EMPIRE LEADERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 9

EMPIRE LEADERS

HIS MAJESTY MEETS LUNCHEON IN LONDON I SPEECH OF WELCOME By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, May 7 The King to-day attended a luncheon given by the United Kingdom branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association in honour of the Dominion Prime Ministers and other delegt bs visiting London for the Imperial Conference and the Empire Parliamentary Association's conference. In reply to a loyal toast, His Majesty said: I am delighted to have an early opportunity of welcoming my Prime Ministers and other Ministers from overseas, as well as so many representatives of the several Parliaments of the Empire. This is a historic occasion. It is the first time a Sovereign has been present at a luncheon in Westminster Hall to meet those who represent the Legislatures of the Empire. What worthier setting could be imagined than this ancient hall which has been at once the scene and silent witness of so many stirring events in the history of the Parliament of this country? Here have grown up principles which form the bulwark of the system known to us as a "Parliamentary government." Those principles have been carried by the people of our race to the ends of the earth. They are the heritage and pride of all parts 6f the British Ccmmonwealth of Nations. Prime Minister at High Table The King sat in a chair brought from Buckingham Palace. Viscount Hailshain, as Lord Chancellor, sat on his right and Captain FitzKoy, as Speaker of the House of Commons, was on his left. The guests sat at small round oak tables. His Majesty upon arrival shook hands with each Dominion representative, after which he took his place at the high table amid the Prime Minis tors and the British Cabinet Ministers, the Earl of A till one, the Archbishop of Canterbury and others, whose sombre morning dress was relieved by the robed and turbaned Indians and Burmese.. Mr. J. A. Lyons (Australia) sat between Earl Stanhope and Mr. Neville Chamberlain, while Mr. M. J. Savage was next to Major C. P. Attlee, British Labour leader. All these were at the top table, looking down 011 the 800 guests. King in Excellent Spirits Looking robust and sun-tanned, the King conversed vigorously with Lord Hailsham and Captain FitzKoy. He was undoubtedly in excellent spirits. His Majesty began his 'speech nervously, and spoke very slowly, but soon warmed up splendidly. His speech was audible and was excellently punctuated and emphasised, and his stammer had completely disappeared, as was evidenced in his first few sentences, in which were hard g's and k's. A few years ago' these letters, as far as was possible, were not included in the speeches of the Duke of York.

At the conclusion of the function the King walked down the centre of the hall, followed by Empire delegates. Prolonged applause followed when Captain Fitzßoy, turning to the King, said: "Your Majesty, we have the utmost confidence as to the future of your reign!" MR. SAVAGE RESTS WEEK-END AT CHEQUERS GUEST OF MR. BALDWIN LONDON, May 7 The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, and Mrs. Baldwin will entertain the Dominion Prime Ministers at their official country residence, Chequers. Mr. M. J. Savage'will be their guest this week-end, and Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lyons (Australia) the following weekend. Mr. Savage attended yesterday's Coronation rehearsal in Westminster Abbey.