THE KING’S SPEECH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 256, 28 October 1937, Page 7

THE KING’S SPEECH

PAGEANTRY IN LONDON OPENING OF PARLIAMENT CHEERING THOUSANDS (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright! LONDON, Oct. 26. It was a beautifully uunny morning when the King, accompanied by the Queen, opened the first Parliament of his reign, the occasion attracting the biggest crowds ever known for a State opening. Their Majesties acknowledged the greetings of the multitude en route to the House of Lords from Buckingham Palace as they ride in the glass and gold State coach drawn by eight Windsor greys. Yeoman of the Guard in picturesque costume marched beside the coach. Three mounted equerries were in attendance and the Sovereign’s escort of House Guards. Five semi-State landaus accompanied the Rtyal coach carrying ladies and gentlemen of the Royal Household. The time-honoured ed pageantry was observed on arrival at the House of Lords. The Prime Ministery was unable to be present owing to an attack of gout and his place in the House of Commons to-night will be taken by Sir John Simon. In the House of Lords there was a brilliant spectacle, with peeresses in fur coats over evening dresses and glittering tiaras. Princess Elizabeth was the first to make obeisance to His Majesty. Princess Margaret accompanied Princess Elizabeth. Both were hatless and were attired in rose pink coats. The King read the Speech from the Throne slowly and without hesitation, with only one or two pauses. The King’s Speech stated: “Relations with foreign Powers continue friendly. I have invited the King of the Belgians to visit me in November and the King of Rumania in the spring. “My Ministers have followed with growing-, concern the continuance of the conflict in Spain. It is their aim to do everything possible to assist towards the restoration of peace among the Spanish people. They believe that strict application in non-intervention will materially contribute to this end. ‘The position in the Far East will continue to engage the earnest attention of the Government, who will persist in the policy of attempting, in co-operation with other Governments, whether members of the League or not, to mitigate the suffering caused by the conflict and to bring it to a conclusion. “I am looking forward to the time when it will be possible for me to visit my Indian Empire.” His Majesty notes that the expansion of the defence forces is progressing rapidly and rejoices to know that the outlook for trade and industry remains favourable. The Government will continue to encourage industrial activity at home and develop overseas trade.

The speech foreshadows legislation dealing with protection against air raids, coal royalties, distribution of electricity, milk and fish, earlier pensions for the blind, study of the population problem, the appointment of more divorce judges, slum clearance, rural housing, and a variety of other matters.