Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 1901. THE QUEEN’S HEALTH.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 January 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 1901. THE QUEEN’S HEALTH.

Througout the vast British Empire there exists a feeling of intense anxiety regarding the health of Queen Vicoria; and perhaps "to a lesser extent throughout the civilised world a like feeling. Nor is this to be wondered at. The Queen has for over 63 long years been not only the reigning monarch of the greatest nation on earth, but has been a model that all other kings and princes have looked up to. No matter what friction existed between Britain and any other nation the high opinion of the noble character of our Queen never varied. Now when nigh unto 82 years of age she is sorely stricken it is but natural that the kindliest concern should bo shown regarding such a noble nature. Our cables to-day indicate no improvement, but are of a more hopeful character. And 'tis to bo earnestly and devoutly hoped that the rdly is permanent, and that the noblest of her race may be spared for years to come to preside over dominions she has fur so many years graced and adorned. [Since the ab;;ve was written a later message leaves no margin of hope].

AT THE BEGINNING OF HER REIGN. At the present time when our Queen lies prostrate, it may not be out of place to record that her last important public function was the proclamation signed on December 3rd, calling Parliament together, and it is not without interest to look back upon the first proclamation of Her Majesty, issued immediately after her accession. Most of us would stare aghast were such a -document issued to-day. It is quite a sermon, its object being " the encouragement of piety and virtue,"

and the " preventing of vice, profaneness, and immorality," and such practices as " may justly bring down Divine vengeance on our kingdom." " We do hereby strictly enjoin and ' prohibit all our loving subjects of what degree or quality soever," the proclamation ran, "from playing on the Lord's Day at dice, cards, or any other game whatsoever, either in public or private house or other place whatsoever l and we do hereby require and command them and every one of them deconty and reverently to attend the worship of God on every Lord's Day, on pain of our highest displeasure, and of being proceeded against with the utmost rigor that may be by law ; and for the more effectual reforming of such persons who, by reason of their dissolute lives and conversati -ns, are a scandal to our kingdom. . . All officers and magistrates are commanded to be vigilant and strict in the punishment of such persons who drink too much and swear too much." . . . We have changed our proclamations since then, but have we changed our manners ?