FUNERAL PROCESSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 28 January 1936, Page 5

FUNERAL PROCESSION

ROUTE OF OVER FOUR MILES LAST RITES AT WINDSOR (British Official Wireless) (Received 28th January, 12.44 p.m.) RUGBY, 27th January. To-morrow’s funeral procession will follow a route extending over four miles from Westminster Hall by way of Whitehall, ..the Horse Guards Parade, the Mall, St. James’s Street, Piccadilly, and Hyde Park to Paddington. At the most solemn moment of the ceremony. at St.- George’s Chapel the King will take part ill the celebration of the last rites. When the bier carrying the coffin has-been lowered beneath the floor of the Chapel His Majesty.will scatter a handful of earth from a silver bowl upon the coffin as the Archbishop of Canterbury speaks the committal words.

If the carefully prepared schedule is kept the last words of the sentences will be spoken exactly as the two minutes’ silence begins. Gradually the coffin will sink from view while thei British Empire will become an unseen congregation about the grave. FOUR GENERATIONS BEFORE THE BIER Four generations of the Royal Family stood together by the bier last night. They were: Princess Louise, the Duchess of Argyll, Princess Helena Victoria, and the Princess Royal and her two sons. The Royal partv drove from Buckingham Palace and remained nearly 20 minutes. Dense crowds in Parliament Square watched in respectful silence as they drove away. The Prime Minister also visited Westminster Hall and stood for a few minutes in-silence. UNSWERVING DEVOTION TO DUTY The Archbishop of Canterbury referred to King George’s unswerving devotion to duty, and gave a touching account of the King’s last official act. He said: “Twelve hours before his death, sitting very thin and frail on a chair, he held a meeting of the Privy Council. To order a Constituting Council of State he gave in his’ old clear voice the ‘approved.’ He was asked whether he wished to sign the order with his own hand, ‘Yes, I have always signed myself,’ but his hands could not grasp the pen for several moments. They moved to and fro across the paper, then with the most moving act of his old courtesy he turned to the council and said, ‘I am very sorry to keep you waiting so long. After a pause he added: ‘You see, I cannot concentrate.’ For some moments more his hands renewed attempts, most gallant and pathetic, to sign. At last he was content to make a mark. Then with his old kindly, kingly smile he bade his council farewell.”

The Primate also recalled a conversation last year in which the King “Speaking to me about all those overwhelming evidences of loyalty which the Silver Jubilee called forth, used some words so characteristic of his honesty and humility that I cannot refrain from repeating them even in these surroundings. 1 seem to hear him say them now.” “1 am sure I cannot understand it, for after all I am only a very ordinary sort of fellow.’ There was truth in those simple words which he himself could not discern, for the secret of his power and of his personality over his people was, I think, that they came to see in him iust the sort of man each of them instinctively would wish to be—simple, sincere, frank, a lover of home and of healthy sport, loyal to his friends, setting a high standard of personal life and public duty, steadfast in service and mindful of his God. Such a man his people understood. They saw in him simple, sterling virtues which each of them knew to be right for himself. This was the personality which more and more fullv as the year passed communicated itself to the people.”

FROM EVERY PART OF THE WORLD

Some 1500 wreaths from mourners in every part of the world and of everv degree from kings to the poorest of the late King’s subiects have reached Windsor Castle, and all day hundreds more have been arriving.

