Historic Session of Parliament Opens

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 73, 27 March 1936, Page 8

Historic Session of Parliament Opens

The Speech From The Throne

Tributes to the Late King George

Per Press Association

WELLINGTON, East Night.

Tlic booming of guns from Point Jerningham shortly before 2.30 this afternoon announced the fact that the usual ceremonial "for the opening of Parliament was about to take place. A large crowd had gathered in front of Parliament Buildings, but lain kept a number away and the attendance outside was not as great as in former years. The Governor-General arrived at the main entrance to Parliament Buildings at 2.30 and after inspecting the guard of honour proceeded to the Legislative Council chamber, the • galleries of which were crowded. Members of the House of were summoned and Lord Galway read the “Speech from the Throne.” The Vice-Regal procession then left the chamber and members of the House of Representatives returned to their chamber, jwhere Mr. \V. J. Lyon gave notice of his intention to move that a respectful address be presented to his Excellency in reply to the “Speech from the Throne.”

Tribute to the Late King The Speaker announced that the Governor-General had transmitted to the House a message informing members of the death of King George and Mr. Savage.moved that tho 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 that the passing of his late Majecsty had taken rrom the British Commonwealth of Nations not only a beloved monarch but also a true friend -—a friend because ho had stood foursquare 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. His late Majesty was a bolovcd monarch because he gave up the greater part of his lifetime in sharing the sorrows as well as the joys of his subjects. .Members would be united in mourning the loss of a sovereign of that calibre. During his reign of 25 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 tho 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 makeup commended itself to all sections of the community so that in mourning his loss the House and the people of New Zealand would speak with one voice. “It is difficult to forecast what the future has in store, but of one thing we were certain, that is that in the successor to his late Majesty we have a sovereign who is also beloved, who has interested himself in public affairs and the welfare of his subjects, and the conditions under which they have had to live and toil.” Mr. Savage concluded: “I feel I have not a sufficient grasp of language to express what is in me to-day and to fully express the feelings, aspirations and love or the people of this country for our beloved monarch King Edward Eighth.” Mr. Forbes seconded the motion and said the news of the cieath of King Gebrge was received with sorrow in all parts of the Dominion just as if a close personal friend had passed away. His visit to the Dominion had brought him into close touch with the people of New Zealand and he had taken a keen interest in their welfare right up to the last. Mfl Forbes referred to his visit to the Jubilee? celebrations and'said he had an audience with King George who had expressed appreciation of the kindness shown to himself and the Queen. His Majesty also expressed appreciation of the welcome accorded the Duke of Gloucester when he visited the Dominion last year. Mr. Forbes referred to the spirit animating the Jubilee celebrations and said King George rial set a very high standard of unselfish devotion to public duty—a standard that had been an inspiration to those who took part in public life. Public morality throughout the British Empire stood very high indeed and its source was the inspiration from the Throne. That wculd be King George's lasting memorial. The loyalty of the people of New Zealand had been deepened by King George's reign and v.euld pass on undiminished to his successor.

Mr. Coates spoke of the interest King George had always taken in the soldiers during the war. He 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 the sorrowing relatives of those who had been killed. King George was a friend to all who knew him personally and otherwise. He trusted the words of the Prime Minister and the other speakers would radiate far enough to reach the Queen Mother and help her in her time of trial. After all she played an equal part in helping the King to achieve what few men had achieved, and that was the respect and affection of the whole of the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Sir Apirana Ngata expressed the feelings of the Maori people in the passing of King George. He said prior to Juno. 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, a personal element had been introduced. The Maori people, said Sir Apirana, did not give one inch to any other in the British Commonwealth of Nations in theii allegiance and loyalty to the King, the great chieftain of the Empire. In the Accession of King Edward VIII the fortunes of Maori and pakeha alike were

in the safest possible hands. Mr. Tirikatene supported Sir Apirann Ngata and Mr. Atmore also emphasised the personal contact his late Majesty had been able to establish with his subjects all over tho Empire. The motion was carried.

Mr. Savage then moved that a respectful address be presented to King Edward, assuriug him of the deep lamentation caused by the death of his fathei and 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 tho House adjourned till Tuesday afternoon.