SILVER JUBILEE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 162, 18 July 1935, Page 2

SILVER JUBILEE

ESSAY COMPETITION THE JUDGES’ AWARD As a result of the essay competition held in the Waipukurau District High School last month for the four Jubilee medals donated to the school by two residents and the Jubilee Celebrations Committee, the awards have been made as follow: — Std. V.: Hugh Jamieson. Std. VI.: Nola Mathieson. Lower Forms, Secondary Department: Joan Smyrk. Uppei’ Forms, Secondary Department: James Jamieson. In the Primary Department the subject of the essay was, “Our King and Queen”; while the seniors wrote on ‘‘Twenty-Five Years’ Reign. The three best essays in each class were selected by the Headmaster for final decision in respect of each section by the two judges, Messrs. E. G. Dowrick and A. C. Holms. The essays of the successful scholars in the Primary Department were published yesterday. The following are the winning essays in the Secondary Department: — “TWENTY-FIVE YEARS’ REIGN.’’

Twenty-five years reign, and what does that signify? Probably not a comparatively long reign when one studies British history, but it is surely the most important reign in the annals of our British Empire. Our beloved King, George the Fifth, and Queen Mary, were crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6th., 1911. At the commencement of his reign,

our great Empire was approaching the zenith of its glory, thanks in a large measure to the farsightedness and statesmanship of the late King Edward the Seventh and his mother Queen Victoria. Upon his ascension to the Throne our King showed himself a worthy successor to his father, displaying from the outset, human and diplomatic qualities which were in later years to make him known as probably our greatest sovereign of all time.

During the years 1911-14 there was considerable rivalry in armaments amongst the great powers and although at all times urging that Britain should be prepared, King George was foremost in the endeavours to prevent a world conflict which he saw must be the ultimate outcojne. It is well known how he endeavoured to prevent hostilities, but unfortunately without avail. However, when the Great War did eventuate our King, his Queen and his children wholeheartedly set a wonderful example of sacrifice for the Empire, and their many efforts in this direction are well known and were indeed a glowing example to all. At the conclusion of the Great War, our King’s diplomatic efforts were paramount in assisting not only to bring his own people back to normal, but also had a very beneficial effect on other ex-combatant countries, which is all the more remarkable in view of the fact that during the War period and the short time following the War, many of the world’s greatest kingdoms had fallen. In the following years the world’s ideas wer - fast becoming revolutionised, and although the British EnTpire was faced with unprecedented difficulties, our Sovereign’s example and the confidence reposed in him by all sections ’of the community, during such trying times, has resulted in the British Empire being still the foremost power in the world. To-day indicates that history is likely to repeat itself in armament rivalries, but our sovereigns and their children enjoy the love and confidence of all sections of their vast dominions, and no greater tribute could be paid to them than by repeating the established fact, that all sections of the civilised world look upon the constitution of Great Britain as the “Beacon Light of the World.” — (Joan Smyrk, Form IV., Junior, No. 2.). THE SILVER JUBILEE - OF KING GEORGE V. The 6th May, 1935, will remain a great day in the annals of the British nation, for on that day loyal subjects all over the Empire celebrated, amidst great enthusiasm, the Silver Jubilee of our present King, George V. In every land where the British flag — the Union Jack —is flown, people gathered to celebrate in fitting manner the magnificent reign of a noble King. London, the centre of the vast British Empire, was also the centre of the Jubilee celebrations.

People from every British possession journeyed to London in order that they, too, might participate in the celebrations which gave witness to the King’s popularity and also to the loyalty of the British people. Since the King came to the Throne in 1910, he and his Good Lady have seen great changes taking place. The biggest change of all has been, perhaps, in means of communication. Automobiles were in existence in 1910 while the aeroplane had been designed but had not yet proved its worth. Sailing ships were still in fashion and had not then been forced to give way to steamships, and in later years to the ships driven by oil engines. Electricity is another big asset which the King has seen introduced. Fashions have also undergone a great change. One by one the King has witnessed the old ideas and ways giving way to the new modern ones.

During the twenty-five years of His Majesty’s reign all has not been prosperous and peaceful. Here and there dark clouds have appeared and been dispelled. Soon after’ his accession to the Throne the suffragettes under the leadership of Mrs Parkhurst, began a campaign in order to gain franchise for women. It was only after a long and bitter struggle that they succeeded. In 1919 Lady Astor became a Member of the House of Commons, while in 1921 the franchise was extended to women.

In 1914 the world was startled by the outbreak of the Great War. For four years there was a very black cloud over England. During the War His Majesty made many sacrifices, and by courage and fortitude induced his people to carry on and hope for the best.

After the war there were periods of prosperity and of depression. Strikes were common, but were soon overcome. Later on, England went off the Gold Standard, but matters were soon improved.

The King has visited many parts of his Empire, and has made himself thoroughly conversant with their customs, peoples and ways of government. Through his family the King has reached the hearts of his .people. His sons have visited many parts of the Empire and endeared themselves to all the British people.

When His Majesty ascended the Throne, he intimated that he would try to carry out his father’s ideal of serving his people to the best of his ability and till he died. Our King up to that noble ideal with honour. — (James Jamieson, Senior, No. 2.).