THE KING IN BELFAST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2294, 25 June 1921, Page 3

THE KING IN BELFAST.

OPENING THE NORTHERN PARLIAMENT.

JIIS MAJESTY HOPES FOR THE END OF STRIFE. London, June 22. The King and Queen bad a tremendous welcome at Belfast. The steamers made a noisy chorus with their sirens as the fleet entered the port. The streets were packed with people, and there was wonderful cheering and flag-waving. The King received the notables nboard his yacht. A large number of honours were conferred on leading Ulster notables, including a viscouutcy to Lord Pirie. The King, in the preface to his speech, said: “For all who love Ireland as I do with all my heart, this is a profoundly moving occasion in Irish history. My memories of the Irish people date back to the time when I spent many happy days in Ireland as a'midshipman. My affection was deepened by successive visits. I watched with constant sympathy the course of their affairs. Everything which touches Ireland finds an echo in the remotest parts of the Empire. Few things are more earnestly desired throughout the Eng-lish-speaking world than a satisfactory solution to the age-long Irish problems. No wish is nearer my own heart that that every Irishman, whatever his creed, wherever his home, should loyally co-operate with the free communities upon which the Empire is based. The eyes of the whole Empire are upon Ireland to-day. I am emboldened to look beyond the sorrow and anxiety which has clouded my late vision of Irish affairs, and I speak from a full heart when I pray that my coining may prove the first step towards (he end of the strife amongst j be people, hi that hope I appeal to all Irishmen to p iusc and stretch out I lie hard of forbearance and conciliation, and forgive and forget and join in making for the land they love a new era of peace and goodwill.”

The King then opened the Norther! Parliament to the cheering of the multitude. In his speech he declared that he could not allow a depujv to perform the ceremony, therefore he came in person as Head of iher Empire to inaugurate a Parliament on Irish soil. .lie hoped it would become an instrument of happiness and good government. It is hoped that Southern Ireland will soon have a parallel ceremony. When the King and Queen re-em-barked they bad a magnificent .-.end-off.

The throne used was a replica of the one in the House of Lords. The trumpets heralded the approach of the Royalties. The Lord-Lieuten-ant, carrying the Sword of State, and accompanied by the Senators, entered the Chamber, where the King and Queen were seated. Black Rod then summoned‘the members of the House of Commons. The King delivered bis Speech in a clear voice. The proceedings were most impressive and memorable. The Senate Chamber was filled with peers and peeresses, and court, and military officials. The street decorations showed a lavish riot of colour. The King wore a naval uniform. The great square on the quay was thickly lined with troops. An armoured motor ear patrolled the square. The Tenth Hussars escorted the Royalties. The streets were lined by six battalions of infantry, while overhead a squadron of aeroplanes at an elevation of 500 feet kept vigil. When the King reached the City Hall the crowd spontaneously sang the old Orange ballad “Derry Walls'”

ABSENCE OF ROMAN CATHOLICS.

London, June 23

The Daily News stresses the absence of Sir Edward Carson, Lord Birkenhead, and Generals Gough and Crozicr, and says it is impossible not to sense the absence of all Roman Catholics except Lord Fitzulun. Invitations were issued to the ‘hierarchy of North Ireland, including Cardinal Logue. All were declined. This is regarded in high official quarters as most regrettable.

MR. MASSEY’S MESSAGE,

London, June 22. Mr Massey has telegraphed Sir James Craig his congratulations on the opening of the Ulster Parliament, and adding the earnest hope that the event would help to restore peace and prosperity to the whole of Ireland.

MR. HUGHES’ CONORATULA-

TIONS

London, June 21

Mr W. M. Hughes has sent a message on behalf of Australia congratulating Ulster on the opening of the Northern Parliament.