DEMOCRATIC KING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 180, 31 July 1936, Page 7

DEMOCRATIC KING

ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES CANADIANS AT PALACE MOST INFORMAL PARTY (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] LONDON, July 29. There were enthusiastic scenes, in which girls cried "Good old Teddy,” when the CanacVtn pilgrims at the Palace rushed al'tyss the lawns to greet the King. Are officials had to tight to clear a way to the Royal enclosure. Girls, meanwhile, struggled to pat the King-on the back. As the King later crossed the lawn to the Palace, the pilgrims dashed through the rain towards him. When the news spread that the King was to make a speech the pilgrims, many of whom were hobbling on crutches, left the shelter and crowded to the Palace. An outburst of cheering greeted the King's appearance on the balcony. After his welcoming speech the King waved and disappeared through a doorway. There were moments of silence, and then the National Anthem was sung, upon which the King reappeared and stood at the salute. The Duchess of Gloucester stood at the King’s side in the rain and received a special cheer. It was the most democratic and most informal party ever held at the Palace. The pilgrims explored the building. Tea was served in tents, but the pilgrims took their cups and plates and squatted on the lawns, enjoying the picnic while the sunshine lasted. A MEMORABLE DAY. MR. BALDWIN’S SPEECH. [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, July 29. To-day 8000 Canadian pilgrims who were present at the Vimy Ridge ceremony on Sunday paid a visit to Westminster Hall, the Cenotaph, and the Abbey, and were later received in the gardens of Buckingham Palace by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on behalf of the King. There was a moving service at the Cenotaph and at the Abbey. An old lady, aged 75, Mrs. Wood, whose 12 sons fought in the war, laid a wreath on the tomb of the "Unknown Warrior." From the steps of Westminster Hall, Mr. Stanley Baldwin spoke to the pilgrims. During his remarks he said: “We in Britain will never forget how Canada in those first days of the war and at the moment of peril jumped to our aid. You stood with us in that grim fight round Ypres, and you faced that first gas attack in April, 21 years ago. We showed you then what we thought of you. We gave you Vimy, the key to the whole line, and we gave you, moreover, of our best. We gave you Julian Byng, and you loved him as he loved you.” He" also paid a tribute to General Currie, himself a Canadian, who took over from Lord Byng. The Prime Minister recalled his own visit to the war graves in France. Halfway through the proceedings at the Buckingham Palace reception His Majesty himself appeared among the guests who gave him an overwhelming reception, and he was Surrounded by surging cheering crowds, until both hosts and guests were forced to seek shelter from the heavy downpour of rain. Afterwards His Majesty spoke a few words to the pilgrims from the balcony of the Palace.