CORONATION DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 147, 22 June 1911, Page 6

CORONATION DAY.

CELEBRATIONS IN AUCKLAND. MILITARY REVIEW AND CHURCH SERVICES. CITY EN FETE. From end to end of the mighty and ,ar-fiung British Empire to-day, June .22, 1911, is being observed us a day of rejoicing and festivity in honour of the Coronation of Their Majesties King George V. and Queen Mary, in England's stately and historic crowning place, Westminster tAbbey. The celebrations, in the nature of tilings, cannot synchronise, as tie sun that is shining low in the west at Auckland this afternoon has rjarely lifted a-bove the eastern horizon at Home, but wherever the Union Jack flies this day in June will resound with, the acclamations o{ a free people, proud in the traditions of a glorious monarchy. The formal part of the day's celebrations in Auckland included thanksgiving B.ervices in the various places of worehip, a military church parade, followed by a review and anarch past in the Domain, and at noon a royal salute of 101 guns -was fired from the Albert Park by the "A" Battery. After the military review in the Domain the Mayor and City Council entertained the veterans at luncheon, ■while the cadets and boy scouts, 'who participated in the review, were marched to the camping ground, ■where luncheon was served out to them before the disperse. Several bowling tournaments are taking place on winter bowling greens to-day, -while football and hockey matches are also being held this afternoon, besides which several of the places of amusement provided matinee entertainments. This evening the city -will Tip brilliantly illuminated, which fact will doubtless attract large numbers to Queen-street, while the several theatres and nouses of amusement offer varied inducements to the holiday-makers. '■ MIWTAET PARADE. The beautiful sunshine enhanced the attractions of the chief function in connection with the Coronation observances in Auckland, the military parade, which took place in the outer Domain, in the presence of about 7000 spectators, and the spectacle presented by the 3960 men of all ranks on parade was indeed fine, and a fitting form of celebration. The parade state was as follows:— Field artillery consisting of 2 officers and 25S rank and file, under command of Major Sherson; Garrison Artillery, 8 officers, 242 men (Major Hazard); No. 2 officers and 78 men (CaptShera); 3rd Regiment Auckland Infantry, including the Highlanders, 18 officers, 241 men (Major Plugge); Cyclists and Signalling Corps, 2 officers, 100 men (Capt. Dawaon); King's Veteran Guard 3 2 officers, 24 men (Capt. Caulton)'; Massea Bands; No 3: Battalion: Kifle Cadets, 2 officers, 159 men; No. 2 Battalion 17 officers, 493 mcii; No. 3 Battalion, 25 officers 495 men;. Junior Cadets, 1940 men;. Boy Scouts,. 20 officers, 140 men. "The veterans .did not attend the par' a cley,.they assembling at-the Choral where luncheon was partaken. After church service the troops marched to - the Dqmain, when, they formed up ready for inspection on J;hj3 usual parade ground. At the saluting base were a number of officers- en -the -unattached list and reserve, including Colonel J. R. Reed, Major Myers, Major Gore Gillon, Major Harris, Lieutenant-Colonel Parker, Chaplain King-Davis, Lieutenant Gee, Chaplain- -"Captain -H. R. Dewsbury, and TKTK 'C." "Hi Toole, M.P., and the Hon. T. Thompson, M.L.C. The Hon. Gep. Fowlds (Acting-Minister for" Defence).-' arrived, accompanied by Captafn Mattnewsj'and the Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr) was accompanied by the Town Clerk (Mr. H. W. Wilson). Upon the arrival of the Minister for Defence the troops gave the general salute, after -which they were inspected by the officer .commanding,. Colonel Wolfe. The Hon.tCM.'.'E&wld?; a.ctqspajiied by the Mayof, ;Ca£ftain Matthews, and the Town Clerk, were driven down the lines, after which £hey returned to the saluting base, and the troops marched past the saluting base. There was an exceptionally good turn out at'parade, apd a": particular feature was the. , presence of the. Gordon. Highlanders* wno numbered 52/ under command of Captajn Melville. These troops were preceded to tlje-parade ground by the pipe band, and tie skirl of the bagpipes once more thrilled the onlookers. The cadets and,. Boy SeoutSj as usual, turned up -in- good numbers,-and the marching of the boys the cause of consideraMp applause, as-wrfcb. great abandon they marched pa"st tfie saluting base. After the march past, the troops formed up,- in three -aides ©f a square, when addresses were delivered by the Hon. Geo. Fowlds