An Empire in Mourning.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12518, 21 May 1910, Page 5

An Empire in Mourning.

ance. The "lament" was looked forward to, and its non-performance caused disappointment. The programme was as follows:—"Dead March" in "Saul," Garrison Band; Hymn, "O God our Help in Ages Past," Rev.-A. Morton; Prayer, Rev. A. S. Wilson; Scripture Lesson, Psalm 90, Mr. T. H. Rix; Hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee," Rev. E. D. Patchett; Hebrew Scripture Lesson (Psalm 39), Mr. J. H. Keesing; Address, Rev. J. A. Luxford; Hymn, "Days and Moments," Adjutant Powick; Maori Scripture Lesson, Rev. A. O. Williams; Hymn, "When our Heads are bowed with Woe," Putiki Maori Choir; Lord's Prayer, Rev. S. Bailey; Hymn, "Abide With Me," Mr. W. Grundy; Address to Children, Rev. J. D. McKenzie;' Prayer Rev. D. Martin; Benediction, "God Save the King."

In the course of his opening address the Rev. A.Morton said: Our wise and peace-loving sovereign" has passed away and the empire has been plunged into a grief sudden and genuine.. The news of the departure of the king came as a thunderclap in the colonies. It is but nine years since he was welcomed to the throne of the empire on which the sun never sets. And no one had any idea of the beneficent influence he would prove to be. Only a few months ago he was termed to be one of the greatest diplomatists in Europe. I am sure wo are all grateful to God that he was possessed of so many of the "king becoming graces"— devotion, patience, courage, fortitude. John Bright said of the late Queen- Victoria that she was positively the most truthful woman he ever knew. And wheir that noble lady passed away her son uttered the words "It be my sincere endeavour to walk in niy mother's footsteps." We firmly believe that.he kept_ that-vow, and in the high path of his kingly duty he walked with a single purpose. I feel sure that in this memorial service cur sympathy will go out to that Royal lady who was the partner of King Edward for nigh on half a century. Forty-seven years ago our Laureate sang, when she came from the ""and of her birth to. be "the blissful bride of a blissful heir"—

"Oh joy to the people, and joy to the throne, Come to us, love us and make us your

own: For Saxon, or Dane, or Norman we, Teuton or Celt or whatever we be We are each of us Dane in our welcome to thee- - Alexandra.'' The nation gave her a real welcome, and she has enthroned herself ever ?"?«*• m the people's affection ,as a faithful wife and the kindest of mothers, the friend of ■ the common people, the sympathiser in sorrow, as was seen when, even in her own poignant orief ?i s^*> * message of sympathy "with the Wlutehaven sufferers. Our sympathy goes out to-day to air members' ot the Royal lamily, and let our prayers ascend on behalf of him who has been proclaimed King that grace may fie given to him to. rule wisely and,in the fear of God so great a people and that he set an example of a truly God! iy Me to his subjects. ;