THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1231, 15 May 1947, Page 6

THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION

ELASTIC BUT FIRM Fear God, Honour the King That a classic phrase of the Apostle Peter, “Fear God and honour the King,’’ covered the reason for the great strength of the British Constitution, was emphasised by Mr. H. E. Schofield in opening an address to members of the Matamata Rotary Club on Thursday. Mr. A. G. Findlater presided over an attendance of 23, and apologies were received from Messrs l A. Crawford, A. Harris and Dr. J. G. Mackereth.

If honouring authority conflicted with fearing God then the individual had a serious decision to make, continued Mr. Schofield. In making that decision many had' lost their lives in the past as l a result. In the British Empire citizens could do both as the example of the Royal family was outstanding in the manner they had trodden the path of righteousness. In consequence, the British Empire was the wonder of the world. Its elastic constitution gave that freedom which was essential and thus brought about a unanimity which had amazed others. Also, in spite of mistakes the Empire pointed the way to righteousness and justice, largely because the constitution was based on the King. It was interesting to record that King George VI. could trace his ancestry hack 1100 years to Egbert, King of Wessex, a line which was broken only by the few years of Cromwellian period. The line was older than any institution in the Empire and with such roots in history it had continued through the years to the present day, changing only in deference to public opinion. Up to the 17th century the monarchies had been absolute. Then came the Bill of Rights, which limited the monarch’s powers, and gave Parliament a say in the affairs' of government. The limits were not then clearly defined and so at the time of Younger Pitt, matters l came to a head again, and it was agreed that the , King should govern through Parliament. Thus, to-day, the King was head of the State while Parliament governed the people. This wise precaution secured more firm continuity. Parliament governed for the people and was liable for punishment in dismissal, but on the other hand the King was head of . the legal side of the .State and was not so responsible. The King observed the fiction of authority, while the Prime Minister exercised the authority. In theory, the King was thus a puppet, but not so in practice. The Prime Minister consulted the King regarding certain affairs of State, while the King kept absolutely impartial and read the platforms of both sides when opening Parliament.

No man had been better versed in foreign affairs than the late King ’George V. He had ,a long reign through a succession of Prime Ministers, knew all of the State secrets, and had sound judgment and clear vision.

In the King was summed up a long line of tradition, which was a big thing. The King was also head of the social system and the legal system. This provided further continuity in stabilisation of affairs. Unlike a president, he was beholden to no party, ajjd unlike’ a Prime Minister, he had no natural bias towards any political creed. On the social side the King’s decorations went to all irrespective of class. They were open and free to all. In Africa the Royal family had proved that there was no distinction, but had met and talked to all classes, colours and creeds, even by the wayside.

On the legal side the King was head of the law. In other countries judges were appointed by the party in power, but not so in Britain. The British, system, with the King as head, prevented the introduction of graft, and gave complete justice so far as human beings could do so. An outstanding example of the elasticity of the British constitution was' provided by the abdicaton of King Edward VIII. That King was a radical,- and could not adopt that impartiality which. : was essential, and so was forced to bow to the popular will and abdicate. That such an abdication could take place, and almost overnight, without bloodshed, had amazed the world. Yet the change-over had been made without a hitch and the system still went on.

It was a system which promoted unanimity, and was built wisely and well. As Rotarrians they could follow -no better course than that upon which the Empire was founded: the recognition of the need to fear God and honour the King.