

Vigorous Prosecution of the War.

[PREIS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT.]

Received 13, 1.30 p.m.) London, February 12

King George opened Parliament, accompanied by Queen Mary, who was attended by the Prince of Wales. Australians, New' Zealanders and other overseas troops furnished the mounted escort. Ihe route was lined bv enthusiastic crowds. The Royal party passed through the’Royal Gallery, where wounded ox erseas soldiers were accommodated, lhe Marquess of Lincolnshire 'Joint Hereditary Great Chamberlain of England) addressed the men, and said: —‘ lam commanded by the King to give the brave oversea soldiers a royal welcome, and to express His Majesty’s warm and grateful appreciation of their gallantry and devotion in the field. After the conclusion of a victorious peace, the King and Queen wish you a safe and happx' return to the great Dr'minions of which they are so proud, and which you love so well.” The King’s speech at the opening of Parliament states: — “ lhe struggle has reached a critical stage, demanding our united energies and resource. lhe German Gox’crnment has ignored our just demands to make restitution for the wrongs committed and furnish guarantees against an unprovoked repetition. Until Germany recognises in our offer the qnly principles on which an honourable peace can be concluded, it is our duty to prosecute the war with all the vigour possible. I have full confidence that the British forces and their faithful Allies will continue to display heroic courage, and that the people at home will display that unselfish dex’otion which has frustrated so many of the enemies’ designs, and ensure an ultimate triumph for our righteous cause.

“ I have summoned the Dominions’ representatives to a further session of the Imperial War Cabinet for advice on questions affecting the common interests of the Empire.”