and Mr. C. J' Parr. THE ADGJRiESSES. The- Hon. Q, Fowlds congratulated the troops, upon -themagnificent turn-out, and also upon 'the eoldierly manner in which all ranks had conducted themselves. They had met to take part in the celebration of ihe" Coronation of King George and Queen Mary, and it •was fortunate that a great man} 7 of the people 6f £few "Zealand had" seen their King and Queen face to face, and were able to be enthusiastic on the occasion of their Coronation. The King of our world-wide. Empire, stood in the very, closest "relation to the people -of the outlying "portions of the'linpire; and wasthe symbol that bound all the young nations, scattered throughout the world, into the one concrete whole that formed the British Empire. The people of New-■ Zealand had recognised their " responsibilities'to the Empire." They "recognised" that in the past' the burden of defence had fallen upon the Motherland, whose sheltering power had enabled them to develop under a system of free democratic institutions, and rejpiced to belong to that great gmpire . -which stood, through "ail -the years as- the' o-ntstand--ing exponent of liberty, combined with due recognition of law and order. New Zealand had determined to,, takp. her part in the defence of the Empire, and had also determined to be properly | equipped and trained for their part.' They had entered into the system of uni- j v.Tsal training, so as to live contented, r.;ii\ safe, .frpni the encroachment of ene- : i:ii.-s -from the outside.' -What was more N'nr Zealand obulcf as fri 'the past send !<•>■ .young men to the other parts of the Kmpire to help the Motherland, highly ".::iinc<f ; ■iiijfl also' trained in. a uniform evstem adopted by the rest of the Em-|-»'ux« .He.was .sure, they, a-11 joined, .in the. i>lff*a7Ttrrom "God save the King." Long Hiiglit he reign, _ His""WoKs"hip Wiraybr"nrf. C: J. Parr) addressed thr osspmlile.l truuiH ::s £t}||Lle.mp-n, explaining Uuvt. every nma fho donntid the Kiiur's uniform a.nd j;ave

his time to making himself aa efficient soldier was a gentleman in the best sense of the word. Re congratulated the citizens of Auckland upon the excellent muster, which he .believed would be the biggest in the Dominion on Coronation Day. They were there to celebrate an event which was also being celebrated throughout the great British Empire of yhich. they all felt proud, ana which they ■were all prepared to help when the need arose. They all knew the dangers and problems that were in front of their Empire, and no one would be found -wanting should an occasion arise which required them to defend their native country. Mr Parr concluded by calling on the troops and people to give three cheers for the King. A most hearty response concluded the ceremony. GRAMMAR SCHOOL. ) In place of attending one of the churches, the boys of the Auckland Grammar School had a service in their school ] grounds, at which the Rev. J. King i Davis officiated. The service used was a modification of the Anglican form appointed, and included the special address descriptive of the Coronation. At the j close of the address the boys and those i assembled shouted three times, " God ' save the Kins." A number of friends of the staff and pupils attended the service. CHURCH SERVICES. ! ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL. THE GLORIOUS BOND OF EMPIRE. St. Mary's Cathedral was crowded this morning with worshippers, a large proportion of whom were troops and cadets. On either side of the altar hung a symbol of our Imperial unity, on one hand the Eoyal ensign and on the other the Union Jack, while over the pulpit was draped the New Zealand ensign. The special thanksgiving service for the occasion included a recital to the people by the Bishop (Dr. Oossley) ot tae form of service to be solemnised at Westminster Abbey for the anointing of the King and Queen, and their investiture of the sovereign dignities of their illustrious ancestors, at the conclusion of which the congregation thrice shouted "God Save the King," and sang the National Anthem. In the course of his sermon the Bishop pointed out that the King is the embodiment of state, and the expression of our great Commonwealth. His throne is taken by the sanction of religion, and religion is his to guard and to observe. His must be strength, for a weak king, an injudicious king, or an unconstitutional king would speedily wreck this mighty empire to which we "were all so proud to belong. There was, lie said, a deeper significance in the observance of to-day than mere festivity and pleasure, for all this expression of goodwill was