PORTRAIT OF THE KING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 10

PORTRAIT OF THE KING

PRESENTED TO R.S.A. LORD BLEDISLOE’S SPEECH An atmosphere of enthusiasm and loyalty to the Throne prevailed at the Returned Soldiers’ Association conference on Tuesday, when the Gover-nor-General (Lord Bledisloe), formally handed over to the association a portrait of His Majesty the King, wnich had been presented by the British Empire Service League. The Dominion president (MajorGeneral Sir Andrew Russell) said that the delegates deeply appreciated the presence of His Excellency. Lord Bledisloe had been referred to as the Dominion’s farmer Governor-Genera), and no reminder was necessary that he was also the country’s Commancier-in-Chief. (Applause). That constituted a very definite link between His Excellency and the returned soldiers. Sir Andrew stressed the allegiance to the King of every soldier in fifce Empire. (Renewed applause). “Inspiration to People” “In what capacity I am here to-day —unless, as your president hinted, it be that of Commander-in-Clilef of the Defence Forces of the Dominion, and oh whoso behalf I am handing over what is already the property or your association—l do not Know, and it would be wise not to explore too meticulously, lest some violation of constitutional ethics be disclosed,” said His Excellency. ‘‘Suffice it to say that lam glad‘to be here, if only to meet the representatives of the ielurned soldiers of the Dominion in older to wish them godspeed and to express my appreciation of their grateful acceptance of this generous gift from the British Empire Service League, a gift inspired largely by my much-respected predecessor, Admiral of the Fleet Lord .Tellicoe. In these troublous times we have In our beloved Sovereign an immense, personal asset. He is not oulv the chief link ol Empire but he lives for his people and lives in their hearts accordingly. His picture will serve to remind you of nothing but what is good, noble, upright and just. It is no mere formality when we spring to tne salute or raise our hat while invoking the Almighty to save and bless our gracious King/His life is an inspiration to his people from the highest to the lowest in the land. “I understand that there are over 22,000 New Zealand returned soldiers represented at this gathering, and that the numbers joining the various branches of the association have increased substantially during the last two years. From both a. national standpoint and that of the returned men this is ail to the good. Whereover up and down the country I have met returned soldiers I have found them, quite naturally and appropriately, the centre or nucleus of steadfastness, courage, resourcefulness, patience and sympathetic comradeship during the period of economic adversity from which, thank God, w e are now gradually emerging. Their example is in no small measure responsible for the remarkable pluck shown in New Zealand during the last two years by the numerous victims of t?ie economic blizzard. Sympathy Needed “The times are still hard for exservicemen in this country, and. the warm sympathy of all right-minded, patriotic men and women must be extended to them, particularly during this current winter. What they need is not charity (except in the sense of Christian loving kindness), but work, and I take this opportunity of appealing to those outside this hall who may have it in their power, with returning prosperity, to provide employment of any description, to bear them and their needs constantly in mind. “While sympathising with those who are on relief work, I congratulate the returned soldiers on their admir-ably-conducted relief ln neatness, self-equipment and disciplined administration they are a model worthy of imitation by all relief camps throughout the Dominion. “Better Times are Coming’’ “Men, better times are coming, ft is my earnest, hope and prayer that they may materially improve the lot of those who, like yourselves, and those whom you so efficiently represent, have deserved so well of ttieir country and Empire. “May I take this opportunity. His Excellency concluded, “of most sin- ; cerely wishing your organisation every success in its patriotic work, and may

I venture to hope that t>.e eff»ts you are making with great constructive energy and ingenuity may redound to the lasting good and the preservation of self-respect on the part of those you are seeking to help.”