NEW BELGIAN KING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22197, 26 February 1934, Page 9

NEW BELGIAN KING

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TAKEN PRINCE OF WALES PRESENT ' * (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) BRUSSELS, February 23. ■ With all the city’s bells pealing joyously, and a salute of 101 guns booming, Prince Leopold, seated on a white charger and clad in a general’s uniform, rode from Laeken Palace to Parliament House with a cavalry escort. Outside the palace the general staff of the army presented homage. Then the famous burgomaster. Max, of the Municipal Council, saluted. The entire route was packed with cheering crowds. In the Chamber of Deputies, whither the Queen had preceded him, Prince Leopold, from the throne, took the oath of allegiance in a firm, strong voice, first in French and then in Flemish. He read a brief- address, concluding; “ 1 devote myself entirely to Belgium, • and Queen Astrid will assist me with all her heart.”: This evoked an outburst of /• cheering and cries of “ Long Live the King! ” from the audience, which included the : Prince of Wales, other visiting royalties, members of the two • Gham- • bers, magistrates, councillors, and offi-. dais. Immediately the brief ceremony was over their Majesties drove back to Laeken. through enthusiastic crowds. ■F'iv PRINCE RETURNS HOME. (British Official Wireless.)' RUGBY, February 23. the Prince of Wales left Brussels by train to-day on his return journey to England. ... MAINTENANCE OF THE OATH. DIFFICULTIES REALISED. : ; : , BRUSSELS, February 23. (Received Feb.. 25, at 5.5 p.m.) " Only one incident marred to-day’s ceremonies; Two Communist Deputies entered the Chamber in lounge suits instead of the customary evening dress. They refrained from cheering on the entrance of the Queen, and shouted something when the King entered, but the >' words were drowned in the general volume of cheering. The new King s speech referred 7 to the difficulties attached to the maintenance of the oath. He said he could not de better than follow the example of predecessors, whose tradition placed, the dynasty always at tie nation's service, which explained the unanimous tribute to the memory of his father, “for which my mother and myself join in expressing gratitude.” He added that ais father had always tried to ensure a union of hearts between all classes. “I will do the same and will also be deeply interested in, colonial development.”