QUEEN MARY AT WESTMINSTER HALL

Queen Mary went to Westminster Hall again this evening and stood before the coffin of the late King for some minutes. The Queen Mother was accompanied by members of her family as well as by foreign Royalties who are staying at Buckingham Palace. While the Royal party 'remained the procession,ofThe public was interrupted. ELABORATE PREPARATIONS Most elaborate preparations have been made to deal with the vast crowds which will mass themselves along the route of the Royal funeral procession. All parts of the route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8 a.m., and the police have arranged for carefully planned traffic diversions covering areas reaching out to the suburbs. TO BE BROADCAST A description of the procession, as well as the funeral service, will be broadcast to Home and Empire listeners and commentaries will also be made in five languages for the benefit of foreign listeners. After the service the 8.8. C. will close down all home stations for the rest of the day. Cinemas will not open till 6 p.m., by which time it is expected the principal houses will be showing newsreels of the day’s ceremonies. ADVANCE GUARD OF MOURNERS LONDON, 2Gtli January. London has never witnessed anything equalling Sunday’s tremendous human current relentlessly setting toward the Hall of Rufus where, in all the loneliness of iKngsliip, lie the remains of King George V. Trains and buses since early morning had brought the advance guard of the great civilian army of mourning. The streets around Westminster were soon crammed, the people overflowing by noon into the roadways, congesting traffic, and jamming motor-cars in Whitehall, on the Embankment, and in Queen Victoria Street. Another great queue formed late in the after-' noon for evening prayer at Westminster Abbey, which has been crowded ever since tlie King’s death and will be open all day for services to-morrow and on Tuesday. Tlie manner in which the tributary queues were formed and automatically converged to the main ones instanced London’s wondei ful crowd sense. Children were lost and women fainted, but the orderliness was perfect. Detachments of nurses and first-aid men rendered valuable service. EARLY CLOSING OF WESTMINSTER HALL

The closing of Westminster Hall at 340 a.nx. after the announcement that it would be open until 6 a.m caused almost angry scenes owing to the disappointment of many people expecting to pass the catafaluque with a minimum of delay. Early morning newcomers included several who had specially motored long distances and others from the provinces who originally abandoned the queue to rest before going home on early trains. Police, when the pressure grew, linked arms to prevent an approach to the door. A police inspector, replying to repeated appeals, declared that the doors were closed from the inside and lie was not responsible. Eventually women and several men at 5 a.m. walked in procession to No. 10 Downing Street to urge Mr Baldwin to countermand the closing. A porter refused to arouse the Prime Minister, pointing out that the Office of Works was controlling arrangements. It is understood that the hall was closed to enable cleansing of the carpets which had become muddy by the passage of hundreds of thousands of people. SERVICES OF HOMAGE

The one note of the day’s devotions was set when Queen Mary attended service in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by th<? Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Prin cess Royal and Lord Harewopd and their two sons, and the King and Queen of Norway, and heard two of King George’s favourite hymns sung. The services of homage culminated ir. a national memorial service at Broadcasting House conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who testified to King George’s personality. “This simple and truly humble man,” he said, “has drawn his people to him-

self by veal personal attachment. Once as I was walking with him in the Highlands lie said somewhat sadly that he seemed destined again and again to encounter national difficulties, eacli more searching than any in Queen Victoria’s reign. He was not endowed with any conspicuous gifts of body or mind, though his memory was most accurate, his judgment sound, and his experience ever growing. He always lamented having come to the Throne with no education but that given to a sailor. This was admirable in itself, but scarcely wide enough as an introduction to public affairs. He never possessed arts nor practised devices by which popularity is often secured, yet, despite all, his personality came through. MINDFUL OF GOD

“As crisis after crisis passed people realised his quiet courage, confident trust, and unswerving devotion, and felt that at the centre of the national life was a man strong, confident, steadfast, and mindful of God. He gave new significance to the name of King by the personal affection he drew from the hearts of his people. “Some of us will always remember the favourite ending of his personal letters —‘Your old friend.’ His religion was simple but real. I appeal to his people to keep his example before them by recovering his simplicity of life and remembrance of God. NOBLE FORTITUDE OF QUEEN “Queen Mary gave King George wonderful comradeship for over 40 years, and is showing noble fortitude in these anxious days, giving all surrounding her an example of unbroken calmness and strength. I pray God she will long he with us to enjoy the full possession of the hearts of her people. As to the Prince of Wales, no other monarch ever came to the Throne so intimately knowing all classes of his subjects, and we pray that his gifts may be consecrated to the service of God and the people.” ROMAN CATHOLIC WORSHIPPERS All Roman Catholic churches throughout Britain were thronged with praying before the Blessed Sacrament which the Bishops had ordered to be exposed for special intentions, namely, the repose of King George's soul, that King Edward, Queen Mary, and tlie Royal Family may be comforted, and that King Edward’s rule may be as prosperous and happy as his father’s. The Bishops had also ordered the “Dead March” to be played after High Mass. There will be similar observances on Monday and Tuesday.

