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Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2631, 23 May 1889, Page 2

To-mouth w is tlie seventieth anniversary of tin: birth of Victoria, our Quren and Empress, one of the most illustrious rulers that lias ever filled a throne. Her Majesty's life lias been a most eventful one, for whilst she herself, has always been secure in her own exalted position through the hold she has never censed to retain on the affections of her people, she lias witnessed the rise ami fall of surrounding thrones and empires, and lias outlived every contemporary monarch, some of wlion. have ended their days in exile beneath the shelter of her own island kingdom. She has borne the burden of fifty-two years of constitutional reign with ail unblemished reputation. During that long period she has teen surrounded by counsellors remarkable for their sagacity, statesmenship and devotion to their country and Queen. She has also seen gieat reforms which have ameliorated the conditions of the masses, lifting them up from social degradation and political corruption to enlightenment ami democratical freedom. During her reign of upwards of half a century, she has beheld her country grow in power and wealth such as no other nation in the world's history ever approached to ; and whilst in later times the extraordinary increase in the numbers of the people have created very great doinetsic dilliculties, it is possible she may yet live long enough to see reforms affected that will remove existing reproaches, and render the whole of her subjects happy and contented. The Victorian period has indeed been a »iost unique one in the world's history, for in that time the triumphs of Mind over Matter, the conquests of Sciencc, and the illimitable powers of invention have advanced the human race, chiefly through Anglo-Saxon energy, to the highest pinnacle of civilisation, and the world has so learned to know itself by the marvellous facilities of communication which Victoria's people have perfected in every latitude, that the dream of universal brotherhood appears near its attainment, and the time when Peacc and Plenty shall reign supreme not far off. Her Majesty has, as her subjects know, not been free from great trials, and she had many bitter sorrows to alloy the joys of her life. But she has endured them all with patient fortitude, never forgetting the trust reposed iu her as the sovereign head of a mighty empire and ever seeking strength and guidance from the Supreme Ruler of all. The sympathetic character of the Queen has always shown itself and lias endeared her to the hearts of the people amongst whom she can, at all times, descend from her exalted station and mingle in perfect security. Queen Victoria is now in the winter of life, in the enjoyment of good health and with the probability, should nothing unforeseen eventuate, of prolonging her glorious reign, for which her subjects in all parts of her magnificent empire will devoutly pray. God Save the Queen.