Impressive Simplicity.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 58, Issue 133, 8 July 1929, Page 7

Impressive Simplicity.

Australian Press Association.

Hundreds Of Thousands Line The Route.

(Eeceived This Day. N-j-.n., LONDON, July 7. The service at tbe Abbey at wbicb the King and Family returned tlianks ror His Majesty's recovery, was, as tbe King expressly wislied, a simple attendance" in chureh where be could •join the people _ in thanking God for "His good providence." Hundreds of thousands lined tbe route from tbe Palace to tbe Abbey. The King, in an open carriage, with the Queen alongside, looked strong and well. He Mniled deligbtedly at the acclamations from tlie dense crowds. Opposite Tlieir Majesties was tbe Prince of Wales, upright, alert and smiling happily. Officers of State and diploniats waited in tbe centte of the great concourse. Every part of tbe King's Dominions was representecl. Tbere was tbe Labour Prime Minister and bis colleagues, rulers from tbe Far East, bronzed colouials and great military and naval leaders. Some of tbe congregation bad waited from last night. Their Majesties were met by the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of -Canterbury, canons and lay officers. Standing in the chancel the King bad the Queen on bis right and bebind stcod tbe Duke of Connaugbt, tbe Princess Royal, Pfincess Victoria, and Lqrd Lascejles. As tlie roll of drums died away tEe voice of the Dean rang out from the chancel. It was simplicity again. In three sentences be spoke of the hopes and aspirations of the Empire. — "God Save the King, God Save the Realm, God give us thankful hearts" — — then silence again, following by a shrilling fanfare of trumpets and the singing of the National Anthern. Then the Archbishop of Cauterbury, in a cope of green, sfepped forward slowly, wliile the King knelt and bowed bis bead over the scarlet-bound book of service on the desk before him. His family joined in tbe prayers. Tbe trumpets and tbe organ shrilled again and tbere arose tbe "Te Deum," wbile tbe congregation knelt. Tbe Archbishop, _ grasping tbe Crozier. raised bis right band wbile every head bowed for benediction. Slowly tbe Royaltios left tbe chancel as simply as they came and stepped into tbo landau to meet a great wave of cheering from tbe countless thousands. Tbe Abbey bclls joyously tolled out and tbere were cries from tbe crowd of "Grd bless 3rou." Tbe King showecl tbat be was deeply touclied hv tlie spontaneous expression of loyalty and devotion Returned to tbe Palace. Tlieir Majesties stepped on to tlie balcony and remained tbere for five minutes, acknowledging the clieers. Tlie King, wbo was barelieaded, was obvionsly affected, bowed and turned to tlie Quefu, who waved. then botli disappeared.