Wanganui Chronicle
The Queen’s Birthday has had a little more to it this year with the Queen celebrating her 60 years as Queen, and the Duke being recognised in the New Zealand honours list along with many fantastic New Zealanders.
The Monarchy is often discussed in New Zealand, and I think it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the effect that this type of constitutional monarchy has on our democratic system. There can be little doubt that countries which are governed under the same structure we have are more settled, and have better records of democratic government than many others.
It is pretty amazing that two of our Monarchs, Queen Victoria and currently Queen Elizabeth II, have reigned for a combined 110 years of our parliamentary democracy. While our priorities as a country will inevitably change as we continually evolve, it is worth remembering that our form of democracy has served us very well over the years, and will continue to do so as long as we protect it.
I well remember the Wanganui Jockey Club racing on the Saturday and Monday of Queen’s Birthday weekend. Wanganui was a great place to be during this weekend with young and old alike packing the racecourse and the city after hours. This Queen’s Birthday saw the Foxton Racing Club running its race meeting at Waverley because of damage to its stands. A Wanganui horse, Marea Alta, trained by Alexander Fieldes won.
One last thing: One of our best known politicians of a generation ago died this week, former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Brian Talboys. He was born, educated and worked for a time in Wanganui before moving to Southland and entering politics.
The Monarchy is often discussed in New Zealand, and I think it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the effect that this type of constitutional monarchy has on our democratic system. There can be little doubt that countries which are governed under the same structure we have are more settled, and have better records of democratic government than many others.
It is pretty amazing that two of our Monarchs, Queen Victoria and currently Queen Elizabeth II, have reigned for a combined 110 years of our parliamentary democracy. While our priorities as a country will inevitably change as we continually evolve, it is worth remembering that our form of democracy has served us very well over the years, and will continue to do so as long as we protect it.
I well remember the Wanganui Jockey Club racing on the Saturday and Monday of Queen’s Birthday weekend. Wanganui was a great place to be during this weekend with young and old alike packing the racecourse and the city after hours. This Queen’s Birthday saw the Foxton Racing Club running its race meeting at Waverley because of damage to its stands. A Wanganui horse, Marea Alta, trained by Alexander Fieldes won.
One last thing: One of our best known politicians of a generation ago died this week, former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Brian Talboys. He was born, educated and worked for a time in Wanganui before moving to Southland and entering politics.
