IRISH PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1921, Page 5

IRISH PEACE.

THE KING'S SPEECH. AN EARNEST APPEAL, TO FORGIVE AND FORGET. ■By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, June 22. The King opened the Northern Irish Parliament. Cheering multitudes welcomed him. The King and Queen had a tremendous welcome at Belfast. The noisy sirens of the steamers sounded a chorus as the fleet entered the port. The streets were packed with people and there was wonderful cheering and flag-waving. The King, in the preface to his speech said: “For all who love Ireland, as I do with all my heart, this is a profoundly moving occasion in Irish history. My memories of the Irish people date back to the time when I spent many happy days in Ireland as a midshipman. My affection has been deepened by successive visits and I have watched with constant sympathy the course of their affairs.” In his speech he declared he could not allow a deputy to perform the ceremony, therefore he came in person as head of the Empire to inaugurate the Parliament on Irish soil. He hoped it would become the instrument of happiness and good government. Everything which touched Ireland found an echo in the remotest parts of the Empire. Few things were more earnestly desired throughout the English-speaking world than a satisfactory solution of the age-long Irish problems. “No wish,” he said, “is nearer to my own heart than that every Irishman, of whatever creed, wherever his home, should loyally co-operate with the free communities on which the Empire is based. The eyes of the whole Empire are on Ireland to-day. lam emboldened to look beyond the sorrow and anxiety which have clouded my late vision of Irish affairs. “I speak from a full heart, when I pray that my coming may prove the first step towards the end of strife amongst my people In that hope I appeal to all Irishmen to pause and stretch out the hand of forbearance and conciliation, to forgive and forget, to join in making for the land they love a new era of peace and goodwill.” The King hoped Southern Ireland would soon have a parallel ceremony. The King and Queen re-embarked. They had a magnificent/ send-off'. The King received notables on board the Royal yacht. A large number of honors were conferred on leading Ulster notables, including a Viscounty on Lord Pirrie.

AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE. ENTHUSIASM OF THE CROWD. CLOSE GUARD OF ROYALTIES. Received June 24, 1 a.m. London, June 23. The throne used at Belfast was a replica of the one in the House of Lords. Trumpets heralded the approach of the Royalties, The Lord-Lieutenant, carrying the Sword of State, and accompanied by Senators, entered the Chamber, where the King and Queen were seated. The Black Rod then summoned the Commoners, and the King delivered his speech in a clear voice. The proceedings were most impressive and memorable. The Senate Chamber was filled with peers, peeresses, court and military officials. The street decorations showed a lavish riot of color. The King wore naval uniform. A great square on the quay was thickly lined with troops, and an armoured motor-car patrolled the square. The Tenth Hussars escorted the Royalties and the streets were lined by six battalions of infantry, while overhead a squadron of aeroplanes, at an elevation of five hundred feet, kept vigil. When the King reached the City Hall the crowd spontaneously sang “Old Orange” and the ballad “Derry Walls.”—AuS.-N.Z. Cable Assn.