THE KING’S TOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20503, 20 May 1938, Page 7

THE KING’S TOUR

VISIT TO LANCASHIRE THE PRESENTATION OF 00L0UR8 TRIBUTE TO TERRITORIAL ARMY (Official Wireless) (Received Mav 20, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, May 19 Their Majesties spent the third day of their tour of Lancashire in the Merseyside area. The King presented new colours to the Fifth Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment and to the Liverpool Scottish at Everton. In a speech His Majesty recalled an occasion 2 9 years ago .when King Edward VII reviewed In Knowsley Park the newly-formed West Lancashire Division of the Territorial Force. “ My grandfather did this,” said His Majesty, " to demonstrate publicly his belief in the citizen army, which had then only recently come into being. To-day the Territory Army—its value proved in war—has to shoulder even wider responsibilities. That its importance to the nation is fully appreciated by our fellow-countrymen is shown by the fine recruiting figures of recent months. They have been particularly good in this district, and I am glad to see that the West Lancashire Division heads all others in England, and has a strength of nearly 97 per cent, of its establishment.” The ceremony attracted great crowds and Their Majesties were received with the greatest enthusiasm. Enthusiastic Crowds In opening the extension of the 'Manchester Town Hall, the King recalled that the foundation-stone had been laid in July, 1934, by his father. Rain fell during the drive which Their Majesties made this afternoon through Salford, Eccles, Warrington and St. Helens, but the huge crowds of people who cheered them seemed to be unaffected.