The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, April 23, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1034, 23 April 1912, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, April 23, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Speaking to a reporter about the proposal to celebrate Empire Day on June 22, which combines the anniversaries of the King’s Coronation and Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, Sir Joseph Ward said that at the Imperial Conference he had urged that it should be celebrated on the birthday of the reigning Sovereign. He was still of that opinion, believing that it was desirable to have one general day fixed throughout the Empire, When Queen Victoria died, Empire Day was appointed for May 24. When later on King Edward passed away a difficulty arose about recognising his birthday, as the custom throughout the Empire was to recognise the birthday of the reigning Sovereign. There seemed to be a danger of a multiplicity of holidays if ail these dates were to be recognised. It seemed to him that the best plan was to celebrate Empire Day on the King’s Birthday, and to change the date to the birthday of the future successor to the throne. He was convinced that Empire Day would receive more enthusiastic and united support from the people throughout the Empire It some arrangement of that kind was come to. The above suggestion is worthy of consideration by the Government.