King Opens First War Session

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1939, Page 5

King Opens First War Session

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, November 28. The King opened Parliament’s first war session without ceremony.

The plans for the opening had been kept secret and their Majesties drove from Buckingham Palace in a closed car, instead of the traditional glass Windsor coach drawn by Windsor Greys. The announcement of the arrival of His Majesty, accompanied by the Queen, took members of both Houses by surprise. Their Majesties drove unobtrusively to Westminster in a closed car with a police motor cyclist as escort, and were not attended by the Yeomen of the Guard. Crown in Police Car.

A few minutes before their arrival, the Duke of Gloucester, in khaki, and the Duke of Kent, in naval uniform, entered the House of Lords.

The Imperial Crown, usually taken to Parliament in a landau, went by police car.

It was, as usual, carried in procession from the robing room to the Chamber, the emblem being borne by Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Chatfield. Although all the essentials were observed, there was none of •, the pageantry which attends the age-long ceremony in peacetime. Speech from Throne.

In his speech the King said: “The prosecution of the war commands the energies of all my subjects. “The Dominions overseas are participating wholeheartedly and with effectiveness, which is most gratifying to me.

“My navies throughout the world, together with the merchant navy and fishing fleets, are keeping the highways of the sea free and open. ‘My armies and air forces are fulfilling their tasks at home and abroad. “I am well assured that they will be equal to any effort and sacrifices to which they may be called. Grave Responsibilities.

“The House of Commons will be asked to make further financial provision for the conduct of the war.

“Grave responsibilities rest on you at this time, and I am convinced you will express the nation’s resolution.

“The measures which will be submitted to you are such as seem necessary to my advisers for the welfare of my people and the attainment of the purpose upon which all our efforts are set.

“I pray that Almighty God will give his blessing to your counsels.”

Sussex Now In Dock;

All On Board Safe

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] WELLINGTON, This Day.

Cabled advice from its London office has been received by the New Zealand Shipping Co., Ltd., that the passenger and cargo liner Sussex, which recent reports from London states has been damaged by a mine in the English channel, is now in dock and all on board are safe.