marked by the harmony of the wide world in co-operating in a recognition of fellowship and responsibility; and there was the common glorious binding bond of unity in aim and heritage. Thus today prayers for the head of the Empire would go up the world round, dedicating him in the power of God and in his high and holy duties, to which he would be consecrated "with honour and holy symbols uiftil he too knelt, with sword ungilt and crown laid aside, before the altar of his God, to beseech that pardon and obtain that grace which were his in common with the humblest of his subjects. Therefore they gathered prond, and glad, and solemn, to join in this most remote Dominion their humble thanks to God and loyal homage to their King with the multitude of others throughout our mighty Empire. Everywhere his people, in so far as they were true, would to-day seek for him the grace of God. Prom this day his people looked to him for a high and holy example, enshrining the purity and dignity of the Court that was his grandmother's with the peace and wisdom, that belonged to his father's, combining the strength, and depth, and determination of his people's loyalty. The burden of our prayer was that the English Empire might ever stand "with him and in us for liberty, and that hence forth no man might live unto himself but for the commonweal, all standing together as Britishers, proud of their Empire and of their King. Throughout the world this mighty song re-echoed, from hill to .hill, across the dividing ocean, from isle to isle. God save the King; God ttless the King; Long live the King." An impressive service concluded with the singiag of the hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesu's Name." UNITED CORONATION SERVICE. CONGREGATIONAL AOT> BAPTIST. A'United servke of Congregationalista and Baptists was held tliis morning in the Tabernacle, Queen-street. There was a large attendance. Across the back ol the rostrum was a scroll bearing the words: " For God and the King-," and in front was the Union Jack. The front seats were occupied by the South Qnehunga and Grange-road troops of scouts. The Hon. George Fowlds (Minister for Education) had a seat on the platform, and n-as accompanied by Captain Matthews. The honour of presiding was fittingly allocated to the venerable Baptist pastor, the Rev. Alfred North, who, dn opening, expessed his delight at seeing the two denominations united for such a service. The opening hymn was " AH People that on Bath do Dwell." Then followed, "O, God of Bethel, O, King of Kings, thy blessing shed on our anointed Sovereign's head." The singing was led by a united choir. The invocation and Lord's Prayer were repeated by the Rev. E. A. Kirwood. The reading by Rev. Stanley Jenkins (Joshua 1., verses 1 to 9, and I. Timothy 2, verses 1 to 6), and the Rev. S. Griffiths prayed. The Rev. Wililam Day (Mount Eden Congregational) in opening said that the American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said: "God is tired of kings." He had been a little too previous in that Temarlc. That day their Empire was giving an emphatic answer to that statement. In the past it was true that monarchy had had its critical moments. When Queen Victoria ascended the throne it was thought that monarchy was tottering to its end, but Queen Vi-ctoria founded the firmness of the British throne upon righteousness. Thus to-day there was arising from glr.d anil sincere hearts thp earnest song, "God Save Our Kins-." That was the voice of an intelligent and frop, people. It was not by more chance tlieir Kinc had fnme to Tie monarch of many millions. So long as U'.e King represented righteous rule, so long was he entitled to the allegiance of the people. The British King represented justien and liberty. Tlieir nation had a reverenre for lnw and a burning pnwinn for lnWtv, Thrv were not a pprfpet rx-'Oplr- hy finr meiins, l>iit thpy frmlr! rlflim h live for law and liberty. , Jvp nation in the wpr!4 had truer jus- J

