PEN-SKETCH OF KING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume III, Issue 346, 29 April 1935, Page 6

PEN-SKETCH OF KING

STILL A VIRILE MAN IMMENSE POLITICAL SAGACITY DISPLAYED Press Association—Copyright London, April 26. The Australian Press; Association says that with the celebration of the silver jubilee only a week distant a pen sketch of the King as he is to-day is not inopportune. Physically he is wonderfully fit and from the standpoint of. the people was never more loved than to-day. Two things have endeared him above all others—his intense human interests and strict constitutionality. Years hence there may be discussions on the King's part in events of 1931, when the National Government was formed. For the present it is sufficient to pay a tribute to his immense political sagacity. He had gone to Balmoral Castle for

a holiday. He had only a day there when he sensed matters were approaching a. crisis in Downing Street. Of his own initiative he returned to London immediately. History . records- and the world has since not ceased lauding the wise measures of those fateful days. Transcending all other considerations is the King's ardent interest in the welI fare of his own people. Twenty-five j years on the throne have not dimmed i his energy. He likes all State papers 1 available for signing before breakfast. j His familiarity with the affairs of Aus- j I tralia and New Zealand is ■ noteworthy, j ; At 70 the King is still very active, j I and loves to lead a man's normal life, j | He is abstemious to a degree and turns i very often for pleasure to a magnificent J stamp collection. One room of the palace is filled with oil paintings. His famous racehorses shows how dear to him is racing. Of the Queen what finer tribute could be mentioned than a noted Englishman's comment based on long acquaintance and keen observation: "There could not have been found a finer helpmate than Queen Mary." Home life and her family are almost passions with her. Life's daily domestic tasks' delight her whe- f ther it be. at the palace or in some institution 5 or home,.

The 'Queen's wonderful attachment to her daughter, daughters-in-law, sons and grandchildren is proverbial. Her interests in their tours of tl • Dominions and forethought for their comfort on them is that of a true mother. Incidentally it •is gathered that both the King and Queen were ; highly- pleased at. the benefit to- the Duke of. Gloucester from his Australian ;and New Zealand tour ' both physically and in outlook. • ■ " •' ■ •* : '> *