EMPIRE DAY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 23 May 1936, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY

LATE EARL BEATTY’S MESSAGE.

(Received Saturday, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, Friday. The following is the Empire Day message from Admiral of the Fleet, the late Earl Beatty, P.C., G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., President of the Empire Day Movement: — “As President of the Empire Day Movement, in succession to the late Earl Jellicoe, whose lamented death last year was so heavy a loss to us and to the cause which he had so much at heart, it is my privilege to address you this Empire Day. a “Since last Empire Day we have mourned the death of a beloved Sovereign who was indeed the Father of his people—that world-wide Family to whom I now speak. We recall with gratitude the late King-Emperor’s wisdom and kindliness, and his unwearying devotion to the welfare of his sub- : jects, and we cherish his memory with lasting affection. “Upon this, the first Empire Day of the reign of King Edward VIII., let us join in offering to His Majesty our respectful congratulations upon his accession, an assurance of our loyalty to his. throne and our attachment to his person, and our heartfelt wishes that his reign may be long and glorious. “In this time of unexampled international anxiety, let us celebrate Empire Day in a spirit of deep thankfulness that we are citizens of a great and united Empire, powerful in the cause of world peace. As an Empire, we must, by our example and our exertions, strive to secure a greater measure of tolerance and understanding among the nations; as individuals, we must determine, every one of us, to play our part in upholding the great traditions of our race.

“I trust that Empire Day may be given special significance this year to mark His Majesty’s accession, and I send my warmest greetings and best wishes to you all. ’ ’