Queen Juliana’s Birthday Celebration Today

Press, Volume C, Issue 29501, 1 May 1961, Page 2

Queen Juliana’s Birthday Celebration Today

Dutch people tn Holland and those who have settled in many other parte of the world, ineluding New Zealand, will officially celebrate the birthday of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands today. Queen Juliana was born in 1909. She seceded to the throne in September, 1948, after the abdication of her mother, Queen Wilhelmina, who had reigned for 50 years. “Who am I, that I may do this?” These words were said by Princess Juliana at her installation, on September 6. 1948, as Queen of the Netherlands. “In quoting these words we reveal something of Queen Juliana's great sincerity in her attitude towards the Monarchy,” says the Minister

for the Netherlands in New Zealand (Baron O. F. Bentinck) in a press release to mark Queen Juliana's birthday. Warm Hearted “They show something of the simplicity which characterises the way she goes about her task.” he says. “Her warmth of heart was particularly evident in the days after the great flood disaster, which struck the Netherlands in February. 1953 and devastated the island territories of Zealand and South Holland.

"Wearing waders and with a scarf over her head. Queen Juliana went day in, day out, through the acene of the catastrophe, comforting the homeless and bereaved, and bringing great moral support wherever she went -Characteristic of her, also, is her daily telephone call to her husband. Prince Bernhard. when he is on goodwill tours in Latin-America or elsewhere. On those occasions she also exchanges a fewwords with each member of his party. "Queen Juliana has never seemed to be above her people, but always among them. And this understanding she has shown was sorely needed, for when she became Queen in 1948, Holland had not recovered from the wounds of the Second Wo?Jd

War. A united effort was necessary, and under her inspiring influence the nation put its shoulders to the wheel. “So far Queen Juliana’s reign has been characterised by recovery and development in every possible field. . “Economically the country has, since the war, retained its old place as an international financial centre, and has become an industrial power of some significance. “Since Queen Juliana’s accession to the throne, Holland has become a welfare state. But the Queen has become more than a national figure through her humanity and simplicity. “Her Christmas broadcasts to her people have become traditional In each one of them she speaks from the heart. Holland’s Task “It was in this same spirit that the Queen recognised that Holland’s task went further than the national borders; that there was a part to play in levelling out the grievous differences between the rich and the poor countries. She made a special appeal to the youth of the nation. That was in 1955, when she pointed out that the welfare of the world was a common responsibility. “ ‘Almost two-thirds of the world population are undernourished,’ said the Queen, 'and the contrast between the rich and poor countries is becoming greater and greater. Neither can afford to let the rift widen in this way. We shall all be faced with the consequences if the mattoi- is not tackled with such wisdom as we possess.’ she told them. “After a pie* for selfless aid the Queen said: The whole of humanity has a common task, a joint commission, a responsibility which we must fulfil together, because, in the first place, it Is for each other. Only a true, mutual dependence on each other can bring salvation. A responsibility towards each other involving even our daily bread. We must make body and soul of the individual and of humanity as a whole healthy, so that nothing can infect it any more. It concerns us all personally, and cannot be blurred out in a vague mist of indifference. It is a direct call to us all.’ “Over the heads of her youthful audience, the Queen’s words came as a confession of faith to the world,” the minister says. Footnote: Queen Juliana’s birthday i* actually April 30, but as it fell on a Sunday this year, the official celebration will be observed today.

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