KING EDWARD'S CORONATION. Where Does King Dick Come in ?

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 104, 28 June 1902, Page 8

KING EDWARD'S CORONATION. Where Does King Dick Come in ?

THE Coronation, which has been uppermost in our minds for weeks past, and m honour of which we were all resolved to make gladsome holiday, has been postponed. At the eleventh hour comes the news that the great event has been put off because of an operation which the King underwent on Saturday last. Court news niters out rather slowly when the health of the Sovereign is concerned. But the sharp business men of London had evidently heard reports last week which made them uncertain about the Coro-natton. • • • The intelligence cabled from London last week that West End tradesmen were heavily insuring the life of the King to cover themselves against possible loss was very significant at the time, and, m the light of the most recent news, becomes very disquieting. Even more suggestive was the announcement that Lloyd s were charging twenty guineas per cent on the risk that the Coronation procession will not take place before the end of July » * • In common with His Gracious Majesty's lieges throughout his wide dominions, we, of New Zea^ land, will most fervently hope the fears that are conjured up by the postponement of the Coronation may prove groundless. Let us trust King Edward will pass safely through this ordeal, and that the delay in the pending ceremonial is but brief Given restored health, everything else seems propitious » * * His Majesty's heartfelt wish has been gratified His coronation can now take place under the happy auspices of Peace, and no discordant notes of strife will arise to mar the rejoicings of a loyal people. Six months ago, when the monarch gave utterance to his cherished desire, there was no hopeful rift in the war clouds that hung so thick over South Africa But it was t e darkest hour just before the dawn. At the same time, there is not tl c slightest doubt the expressed wish of the King has wonderfully helped to compass the purpose upon which his heart was set.

Those who weie in authority made it easiei for the Boers to make submission without hurting unduly then self-iespect Some people weie at first disposed to think Butain was altogether too accommodating in proposing hei teims of peace But the new-born loyalty of the Boeis, and the cordiality with which they are fraternising with then adversaries of a few weeks ago amply justify the overtuies. A great nation like Britain cannot possibly suffer for a generous magnanimity to foes like these Boers At any rate, the peace was cheaply purchased that turns enemies so promptly into friends, and converts these Dutch lrreconcilables into loyal subjects of His Majesty. • • • This Coronation will be unique It is to be celebrated with unexampled rejoicings over a realm whose sway covers one-fifth the solid surface of the globe. People of every race, colour, and clime have already paid homage with heart and voice to their common sovereign, King Edwai»d the Seventh No monarch ever reigned over so vast a territory and &o huge a proportion of the earth's inhabitants None ever ascended a throne built on so stable a foundation— the willing allegiance of a free people. Events have been promising us that Kmg Edward and Queen Alexandra will be crowned under propitious stars. Let us hope it will be so. May their reign be long and blest to themselves and their people ! » * * But, what about our own King Dick? That is the next question His deserts have been great in the cause of Empire What is his reward to be? Is he to be glorified out of all resemblance to his former bluff and hearty self by being made Baron Seddon of Kumara, or Richard, Earl of Notown Gully? We hope not It would not make Dick one bit happier. He would be lost among a crowd of peers m England, but as the People's Dick he would preserve his mana and his striking individuality to the very end » • •■ Still, when the honors and the decorations come to be served out, there is no< doubt Mr Seddon will be under temptations that must put his fortitude to the severest test It is not porsible to let him go away empty-handed. The point is, how to fittingly requite his great services There is one reward that would be quite m keeping with our Premier's strong Imperial spirit, and be worthy both of himself and the colony whose feelings throughout the war he so promptly gauged and so aptly expressed * * * If an Imperial Council should be set up to advise and' mould British policy outside the purely domestic concerns of the United Kingdom, it would naturally be composed of the foremost men identified with Greater Britain The offer to Mr Seddon of a seat m such a council would be an honour to New Zealand and ta himself It would also be the crowning act m a great career— the coronation of King Dick, if you like And if His Majesty s Government should decide the position was worth £5000 a year, who would say our own King Dick does not deserve it all 9