The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9. KING'S BIRTHDAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 9 November 1907, Page 2

The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9. KING'S BIRTHDAY.

it may safely bj asserted that in no part of the vast empire over whieli King , Eiward VII. reigns is the true sp.rit ol j loyally moie deeply rooted than in Hie Duminiou of New Zealand. it is only ! natural, therefore, that the anniversary in iiiß Majesty's birtlid ly sliould be nt(tingly observed, while one and all, with .absolute sincerity, will join m wishing Jhiai "Many happy returns of tile day." [Although situated at the most distant of the Empire New Zealand is poppled by the sons and daughters of Lire ,t Britain, who look upon the United Kingdun as "Home.'' Cherishing in a n.arked degree the best traditions of our race, the inhabitants of this favored isiand yield to none in their loyalty to the throne. We are a self-governed community, enjoying all the blessings and privileges of freedom, yet cheerfully and willingly yielding allegiance to our sovereign, in whom we recognise the embodiment of all that is best in that good government which has for its aim the peace and prosperity, as well as the moral and spiritual welfare, of the British race and alien subjects.

It is rarely that a reigning monarch succeeds to such splendid homage as that which King Edward received on he death of his mother, Queen Victoria, of ever-blessed memory. It was no light task to follow such a model ruler, but each year of the new reign has shown how well equipped was our King for the whole work that has fallen to his lot. Amid all the vast' increase of armies and navies that has characterised the policy of the chief Powers during the last few years King Edward has never for a moment relaxed •his energies in the cause of peace, and thereby he has worthily earned the title of "Edward the Peacemaker." His intense sympathy for suffering humanity has greatly endeared him to bis people, and also to those who owe allegiance to other crowned heads. Truly it can be said that the sorrows and sufferings of the nation affect him as much, if not more, than its pleasures and rejoicings. Nor must it be forgotten that in all matters affecting the welfare of his people in all parts of the globe King Edwaijd has the iheartiast cooperation of Queen Alexandra, who has now shared his exalted labors, as well as his joys and sorrows, for nearly 45 years. Long may they be spared to continue their noble efforts on behalf of the children of the Empire and humanity in general. . a -j

It is sixty-six years since our King was born, and not quite eight years since he succeeded to the throne. Much has happened both within and beyond the Empire during theso periods. It must be a source of the greatest gratification to King Edward to feel that the Empire has steadily progressed and expanded during his lifetime, and that it has never occupied a more important position as a factor for gond among nations that is the case to-day. We enjoy the highest I lessings and privileges that any people can icasonably desire. Little wonder is it that our loyalty is deeply ingrained and responsive to the slightest call.

It is well for us on such an occasion as the King's birthday to contemplate tho manifold advantages we derive from the beneficent rule of a large-minded and warm-hearted Sovereign who leaves us to manage our own affairs but is ever watchful to prevent *Ur prosperity being endangered by the horrors of international warfare. Patriotism as the active manifest Ltion of loyalty is abundantly evident throughout the Empire, but it may safely be asserted that King Edward, proud as he is o£ the existence of this noble spirit would far rather it should be dormant for all time than it should burst into activity through stress of national peril. Throughout the Dominion and aJJ other pints of the Empire to-day the hearts of'the people will unite in offering to King Edward sincere congratulations on the happy results of his beneficent influence in the past, and expressing the hope that he may be long spared to rule over his people, who on this occasion heartily wish Ijim "Many happy returns of the day." On behalf of Taranaki we wish the King a long life, knowing well that aach year he is spared to carry out the exalted duties of his position he will add to the glory and prestige of our Empire, awhile setting an example of neighborly duty that we should all do well to follow.