UNPRECEDENTED SCENES Unprecedented scenes were witnessed in Westminster Abbey. Hundreds stood when all seats had been occupied, and streamed in the nave and besieged the choir gates until the entry of the choir compelled them to retire. Canon W. Foxley Norris recalled that the Abbey was the King’s church, and lie loved it.

London’s Roman Catholics filled Westminster Cathedral and heard Father John Murray pay a tribute to the dead King.

A striking military service was conducted in the Guards’ Chapel, which was recently redecorated under the supervision of Sir Neville Wilkinson. He will establish a record when lie participates in the funeral procession at Windsor by being the only person who was present at the funeral of King Edward VII in tlie same capaVty, namely, Ulster King of Arms. AMBULANCE WORKERS BUSY • Ambulance workers treated 550 cases during the night. Thousands were still waiting when day dawned cold and wet, after which the queues again began to lengthen. Meanwhile illustrious foreign mourners began to arrive in London. Among tlie first were the Germans, headed by Herr von Neurath, Minister of Foreign Affairs.. He did not receive a cordial reception at the Liverpool Street- station. On the contrary be was jostled roughly by excited crowds through which cars had literally to force a passage. King Carol of Rumania wa? greeted by a salute of twenty-one ,guns at Dover. The bulk of the foreign mourners will be Frenchmen. Special “funeral trains” are running from Paris. French radio stations will broadcast accounts of the funeral. “SOME ONE BLUNDERED” (Received 28th January, 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, 27th January. “Some one bundered.” This is the general comment on the only incident marring the extraordinarily efficient organisation of the funeral arrangements—tlie abrupt closing of the doors of Westminster Hall despite the broadcast announcement that they were remaining open throughout the night. The crowds were not so much incensed at the closing of the doors as the authorities’ lack of courtesy in refusing an explanation. Even vet it is impossible to obtain official comment. Many mourners were obliged to return to the provinces deprived of the opportunity of paying homage to the late King George. The authorities attempted to atone for the mistake by opening the doors at seven | o’clock in the morning instead of eight, but it is generally regretted that they did not handle the situation with greater foresight. NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES (Received 28th January, 10.55 a.m.) LONDON, 27th January. New Zealand will be represented at the funeral on behalf of the Army by Captains Maxwell and Sugden, on behalf of the Navy by Rear-Admiral BurgesWatson and Vice-Admiral Geoflrcy Blake.

HISTORIC SCENES AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE SIX KINGS SIT DOWN TO DINNER (Received 28th January, 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, 27th January. There was a historic scene at Buckingham Palace to-night when five kings sat down to dinner with King Edward. They were King Haakon of Norway, King Christian of Denmark, King Leopold of Belgium. King Carol of Rumania, and King Boris of Bulgaria. There were also present M. Le Bruit, President of France and all other Royal guests, and heads of foreign missions totalling a company of fifty, all men. Dinner was served in the white and gold state dining loom. The King’s guests wore black knee breeches and silk stockings, with evening coats. Those of King Edward and other members of the British Royal Family were decorated with gold buttons. The famous service of gold plate was used. Thus King Edward first took his place with his brother monarchs and heads of states as their Host.

Meantime Queen Mary dined in the Chinese room at the other end of the first floor with Queen Maud of Norwav and ten other British and foreign Royal ladies; while in the household diningroom some of King Edward’s suite dined with members of tliei foreign entourages.

