A MILLION MOURNERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22787, 24 January 1936, Page 10

A MILLION MOURNERS

LONDON, January 22. It is estimated that at least a million mourners will form queues to file past the catafalque in Westminster Hall. The catafalque will be draped with purple and the stone floor, in order to ensure silence, will be carpeted with grey and purple. « "A MAN, GOD BLESS HIM" LONDON, January 22. (Received Jan. 23, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Bernard Shaw, before sailing for the West Indies, said: "King George was one of the finest broadcasters. His sincere humility and whole attitude made us say, ' A man, God bless him.'" THE CORONATION LONDON, January 22. The Sun-Herald service understands that it is most improbable that a member of the Royal Family will visit South Australia for the centenary. Inquiries in authoritative quarters reveal that the interests of the dominions, India, and the colonies are being considered in connection with the coronation, which may be fixed for a time to suit overseas visitors, and when «the weather is likely to be most favourable. Consequently, if it cannot be held by October, it will possibly be deferred until the summer of 1937. It is believed that a long delay is not favoured, especially as King Edward has already varied precedents. The Sun-Herald service is informed that there will be no presentations at court in 1936. Debutantes will.have to await the summer of 1937; but many features of London's summer season will not be disturbed, as in 1910, when the Derby, Ascot, and opera were held, though less elaborately. THE DEATH CHAMBER LONDON, January 23. (Received Jan. 24, at 0.30 a.m.) The Daily Sketch says: "At the Queen's express request, and with King Edward's sympathetic approval, the room in which King George died and in which he uttered the words that will ring through history, 'How is the Empire?' is to remain unaltered. Not a chair or a book will be moved, and only the Queen, other members of the Royal Family and the necessary cleaning staff will be allowed to enter." THE ROYAL FAMILY LONDON, January 22. King Edward travelled to Sandringham by rail with the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as the weather was unfavourable for flying. The doctors consider that both the Duchess of York and the Duke of Gloucester are now well enough to travel. The Queen spent the morning attending to a mass of private correspondence. After several hours at her desk she walked in the sunshine with the cess Royal, both being dressed in deepest mourning. About noon another wreath, of pink and white carnations, was placed on the coffin. No card was attached, but it is understood that the wreath came from the late King's children. FILIAL REMEMBRANCE LONDON, January 22. The King closed a day of glorious significance by walking unaccompanied, except by the Duke of Gloucester, along dusky woodland paths to Sandringham Church, wlicrc he stood 10 minutes in silence before his father's flag-draped coffin. DOMINION'S SYMPATHY KING EDWARD EXPRESSES THANKS (Per United Pbess Association) WELLINGTON, January 23. The Governor-General has received the following cablegram from his Majesty the King in reply to the message of sympathy sent by his Excellency in connection with the death of King George : "I received with deep appreciation youi message of sympathy in my overwhelming sorrow, which you have addressed to me in the name of the Government and people of New Zealand, as well as Lady Galway and yourself. Please convey tj them my heartfelt thanks, and assure them how greatly I and my family are touched by the kind words in which they refer to my beloved father.—(Signed) Edward, R. 1." DAY OF MOURNING PRIME MINISTER'S REQUEST (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 23. The following statement by the Primo Minister will "be published in a special Gazette to-morrow:—" The interment oi his late Majesty King George V will take place on Tuesday, January 28, and that day will be observed as a day of national mourning. Courts of justice and all Government offices throughout the Dominion will be closed on that day, and the people of New Zealand are respectfully requested to observe the day as a close day of mourning until 0 p.m., and to suspend all business other than essential services accordingly. It is earnestly desired that all employers pay their employees in full for that day." PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MODERATOR'S TRIBUTE (Special to Daily Times) QUEENSTOWN, January 23. The Rev. H. W. Barton, moderator of the Presbyterian. General Assembly, who is at present on a visit to Queenstown, in an interview, stated that the Presbyterian Church profoundly regretted the death of King George. Not merely as the symbol of the Empire's unity and as head of the State, but in a very special sense by virtue of his personality, the King had won the respect and affection of all his subjects. King George had been a great moral steadying force in very difficult times, and the Christian Church and all other forces that made for the higher life of the community owed him an incalculable debt. The moderator has sent the following message to the Governor-General on behalf of the Church:—"The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand expresses profound regret at the death of our beloved and revered King, and asks you to convey to her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family our heartfelt sympathy."