EMPIRE DAY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 441, 24 May 1937, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY

| FUTURE WELFARE Lord Bledisloe’s Message Press Association—Copyright. Wellington, May 23. “As president of the Empire, Day movement in succession to the late Admiral of the Fleet, Earl Beatty, I {address you this' Empire Day in a I spirit of deep thankfulness to God | for the blessings vouchsafed ’to us as (members of the great British Com- | monwealth of Nations . during a (period of almost unprecedented un_ i rest and uncertainly, throughout the world,” states Viscount Bledisloe in his message to the Empire. “While many nations have been racked with internal strife and serious economic distress our fraternity of British peoples have remained alt peace, and trade and industry have shown a steadily increasing prosper, ity with, a substantial reduction of unemployment. “The grave crisis which resulted in the accession to the Throne of our present gracious King was faced by tall classes, races' and parties through|out the Empire with a dignity, selfI restraint and common sense which | have enhanced its prestige among the i nations of the world, and cemented i its internal solidarity in face of a ( common ‘trial. It has 1 emerged from ' it with a sense of greater confidence • and conscious strength. ( “Our first duty this Empire Day is i to acclaim with loyalty and affection ( King George VI and, his charming ( consort, and to wish for the former a long and happy reign over a united, prosperous and contented people. We have an Empire spread over a quarter of the surface of the earth, and on it a quarter of the world’s inhabitants. Our influence and responsibility exceed those of all other nations. “Upon our wise leadership and. >he example which we set will depend in large measure the fulture welfare (and progress of mankind. Let each I and all of us with a due sense of our {individual responsibility see that our i influence is exerted, not only in the | cause of world peace, but also in I promoting all those cause's, social eiluea'ional, economic and spiritual. I that will make the world a happier I and better place to live in for all I races and classes of the community. ! “I send you myj warmest greetings I and best wishes, in the confident I hope that during i he coming year tile j peoples of the .British Empire may Ibe knit more closely together in affection, mutual helpfulness and beneficent world influence by ever increasing- mutual knowledge and sympathy.”