MOURNING IN WAIROA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18920, 23 January 1936, Page 11

MOURNING IN WAIROA

SERVICE TO BE HELD BROADCAST MESSAGE (Herald Correspondent.) In addition to the closing of Government offices in Wairoa,. followed by other offices and shops on receipt of the news of the King's death, flags were flown at half-mast and the church bells tolled. In accordance with a message from the Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, the Mayor, Mr. H. L. Harker, announced that at 11 a.m. to-day at Coronation Square the proclamation of the new King s accession would be read, concluding with the singing of the National Anthem. The business people were asked to close for a short time for that purpose. A memorial service is to be held in the square on the day of the funeral, this being apart from any similar functions held by the churches.

A special feature that some people missed while listening-in to Wellington was a broadcast from station 2ZP, Wairoa, commencing with Chopin's Funeral March. The message announced was: "Boys and girls and listeners-in, although you cannot see me, you can hear my voice—the voice of 2ZP—and I want you to listen to the sad message which I have to bear. The King is dead—our King—King George V —the Ruler of all our Empire. It is hard to realise that our beloved King lias passed away after a glorious reign of 25£ years. During those 25£ years he has lived to see a greater advance in our Empire than any other King who has reigned over England. He has lived to see great tragedies. He has lived to see. great victories. Ho has lived to see a period of the greatest scientific advance of all time And now—he has passed away. The great bell of national sorrow tolls out its message of sympathy to all other noble members of our Royal Family who this day mourn their loss. But now, to the Glory of God, he goes to" the Kingdom of Kingdoms^—the Ruler of all rulers—the King of all kings • and there w.e pray, may he reap the Heavenly harvest he surely deserves. May God grant peace and rest to the soul of our Sovereign, our master—our friend—King George V, of England. The station will now stand by in reverent silence, mourning with our listeners the passing of His Majesty—George Rex." After the broadcast a special children's session was carried out in conformity with the sad occasion. Mr. Perry being subsequently warmly thanked for his thoughtful action. All festivities were suspended on Tuesday night, Vuicl Wednesday was observed as a day of mourning. It is understood that except on the day of the late King's funeral, all normal activities are to be resumed.