tke or fuller liberty than tie British. Mr. Day concluded, with, the following quotation from a prayer by Dr. Barrett at Norwich: "We pray that our Sovereign may fill his high position with such wisdom and grace that when his end comes, he (may be followed to the grave with that which is greater than all the pomp of this -world, the Teverenee and affection of a united people, who !hav» learned in him how great and how good a king may be." (Applause.) The Rev. Knowles Keinpton delivered a brief address from Psalm 47, verse 9, "The Shield Belongs Unto God." He referred to the fact that most of the ceremonial connected with the Coronation was drawn from the Psalms. The speaker referred to King George as one of the shields of the earth. He believed the King reigned and would reign by God's grace and favour. They rejoiced as a people that by his courageous attitude in the Law Courts, calumnies against the King's character had been for ever set at rest. He referred to Mr Lloyd George's speech as evidence that they were "at the door of an ampler day." The speaker said they knew the office of the King was no sinecure, as it meant serious responsibility, but he believed King George V. would be "a shield of the earth." He felt also sure that the King and Queen would also protect the purity of the Court. He would also protect the religious rights and susceptibilities of his people. He was glad that the King had expressed his disapproval of some phrases in the Declaration Oath which were unnecessarily offensive to a section of the Church. In conclusion, the speaker said they gave God humble and hearty thanks for the wonderful goodness he had shown to them as a people. An offertory was made on behalf of the Children's Home at Remuera, after which the Hallelujah Chorus was sung, -".hen the National Anthem. The Rev. S.. Steele Craik closed the service with prayer afer which the choir sang "And the Glory of the Lord." ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN. "HONOUR THE KING." An impressive service at St. Andrew's was conducted 'by the Revs. R. Somerville, J. M. Simpson, W. Trotter, G. B. Monro, and J. Jolly, M.A. The seating accommodation was considerably overtaxed. The Rev. Jolly addressed the congregation, the Rev. Simpson read suitable passages of scripture, and appropriate hymns and solos were sung. Mr. Jolly took his from Ist Peter ii. 17, "Honour the King." In commencing, Mr. Jolly said that aa Christians it was right that we should honour him who God had set over us. God was supreme over all, and, therefore, it was only right that the Coronation service should be a religious service. God had placed two powers over us—the State supreme in secular things, and the Church supreme in spiritual things. The King represented the nation, and, in honouring the King, we were to remember that we honoured an empire ''worthy of honour. It was an empire <that stood feu- liberty, for righteousness, and for purity. Our King stood before us as a great noble-hearted Christian, and we rejoiced to know that ■the traditions of Queen Victoria were being continued. Gladly, therefore we should honour the King, who bore the burden of the empire. He bore it manfully as a Christian man. "How should -we honour the King?" We could honour him by outward marks of respect, by obeying his laws, 'by speaking of him with respect, and by being ready to stand in his defence, and thus it was that we might feel that God had called this empire to a great destiny. We should remember that God had set King George and his consort, Queen Mary, over as, and thus to-day -we would be glsd to "Honour the King." CATHOLIC HOMAGE. "A NEW-BORN LOYALTY." In commemoration of the Coronation of King George V. special services were held in all Catholic churches. The principal service was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where His Lordship the Bishop, Dr. Cleary, presided over a crowded congregation, including upwards of 200 Territorials and cadets. The altar was elaborately decorated for the occasion. Solemn High Macs was celebrated by Rev. Father Wright, Rev. Father Brennan was deacon, and Rev. Father Finn sub-deacon. The deacons at the throne were the Very Rev. Dean Hackett and the ißev. Father Tonmay, Rev. Father Holbrook, Adm. was master of ceremonies. Rev. Father Wientjes was also present in the sanctuary. After the mass Dean Hackett preached an eloquent seimon on the loyalty of Catholics to the Crown of iEngland. He stated that they were there at the invitation of their spiritual leaders to offer sacrifice and prayer to God that the new King's reign may be West by peace and goodwill within his gates and abroad; and, secondly, to express to His Majesty their new-born Catholic loyalty. In the mass they had just assisted at, the celebrant had prayed that the spirit of wisdom and justice may govern the King in all matters, ensuring the temporal well--being and happiness of his subjects. Their prayer was that the new King, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father, whom history had alrea-dv crowned with the glorious epitaph of Edward, the Peacemaker, may hasten on the day when international disputes will be settled by arbitration, and not fey blood-thirsty wars, which bring