The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1929. THANKSGIVING.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1929. THANKSGIVING.

To-morrow is the clay set apart as Thanksgiving Day for the restoration /of His Majesty King George V. to health. It will be observed all round the Empire in solemn form, and doubtless other countries which do not owe allegiance to the King of Great Britain, will also show respectful recognition of the occasion. The King is rather more now than an asset to the Empire. As the head of a great nation who has won enduring appreciation and affection, he is a factor in the world’s peace and happiness. He is recovering from a grievous illness, so serious that for weeks his life was despaired of. Science and the aids of medicine were applied successfully, and his recovery seemed to se almost miraculous. The King when he was able, sent out to his people a humble and contrite message, recognising he had been down into the Valley of tho Shadow, and thanking the nation for its prayers and the uplifting influence ho had with him in his great sickness. The King was full of thanks, and true to the Christian belief, felt an overwhelming gratitude lor the liic that was spared. To-morrow’s sorvice will be observed all round the Em-

pire as ft token that his subjects, too, are equally grateful and understanding for the life which has been vouchsafed to the Empire for a further period. The Royal House of‘Windsor has a great hold on the mind and imagination of the people. The present King and Queen who followed such worthy monarchs as the present King’s father and liis illustrious grandmother, endeared themselves to the people by their memorable tours of the Empire. Those visits created the personal touen and the special interest aroused by direct intercourse Following came the visits of the all-popular Prince of Wales and later the no less welcome visit of the Duke of York and his captivating Duchess. These members of the Royal Family eadh helped to enhance the personal popularity of our Monarch who to-dav occupies a position unique in all history by the high degree of affection in which he is held by his own - people and those of other nations, wo have learned to understand and appreciate all that Great Britain means to world progress and prosperity. The King’s recovery is tnereroit, something more than a passing event, an episodp in his happy reign. It ib a milestone in his great career, for it emphasises the reality of the widespread affection and regard in which lie is held. All the people a,re thankful that he has been spared to Continue liis great career of service. Wow that lie is. back at the very centre ot the Empire,, London, at tlie beginning of the iveek, showed its mood by the great reception given at what indeed was a remarkable home-coming. London knows . its King, who in trouble and in joy, aways felt for his people. The, war period smashed many reputations, and many thrones toppled as an outcome of the events of war. It can be said of King George that lie is more securely monarch now than ever lie Avas. On all sides it is recognised that he lias done the Empire great service. Never lias* the breath 'ol suspicion or suggestion tainted the Royal record. His services and those with him, have been placed 'ungrudgingly at the, disposal of his Empire. The reputation of the King in its every phase, is of . the highest and noblest, and he is worthy the Great Empire lie rules over. With-, such thoughts as these the nation will enter upon Thanksgiving Day as an occasion of special import. There will be gratitude for so useful a life being spared and foi the useful life lived. The religious services to-morrow in many lands wili bo sincere and earnest for ever before the worshippers .Avillbe the life /and living of the monarch avlio ha;s not spared himself in any service for the Empire, and who as the head of the nation is so Avorthy and honourable a leader.

God Save our Gracious King ! Long Live our Noble King ! God Save the King !