VICTORIA PEACE MEMORIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 304, 18 May 1911, Page 5

VICTORIA PEACE MEMORIAL

THE UNVEILING CEREMONY. THE KING'S PANEGYRIC. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright London, May 10. It was fine and sunny for the memorial ceremony. The Kaiser placed a wreath at the foot of the statue. The crowds surrounding the memorial extended for half a mile. Mr. Fisher, in civilian costume, and Sir Joseph Ward, in Windsor uniform, were with Mr. Asquith, the Ministers, ambassadors, distinguished Indians, and the Court circle on the dais. Other notables had seats facing the memorial. The King made a long speech in a clear voice. Detachments from the naval forces, regiments and regulars associated with Queen Victoria's name, participated in the march past. A delegation of the German Dragoons Regiment, of which Queen Victoria was Colonel, units of the Territorials bearing the Queen's name, and King Edward's Horse, represented by two of the officers and two men from each colony, were also present.

Lord Esher's address stated that the memorial stood not only as a remembrance of Queen Victoria, but also as a conspicuous mark of the bond of brotherhood of the Empire and loyalty to the throne.

King George, replying, alluded to King Edward's interest that the memory be revived for our descendants of the lustre and fame of Queen Victoria's reign, during which the colonies grew vastly in prosperity and strength. The memorial represented the tributes of races and regions of more various character and circumstance than had ever been combined before upon a common purpose. He. expressed the deepest satisfaction at the presence of the Kaiser and Kaiserin. The nation rejoiced that Queen Victoria's eldest grandson shared in the unveiling ceremony, for the Kaiser had the deepest love and veneration for her, wnile living ties of kinship and friendship united their thrones and persons. His Majesty concluded with a nobly phrased panegyric of Queen Victoria's worth and reign. After a very brief religious service, the King, who was wearing a field-marshal's uniform, pressed a button and dropped the veiling. Fortyone guns boomed out a salute, and the bands played the National Anthem.

The Kaiser was also attired as a British field-marshal. At the conclusion of the ceremony the King knighted Mr. Brock, who designed the monumental part of tlv memorial.

REFERENCE TO THE COLONIES. Received 18, 12.5 a.m. London, May 17. The King's references to the overseas dominions were a reply to Lord Esher's statement that every comer of his Majesty'? dominions and colonies bad contributed to the fund, to the extent of £323,691. Colonel Chaytor and Captain Seddon represented the New Zealand forces, and Sir William and Ladv Hall-.Tones were present. _ A BRILLIANT SCENE. Received IS, 12. sa.m. London, May 17. There were sixty guests at the State banquet. There was a brilliant scene in the Palace.