nothing but misery in their wake. Their new-born loyalty arose from the fact that George V. -was the first Kins; to ascend <the throne of England for some centuries who would not have to pollute his lips with that "blasphemous declaration" that the sacrifice of the mass was idolatrous. They could, therefore, extend the hand of loyalty to him sincerely, willingly, and lovingly. There was' another reason, too. A large percentage of the Catholics being of Irish origin, they welcomed the advent of Home Rule, which was now in sight, ■and which forecasted the sun-burst of brighter and happier days. The bishop and clergy, attended 'by the altar boys, then stood before the altar, and the congregation standing, the choir s.ang the "Te Deum." PITT-STREET METHODIST CHURCH. . ADDRESS BY REV. G. BOND. The service at the Pitt-street Methodist Church was attended by junior cadets from the :Beresford-street, Newton, and other schools to the number of several hundred. The service was composed of special prayers and hymns, two of tl)p latter having bei'ii written for the occasion by tho Rev. ft. Bond, who also delivered tho a-ddrees, taking for his test, 1 Pete? IJ; 17, •'W.onpur 'UW Sing-" On v>

the present occasion, lie said, the minds oi oil were moving , in an imperial zone, the thoughts of all were concentrated on the great ceremony that was to take place in Westminster lAibbey. Though that ceremony was taking place at a far-distant spot, the loyat prayers of this Dominion rose to God in supplication for the King's safety and .well-being. The decorations -which. adorned the streets, the religious services, and the military parades all combined to show New Zealand's unflinching loyalty to a throne which was indeed the people's 'based on the truest and most read freedom. They honoured the King because he stood for peace, law, and order, while without him revolution, and anarchy would inevitably gain the upper hand. The throne was, indeed, the balance wheel of that constitution which was the glory of every Briton. The British constitutional monarchy possessed all the advantages of a republic, with none of its disadvantages, and was acknowledged to 3be a freer country than any other on the earth. They honoured the King 'because of the great responsibility which rested upon him, the responsibility of guiding the destinies of the greatest erapdre the -world had seen, an empire 'before which the greatest glories of Rome (paled into insignificance. Again, they honoured the King for his personal fitness 'for such a high office. Not only was first sovereign to visit every corner- of his great Empire, but he had shown the strongest aversion to being a mere -figurehead. He was in the fullest sympathy with every social .reform, and by his broad-mindedness, and his moral vigour, had endeared himself to all his subjects. But lately he had been subjected to the fiery ordeal of malicious slander, and had emerged absolutely unscathed. Well might they say, "Thank God for such a King.". But how could they do their King real honour? (By patriotic endeavour, by respecting the law, by striving for every social reform, and, lastly, by remembering the King in their prayers, both, public and private. fHhe service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. LUNCHEON TO THE VETERANS. A luncheon was tendered to the veterans by the Auckland City Council at the Choral Hall, so soon as they were assembled after the military review. The Mayor (Mr C. J. Parr) presided over a gathering of about 250 veterans, and the Hon. G. Fowlds was also present. In the course of a speech the Mayor said the city was proud to do honour to the veterans. There was a tendency nowadays in the bustle of modern life to forget the men who in the early days fought for the country and made it possible to live in peace and prosperity in the Dominion. It could not be expected that the young citizen soldiers would enter with enthusiasm into their duties if prominent occasions were not taken to honour the soldiers of the past. The Mayor said he was pleased to see so many veterans present, and. hoped they would thoroughly enjoy th& hospitality of the City Council. The Acting-Minister for Defence al3o ma4e a short speech, in which he congratulated the veterans on their hale and hearty appearance, and expressed warm appreciation of the services they had rendered in the past to the King and country. AMBULANCE ARRANGEMENTS. In anticipation of a large crowd of people being in the city for Coronation Day, and the possibility of accidents occurring, the St. John Ambulance Brigade members (Auckland and Onehunga