TWENTY YEARS ON THE THRONE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1930, Page 8

TWENTY YEARS ON THE THRONE.

The attainment of the twentieth anniversary of his accession to the British Throne is an event upon which the people of the Empire properly offer congratulations to King George V. It would be natural enough to congratulate any j 'an who had held a high position for so long a period, and it is natural for tho citizens of the Mother Country and the Dominions alike to convey their felicitations to a man who has been happily described as a simple, honest, patriotic Englishman. But with these good wishes are given also assurances of the loyal devotion of his subjects to the • person of His Majesty, assurances which conld not be m re sincere than they are in the case of New Zealand. This farthest Dominion has sensed as keenly as any other part of the Empire tho personal relation between Sovereign and people that great events have emphasised during the present reign, Even before the war the King was more one with the people than his predecessors had been, and the war greatly strengthened his hold upon their affection. His Majesty, and indeed all the Royal Family, shared the anxieties, the sacrifices and the sorrows of the people. The King identified himself closely with both soldier and civilian, taking such a deep personal interest in affairs on the battle-'

fronts and at home as to show that he understood and appreciated what the war meant and was as willing as any citizen in the Empire to bear his full share, and more than his share, of the common burden. During the twenty years of his reign epoch-making events have occurred both in the Empire and throughout the world. There have been startling changes in the orientation of international and Imperial affairs, and through them all the British Throne has remained secure. Kingdoms have collapsed and dynasties have been blotted out, but the British Monarchy and the Royal House are more firmly and broadly based than ever on the goodwill and affection of the people. The reasons arc that the King has used his constitutional powers wisely and the Royal House has brought into the domestie life of the nation the influence of a fine example. King' George, with the loyal help of the Queen and every member of their family, has been earnest and conscientious in the performance of the duties of State; indeed, the long illness from which he is only now recovering has been attributed to his ready sacrifice of his own personal comfort in the public interest. Happily His Majesty’s doctors have been able to say that on the twentieth anniversary of his accession he is enjoying good health. That he may soon be able to gratify his desire to resume his full round of duties and may continue to perform them for many more years is the earnest wish of the whole Empire.