EMPIRE DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22427, 25 May 1936, Page 13

EMPIRE DAY

AUCKLAND OBSERVANCE ALBERT PARK CEREMONY WREATHS LAID AT STATUE Empire Day, which commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria, and marks the growth of the British Empire during and since her reign, was observed in Auckland yesterday afternoon by a ceremony at the statue of Queen Victoria in Albert Park. The ceremony, which was attended by members of the Victoria League, the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, the Overseas League, the Auckland Patriotic Association, and a number of citizens, began with the sounding of the "Last Post" by a bugler of the Royal Marines, followed by an address by Sir George Richardson, who spoke in the absence of the Mayor. Mr. Ernest Davis. Sir George said that Empire Day was to honour not only the memory of good and gracious Queen Victoria, but also the memory of the leaders, statesmen, soldiers, sailors, pioneers, and all members of the community in the past who, by their wisdom, foresight and great sacrifices, had helped to build up the great empire to which we were privileged to belong to-day. Difficult Times The Empire was passing through difficult times, and it was important that citizens should study it, and know its meaning, in order that they might play their part in working out its destiny, added Sir George. They should pass on their experiences, and the thoughts that occurred to them on Empire Day, to the younger gener-, Rtion who had to carry on. Whether the Empire was lasting or not depended on the co-operation of all its citizens in working out its prosperity and success.

"This is the first Empire Day since Edward VIII. ascended the Throne," said Sir George. "We should pledge our loyalty to him, and our determination to help him and his leaders to reach that point in the Empire's destiny which will bring peace and prosperity and opportunity to all its citizens." After the address, wreaths were placed on the base of the statue by Miss J. Mowbray, president of the Victoria League, representatives of the Returned Soldiers' Association, and Bugler,W. Delaney, Ist Waikato Regiment and Armed Constabulary, on behalf of the Maori War veterans. The vice-president of the league, Mr Townley Little, then read an Empire Day message, written by the late Earl Bcatty, and circulated throughout the Empire, and also one from the Gov-ernor-General, Viscount Galway. Empire's Prestige Following the reading of the messages, a short address was given by Commander C. B. Tinley, officer in charge of the Devonport Naval Base. He said that Empire Day was a day set apart for reflection and rejoicing, and for thinking of the great heritage that had been passed on by onr forefathers. In view of the unrest in Europe and the world generally, every man should realise to the full that this great heritage was vitally important to the peace of the world to-dav, and should guard it zealously to the utmost of his ability. The eyes of tho world were on Mother England, the centre of the Empire. She set an exam pie and tho world followed. Her prestige was high, and it was up to all in the Empire to maintain that prestige. The ceremony closed with the sounding of the "Reveille," after which Miss Mowbray laid a wreath on tho Maori war memorial at the intersection of Symonds Street and Wakefield Street.

EARL BEATTY'S MESSAGE

RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZENS

The text of the Empire Day message written by Earl Beatty shortly before his death and read yesterday at gatherings throughout the Empire, is as follows:

"As president of the Empire Day Movement in succession to the late Earl Jclicoe, whose lamented death last year was so heavy a loss to us and to the cause which he had so much at heart, it is my privilege to address you this Empire Day. "Since last Empire Day we have mourned the death of a beloved sovereign who was indeed the father of his people —that world-wide family to whom I now speak. Wc recall with gratitude the late King-Emperor's wisdom and kindliness, and his unwearying devotion to the welfare of his subjects, and we cherish his memory with lasting affection. "Upon this, the first Empire Day of the reign of King Edward VIII., let us join in offering to His Majesty our r«*~ spcctful congratulations upon his ae cession, an assurance of our loyalty to his throne and our attachment to hip person, and our heartfelt wishes that his reign may be long and glorious "In this time of unexampled international anxiety, let us celebrate Empire Day in a spirit of deep thankfulness that we are citizens of a great and united Empire, powerful in the cause of world peace. As an Empire, we must, by our example and exertions strive to secure a greater measure of tolerance and understanding among the nations; as individuals, we must determine, every one of us, to play our part in upholding the great traditions of our race.

"J trust that Empire Day may bp given special significance this year to mark His Majesty's accession, and I send my warmest greetings and best wishes to you all." The message, which was endorsed by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, in his Empire Day message, is that which the London County Council would not allow to be read in schools under its control.