QUEEN'S PRAISE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20093, 13 November 1939, Page 6

QUEEN'S PRAISE

WOMEN’S WORK MESSAGE TO EMPIRE CONTRIBUTION IN WAR PART REAL AND VITAL HOPE—ENCOURAGEMENT

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9. a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 11. Her Majesty the Queen, broadcasting to the women of the Empire, recalled that the last time she spoke was at Halifax, Nova Scotia, during Their Majesties' tour of Canada and the United States when there was peace and the very idea of strife and bloodshed seemed impossible.

“I speak to-day in circumstances sadly different,” continued Her Majesty, “For 20 years we have kept this day of remembrance as one conse-

crated to the memory of the past and never-to-be-forgotten sacrifice, and now the peace which that sacrifice made possible has been broken and once again we have been forced into war.

“I know you would wish me to voice, in the name of the women of the British Empire, our deep and abiding sympathy with those on whom the first cruel and shattering blows have fallen —the women of Poland. Nor do we forget the gallant womanhood of France who are called on lo share with us again the hardships 'and sorrow of war.

Call For Fortitude “War has at all times called for the fortitude of women. Though in the past women felt able to contribute little to the practical war effort, the position now has changed for we, no less than the men, have real and vital work to do.

“The call has come and from my heart I thank you women of our great Empire for the way you have answered it. The tasks you have undertaken cover every field of national service, and I would like to pay my tribute to all you who are giving such splendid, unselfish help in this time of trouble.

“At the same time I do not forget the humbler part which so many of you have to play in these trying times. I know it is not so difficult to do big things. But these tasks are not for every woman. It is the thousand and one worries and irritations in carrying on war-time life in ordinary homes which are so often so hard to bear.

“Many have had to see the family life broken up, your husband going off to his allotted task, your children evacuated to places of greater safety. The King and I know what it means to be parted from our children, and we can sympathise with those of you who have bravely consented to this separation for the sake of our little ones.

“Equally, do we appreciate the hospitality shown by those of you who have opened your homes to strangers and children sent from places of special danger. You are giving real service to the country.”

Fighting For Homes

“It is after all for our homes and their security we are fighting, and we must see to it, despite all the difficulties of these days, that our homes do not lose those very qualities which make them the background as well as the joy of our lives. “To all of you in every corner of the Empire, who are doing such fine work in all your services or who are carrying on at home amidst the trials of these clays, I would wish to give a message of hope and encouragement. We have a part to play and I know you will not fail in yours. Only when we have won through to enduring peace, shall we be free to work unhindered for the greater happiness and well-being of all mankind.

“We put our trust in God, who is our strength in all times of trouble. I pray with all my heart that He may bless, guide and keep you always.’’ While the King listened on his own wireless set in another room, the Queen spoke alone from a small room on the first floor of Buckingham Palace from where the King broadcast on the first day of the war.