KING’S SPEECH

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20189, 8 May 1937, Page 9

KING’S SPEECH

THE EMPIRE LUNCHEON. BRILLIANT GATHERING IN LONDON. CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 8, 11.25 a.m-) LONDON, May 7. At the Empire Parliamentary luncheon the King sat on a chair brought from Buckingham Palace. Viscount Hailsham, as Lord Chancellor, sat at his right hand, and Captain Fitzroy, as Speaker of the House of Commons, at his left. The guests sat at small round oak tables.

His Majesty, upon arrival, shook hands with each Dominion representative, and then took his place at a high table amid the Prime Ministers, members of the British Cabinet, the Earl of Athlone, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and others, whose Sombre morning dress was relieved by the robed and turbaned Indians and Burmese. Mr J. A. Lyons sat between Lord Stanhope and Mr Neville Chamberlain, while Mr M. J, Savage was next to Major C. R. Attlee, all at the top table looking down on 800 guests.

His Majesty, who looked robust and sun-tanned, conversed vigorously with Viscount Hailsham and Captain Fitzroy, and was undoubtedly In excellent spirits.

Ills Majesty began his speech nervously and spoke very slowly, but soon warmed up, and his speech was excellently punctuated and emphasised. Ills stammer has completely disappeared, as was evidenced In the first few sentences, in which there were hard g’s and k’s, whereas a few years ago these, as far as possible, were not included in his speeches. Historlo Occasion. Replying to the loyal toast His Majesty said: “ I am delighted to have an early opportunity of welcoming my Prime Ministers and other Ministers from overseas, as well as so many representatives of the several Parliaments of Empire? This is an historio occasion. It is the first time a Sovereign has been present at a luncheon in Westminster Hail to meet those who represent the Legislatures of the Empire. “ What worthier setting could be imagined than this ancient hall, which has been at once the scene and silent witness of so many stirring events In the history of the Parliament of this country? Here have grown up the principles which form the bulwark of the system known to us as Parliamentary Government. JThose principles have heen carried by fhe people of our race to the ends of the earth. They are the heritage and pride of all parts of the British Commonwealth of nations.” Prolonged ApplauseThe King, at the conclusion of the function, walked down the centre of the hall, followed by the Empire representatives.

Prolonged applause followed when Captain Fitzroy, turning to the King, said: “ Your Majesty, we have the utmost confidence in the future of your reign.”