BRITISH CONSTITUTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 7

BRITISH CONSTITUTION.

HON. R. SEMPLE’S PRAISE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. “I have been called to Wellington as a result of the difficulty which has occurred on the British Throne. Let us trust that the difficulty which is there at present will lade away and that King Edward will remain on the Throne,” said the Minister of Public Works (!•>,»:. R. Semple), speaking at a banquet at Nelson on Saturday night. “I am satisfied,” said the Minister, “that the King is beloved by all the people in the British Empire. There was never a time in the history of the British race when there was a greater demand lor goodwill and loyalty toward 11 io British Throne. I. say that |

because recent years have taught us something of the constitutions which crumble, of despotic dictatorships emerging and snatching economic and religious liberty from tlie people. We have seen nations ruled by cruelty, by force, by the firing squad and all forms of torture. “The world lias been a big stage and we have been one of the audience, and we should have learned by now to be proud of the fact, yet we should thank God that we live within the four corners of the British Empire, the only Empire which has held steadfastly .to the principles of the people being masters of their own late. “I east my mind back over my own political career and have reason to think of the advantages of the British Constitution. .Motherless and working in a mine at the age of nine, tlie British Constitution has allowed me to struggle from pitbov to .Minister of the Crown, and 1 would lie a traitor to the British Empire if 1 did not recognise the Constitution which lias allowed that to be done.”