ALL-NIGHT VIGIL.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 307, 11 December 1936, Page 4

ALL-NIGHT VIGIL.

Cabinet Ministers Wait For Word. Press Association —Copyright. Received Noon. Wellington, To-day. Cabinet reassembled at 10 o’clock last night and after an all-night vigil, received the first official message of the abdication of King Edward. All Ministers were present except Mr. Armstrong, who was in Auckland oh official business. The long wait was< a dreary one as no progress message about the course of events in London were being received, but a certain amount of interest was maintained, as those present realised that they were taking part in an event unprecedented in British history. Shortly after 4 a.in. the tension was broken by receipt of a telephone message from Government House announcing that the official statement from London had been received. This communication was received at the Prime Minister’s office a little later and the Prme Mnister made his statement to press representatives who had shared in the vigil. By this time dawn had broken and the first street noises reminded the Ministers and others, that day’s, work had begun with life going on as usual. It is expected that the proclsmjation in New Zealand of the new King will be made early next week, possibly on Monday wh:'i:h will be his forty-second birthday. Immediately Mr. Savage heard the message he made a statement expressing profound sorrow at the news and reaffirming New Zealand’s loyalty to the Crown. Ministers remained with the Prime Minister until about seven o’clock when they' left for their homes for a brief respite. They were back at Parliament Buildings before nine, and Cabinet discussions were resumed. it was not until this morning that the text of Mr. Baldwin’s statement was received in official circles, but some of the Ministers heard the broadcast on short-wave from England at an early hour. During the past week a heavy burden has been placed on the Prime Minister who has been kept in ’.he closest possible touch with the British Government. Although he did not leave his office

until seven this morning, he was at his desk again soon after eight, attending to numerous urgent matters arising from the accession of a new sovereign. He informed a reporter shortly after eight, that communications were still being received from the British Government and there would probably be further statements during Hie day.