BELOVED MONARCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 371, 4 June 1928, Page 14

BELOVED MONARCH

SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE AT ST. MATTHEW’S “THE ROCK OF FAITH” A service similar to that held annually in Westminster Abbey was conducted in St. Matthew s Church yesterday morning to commemorate the King’s Birthday. The large congregation included the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, Lady Alice Fergusson, Mrs. Haviland, the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, and Mrs. Coates, the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, members of the City Council, Colonel H. R. Potter, Colonel-Commandant Northern Command, and officers of the Defence Department. Members of his Majesty’s \ eterans, representatives of the Navy League, "Viotoria League, Auckland Patriotic Association, St. John Ambulance, Returned Soldiers' Association and Scouts and Girl Guides were also pres-. *>nt. Outside the church the Scouts formed a guard of honour for the ViceRegal party. , As the anniversary of the King s Birthday and Empire Day came around, said Canon Grant Cowen, it was fitting that they should be commemorated in the House of God. Perhaps no other monarch had ever had such a troubled reign as the present King, an<L none had been more beloved. He was one with his people through the war and afterwards, and he stood to-day as the beloved representative of the greatest Empire the world had ever known. The Empire was bound together by cords of love, said the preacher, and was stronger than ever. Although sinister influences had been striving to undermine the foundations, the foundations had been truly laid upon the rock of faith in God and the Holy Scripture. Britain had given nobly in the Great War, and since then had shouldered the burdens of other countries. She had striven to heal the wounds of the world at the same time bearing terrible burdens herself. Canon Grant Cowen said the future prosperity of the Empire depended on laith in God. Personal aims and ambitions must always be subservient to the will of God. The greatness of the Empire was in its brave-hearted, Godrealising, consecrated citizens. LOYAL NEW ZEALAND ENGLAND’S APPRECIATION BIRTHDAY SPEECH New Zealand’s loyalty to King and Empire was stressed by the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, thQ Prime Minister, the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, and Mr. J. B. Johnston, presi-" dent, in speeches before 700 members of the Auckland Orphans’ Club on Saturday evening. Referring to the King’s Birthday, his Excellency said that it was a fit time to speak of the great loyalty of New Zealand which was so much appreciated at Home. “To be partners in the Empire is one of the finest ideals we can have,’’ added his Excellency. “We all have our work to do and no matter what it is, even if it means only being a good

citizen, if we do it in the right spirit, then we are helping to build up the Empire.” “New Zealanders have a great affection for their Majesties,” said the Prime Minister. “Particularly do we appreciate the visits of members of the Royal Family: visits that strengthen the bonds of loyalty and affection.” On the eve pf the King’s Birthday, said Mr. Johnston, people sang “God Save the King,’ ’realising the full significance of the words.