division) were on duty all day at the military parade and also at the following stations: Head of Queen-street wharf; Mr. Wiles, Chemist, Lower Queen-street; N.Z. Insurance Buildings; under town clock; H.M. Arcade, City Chambers; Watson's Buildings, Wellesley-street, and Karangahape-road. At all of these stations there will be some of the members present from six to ten p.m., and there is a complete first aid equipment; all arrangements being under the supervision of District Chief Superintendent Tunks. AUCKLAND TO-NIGHT, A BLAZE OF LIGHTS. To-day the city is wearing the mantle of festivity to mark the historical occasion of the crowning of King George V. For many days past a large number of ■workmen have been busily engaged in carrying out schemes of decoration on the public buildings and 'business houses, and in quite a number of cases the designs are of a most elaborate-and ingenious nature. Queen-street to-day presents a very patriotic appearance. On practically all the buildings huge quantities of red, white, and blue bunting and flags are exhibited, "while the night illuminations will be carried out on a large scale. The decorative soheme adopted lor Government Buildings consists of a centrepiece upon which are pictures of the King and Queen. Round about are grouped painted representations of the private Royal flags, and the Maori greeting, " Kia Ora." The -whole building will be beautifully illuminated at night. The General Post Office -win have an outline of electric bulbs arranged Jn a most effective manner, with drapary arrangement. The Municipal Buildings are adopting gaslight for their night effect, and a large profusion of flags and bunting for the day. The New Zealand InBurance Company and the South British Company are having gasliglit as their illuminant. and both houses ar e making an elaborate show by this means. The former design, which is woxkedb out in gas piping, consists of a Crown tjust under the clock tower. The TJnfion Jack flanked ■with the Royal initials appears below, with "God 'Save the King" appended in bold lettering. The South British Co.'s building has been beautifully decorated with garlands of greenstuff, worked into artistic designs.. The entrance looks -well with a profusion of palms, whilst various ingenious devices for effective illumination are dotted about various parts of the premises. Probably the most elaborate scheme for illumination is that of the "Auckland Star" and associated papers. Underneath a red Maltese cross and a white shining crown is a huge five-painted star. In the centra, a red-lighted outline of tjie British Isles will blaze out, and occupying each of the points, maps of New Zealand, Canada. Australia, India and South Africa are shown. Down the sides of the building are long streamers of light. The scheme shows originality in design, is appropriate to such a festival of Em- i pire as that which we celebrate, and is effectively and ingeniously! carried out. The " Herald " buildingsr bave also an elaborate electrical display. The outline of the building will be trafoed in Enes of red, white and blue Hgfct, and in the oentro there is a huge crown frith the letters 0.1?. The Auckland Harbour Board buildings f)rp ricl'.iv drap.ed in the natiqnpj colours, with tinnspajenejes in the form

of laTge portraits of the King and Queen. In. addition the Royal Arms, with the N-Z. and British stand out prominently, the whole being appropriately surmounted by a laTge crown. Tie Queen-street shops aje not behindhand in their efforts to make the general decorative scheme complete. Outside the Strand Arcade there is a great blaze of colour. Transparent pictures of the Royal Family are surrounded by almost every design possible which is emblematic of State. The top of the building- is covered with pennants in red, white and blue, and "God Save the King" stands out boldly. The efforts of Milne and Choyce, in decorating their premises have been most successful. The whole of the exterior of the -building is covered -with artistically arranged drapery and flags. A window is taken up with a very fine scene representing the figure of Britannia holding aloft the crown. AH around are hung laurel leaves on pedestals representing the colonies. In the background is a landscape showing a picture of the rising sun, and across-the sky run the words, "They crown him King of an Empire upon which the sun never sets." The foremost feature of the charming scene is a beautifully draped and illuminated portrait of His Majesty. A daytime decoration of an elaborate character is being made by Messrs. Smith and Caughey. The whole