CORRESPONDENCE “ENGLAND’S GREATNESS.”

Wairarapa Daily Times, 15 August 1931, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE

“ENGLAND’S GREATNESS.”

(To the Editor). Sir, —Your correspondent, f< A Reader, ” asks for information concerning the incident in which tlie late Queen Victoria, pointing to a Bible, said to an African chief: “ This is the secret of England’s greatness.” Unfortunately, I cannot give your correspondent much information concerning the incident, but Ijfeve in my possession a beautiful pict aring on this very matter, where it will be seen that the Queen is handing the Holy Bible to the African chief, who is kneeling before the Queen, who says: ‘‘This is the secret of England’s greatness and England’s glory.” Behind the Queen is standing her husband, Prince Albert, and standing behind the kneeling chief are two other persons, one of whonr I--believe -to be the late Lord Salisbury. There is also a beautiful Biblical scene in the background. Underneath is written: “'Dedicated by special permission to the Right' Honourable the Earl., of' Salisbury. ” : The Rev. Whitby James, of ...Tinui, some time ago saw this picture, and was greatly interested in it. Eor the benefit of your correspondent and your readers, I am exhibiting this picture in my window in Jackson Street during the week-end. —I am, etc., ROBT. RUSSELL. “ A READER.” —We have received the following from a Masterton resident, who has the book, “Victoria, Queen and Empress, ’ ’ by David Campbell, informs us that in the year 1893 the King of Matabeleland was at war with the British East Africa Company, and sent his African ambassador to England to see Queen Victoria, and lie asked - her about England’s power. Forgetful of army and navy, wealth and merchandise, she handed the dusky messenger a copy of the Bible, saying: “Tell the King that ‘this is the secret of England’s greatness’.”