YUGOSLAV RALLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23928, 31 March 1941, Page 10

YUGOSLAV RALLY

KING CONGBATULATED LOYALTY TO NEW ZEALAND "WE ARE IN GOOD COMPANY" A cablegram of congratulations to King Peter it. was approved and a resolution of loyalty to New Zealand was affirmed at a meeting of about 500 members of the Auckland Yugoslav community convened by tho Yugoslav Consul, Mr. J. M. Totich, in the conceit chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday night. A long ovation greeted Mr. Totich and Mr. M. 10. Siniich, who presided, when they mounted the stage. The. meeting opened with the playing of the National Anthem and the first verses of the Croatian, Serbian ami Slovenian anthems. M ovod by Mr. M. Jakich and seconded by Mr. P. Sunde, the message of congratulation to King Peter was as follows: —-"For and on behalf of the Yugoslav colony in New Zealand, whose representatives are in meeting here assembled, we desire to convey to Your Majesty our joy ovsr the news of Your Majesty's action in the present crisis. "Guard Yugoslavia" "We pray to Almighty God to guide and strengthen Your Majesty to uphold the dignity, honour and liberty of our Fatherland. We are deeply convinced that a firm and resolute stand to protect and defend our independence is compatible with the destiny ol Yugoslavia. Wo rejoice, too, that you have taken the firm stand to follow the example of your heroic father to guard Yugoslavia. We pledge our sincere loyalty to Your Majesty. Long live King Peter II." The words "Guard Yugoslavia" are significant, as they were among the last spoken by King Alexander, who was assassinated at Marseilles in I!KM. Helping the Dominion The affirmation of loyalty to New Zealand was moved by Mr. Mark Simicli and seconded by Mr. P. Kockich. The resolution was as .follows: "We assembled Yugoslavs resolve to allirm our loyalty and assistance in the present crisis to New Zealand, the country of our adoption." Speaking of the dangers that lay ahead of Yugoslavia, Air. Mark Siniich said: "If these dangers come, then wo are in good company." Mr. Kockich, in seconding the affirmation of loyalty, -aid: "When we help this country we are helping ourselves." Mr. Totich thanked the Mayor ol Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, and the members of the City Council for their svmpathy and assistance. He also thanked members of the Consular Corps who had offered their felicitations. The meeting was conducted in the Yugoslav language.