Thank God for the Empire

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 289, 7 December 1936, Page 7

Thank God for the Empire

MR. SEMPLE’S PINE TRIBUTE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. “I have been called to Wellington as a result of the difficulty which lias occurred on the British Throne. Let us trust that the difficulty which is there at present will fade away and .that King Edward will remain ou the Throne,” saiu the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, speaking at a banquet at Nelson on Saturday night.

“I am satisiicd," said the Minister, “that the King is beloved by all the people in the British Empire. There was never a tune in the history of the British race when there was a greater demand for goodwill and loyalty toward the 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 the people. We have seen nations ruled by cruelty, by force, by the liring squad and all forms of torture.

“The world has 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, yea we shSuld thank God that we live within the four corners of the British Empire, tho only Empire which has held steadfastly to the principles of the people being masters of their own fate.

“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 the British Constitution has allowed me to struggle from pitboy to Minister of the Crown, and I would be a traitor to the British Empire if 1 did not recognise the Constitution which has allowed that to be done."

No Official Information, Says Mr Savage Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. There was no official information available in Wellington to-day as to the possibility. oL. -King Edward’s abdication. Tho Prime Minister said in an interview this afternoon that he had no statement to make On the situation. All messages he had received direct from the Prime Minister of Great Britain through the Governor-General, Lord Galway, were strictly confidential and no information could or would be made public. In all probability an official statement would be issued by Jhe Government in due time.