The six kings after dinner joined Queen Mary, Queen Maud and other Royal ladies. Later King Edward had formally presented to him members of the suites ol foreign representatives at present in London. PRECEDENT FOPLOWED In giving this dinner party King Edward followed the precedent _ of King George V., who entertained foreign Royalties who came for the iuncral of Edward VII. IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLES The arrival of Royalties earlier in the day provided spectators with a succession of impressive spectacles at Victoria Station and elsewhere. The lact arrival was King Leopold of Belgium who looked a handsome figure in a uniform of light khaki with a crepe armlet and black tie, and his sword draped with a black sash. Most of the arrivals went to Bucking, bain Palace, from where, at 5 p.m. live cars, in the first of which was Queen Mary, took them to Westminster Hall, where they spent twenty minutes. PARTICIPATION IN FUNERAL ATTITUDE OF IRISH FREE STATE HIGH COMMISSIONER MAY ATTEND LONDON, 27th January. Tlie Dublin correspondent of “The Times” says: It- is increasingly evident that the Free State Government does not intend to participate in the Royal funeral in any way implying loyalty either to the Crown or Commonwealth of Nations. Even whether Mr J. W. Dulanty, High Commissioner, will represent- the Government at Loudon cere* monies has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, although 70 members oi the Irish Bar sent a message of sympathy to King Edward, other members pointed out that the message was entirely private and must not he regarded as an expression of corporate feeling. The. Chief Justice also explains that the suspension of sittings of the Supreme Court on 28th January was due to a- request by barristers desiring to attend church services. PARIS BOURSE CLOSED (Received 28th January, 10.15 a.m.) PARIS, 27th January. The Bourse is closing all day. The entire French Cabinet, diplomatic corps and the British Ambassador, Sir George Clerk, attended President Lebrun to the Gare Du Nord, which was decorated with English and French flags. CONDOLENCEAND LOYALTY HOUSE OF COMMONS’ ADDRESS

(Received 28th January, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, 27th January. King Edward received a deputation representing all parties in the House of Commons bringing an address of condolence and loyalty. It included Mr Stanley Baldwin and Mr Lloyd George. Seventy .thousand had passed through the Hall by 1 p.m. to-day despite rain. A few dropped out of the queues. SERVICES OF INTERCESSION

Westminster was packed for special services of intercession to pray for God’s protection for the Empire and a divine blessing on King Edward VIII. Prince Starhemberg, Austrian Vice-Chancellor, was among the distinguished foreign visitors and diplomats present. WHERE THE KING WILL Y/ORK CHANGES AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE LONDON, 26th January. The King has already effected changes at Buckingham Palace. He will work on the ground floor, instead of in his father’s first floor study, in a smallish room which was formerly :: waitingroom, and which is furnished largely with gifts from tlie Empress of China to King Edward VII. Some furniture has now been removed to make room for tlie King’s desk and other equipment. The simple decorations include paintings of Royal racehorses.

VIENNA INCIDENT RECALLED

KING’S VISIT TO TENEMENT

“DO NOT FORGET THE WORK

MEN”

VIENNA, 27th January.

The Deputy-Mayor of Vienna, in a newspaper article recalling the King’s visit to a Vienna, city tenement last year, significantly mentions a trades union leader who stepped forward and said, “When you are King, pray do not forget workmen. See they get bread and peace. ..You look as though you had the qualifications.” The article relates that on the same visit the King, addressing school teachers, compared Austrian with Swedish and British educational methods and showed enthusiasm when informed of what wore regarded as improvements here on older methods

OATHS OF OFFICE RESWEARING CEREMONY [By Telegraph—Press Association] WELLINGTON, 27th January. Consequent on the accession of King Edward VIII, bis Excellency the Gov-ernor-General (Viscount Galway), and members of the Executive Council were resworn to-day. First, the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers) administered the oatli of allegiance and the oath of office to his Excellency, who afterwards swore in the; Prime Minister (the Hon. M. J. Savage)? and the other members of the Executive Council.