HISTORIC COMMEMORATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16768, 29 June 1925, Page 11

HISTORIC COMMEMORATION.

GREAT GATHERING AT RUNNYMEDE. SIGNING OF MAGNA CHARTA. (Elec. Tel Copyright—United Press ASsii.' (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received June 29, 3 pun.) LONDON, June 28. Seven thousand people this afternoon, including processions of clergy, hoy scouts, friendly societies, assembled at Rmmymede to commemorate the signing of Magna Chart at Speeches were made by Bishop J. 11. Darlington (New York),and Sir Joseph Cook, after which tho whole assembly in unison said “ We Praise Thee 0 God for the gieat, deed seven hundred years ago, whereby the. laws and liberties of tins realm were defended against tyranny and a 'victory won for freedom and justice.”

Magna- Charla, the “ Great Charter of English liberty,” was- extorted fr'otn King John by the barons, and signed at Riimiymede on the Thames, on June 15, 1215. It was confirmed in 1216, 1217 and v 1225. and in its final form contained thirty-seven clauses. It guaranteed certaini feudal rights and obligations,secured tho liberties of London and other towns, laid down the constitution of the. Great. Council, whose meynbers were to be summoned by writ, it decreed that no one should he kept in prison without trial, that justice should not- he sold, or delayed to any man, and that, none should suffer fine, imprisonment, or exile but by the judgment of his peers. It has been many times confirmed in subsequent years.