building is draped in a pleasing manner with patriotic flags and. daintily arranged drapery. Long festoons in the national colours relieved by drapings of royal purple adorn the premises of Mr. Geo. Powlds Ltd. There is also an effective electrical display -which will show the outline of the building at night, and exhibit a ing crown over the verandah. Electricity •will play an important part in the decorative scheme of John Court, Ltd. Lights in various colours will dot the -face of the whole building, showing off the premises to great advantage. Then there are various symbolical signs which will be one blaze of light to-night, and over practically every part of the premises are displayed banners and gaily coloured bunting. Amongst other noticeable displays is one by Sargood, Son and Ewcn, in Victoria-street W. The frontage is magnificently treated with coloured representations of the King and Queen, with banners bearing the legend " God Save the King." Groups of flags and red, white and blue bunting cover the whole face of the building, together with shields and transparencies. Various other business houses are also prominent in the city. The Auckland Savings Bank will be ablaze with gas lights to-night, and MessTS. Hutchinson Bros, are carrying out their decorations on an elaborate scale and with great taste. Numerous other shops in Queen-street .are also pleasingly adorned for the historical event. After dark the electrical and gas displays in Queen-street will light up the thoroughfare from end to end, and it is at this time that the .best effects, from a spectacular point of view, will be obtained. Stars, crowns, transparent portraits of their Majesties and many other designs will .blaze out in a veritable feast of colonr, and the whole scene should be most picturesque. E- C Browne and Co.'s establishment is treated with a profusion flags, bunting and Chinese lanterns, whilst Atessre. Tonson Garlick's shop frontage ds another example of clever decoration. Messrs. H. M. Smeeton, Ltd., arc making a good display of the national colours on their building, und the front of Messrs. Stewart Dawson's shop is also effective. Other noticeable shops with decorative designs in Queen-street include the premises of Mr. S. Barry, Mr. A. B. Donald, Messrs. Partridge, Mr. H. Wright, and the New Zealand Clothing Ela-ctory. In Karangahape-road, Geo. Court and Sons have a very fine and effective Coronation display with illuminations. COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS. {By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WATH.T, this day. The local schools broke up for their vacation yesterday afternoon. Thtf •cadets paraded, and all the scholars ; saluted the flag, giving three cheers for the Union Jack in honour of the Coronation. The Territorials paraded to-day, and took part in a Coronation service at St. John's Anglican Church. From there they marched to the recreation ground, where a feu-de-joio was fired as a royal salute. Wags, etc., were displayed on tthe public buildings. TE AROHA, this day. On V\7ednesday aPternopn at three o'clock the children attending the Te Aroha School* were assembled to salute the flag, sing the National Anthem, and receive medals. The chairman (Key. P. Cleary) addressed the children, and introduced Mr. Berries, IT.P., who made a brief speech. Mr. Somers (Mayor) distributed the souvenirs in a happy speech. SOUTHERN <3SLEERATiaNS. WANGANTJI, this-day. The weather is showery to-day, and may interfere with the Coronation celeibrations, the chief features of which are processions and demonstrations in the afternoon and evening. The holiday is being-generally observed. NAPIEB, this-day. Perfect summer weather favoured the Coronation celebrations to-day, and a huge crowd assembled on the Marine Parade, where an interesting ceremony was carried out. Brief speeches were delivered 'by the Mayor and leading clergy. The school children sang the National Authem and "God Defend New Zealand," and the artillery fired a royal salute. The decorations are on an extensive scale, and much taste has been displayed in. several of the designs. WELLINGTON, this day. The weather was delightful for the Coronation celebrations. An extensive military and general programme was carried out. DUNEDIN, this day. Heavy rain set Ln shortly after midnight, and the weather outlook, when the telegraph office closed, was most unpromising for the Coronation celebrations in Dunedin. WESTPOR.T, this day. Heavy rain continues. The river is flooded, and stormy conditions prevail on the coast. Coronation celebrations are being held indoors.