PAGEANT OF EMPIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 167, 16 July 1924, Page 5

PAGEANT OF EMPIRE.

BRITAIN'S WONDER STORY. HALF GREAT STADIUM FREE. JULY 31 TO AUGUST 30. (By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 15. In the House of Commons, it was stated that it had been arranged to throw open at the performances of the Pageant of Empire nearly half the total accommodation in the Stadium free of charge to the public. The Government had arrived at the decision despite the sacrifice of revenue, because it realised the pageant was not merely a magnificent spectacle but also an educational instrument of the highest value. It desired to give all classes, especially children, every facility for witnessing it.— (Reuter.) Prince Arthur of Connaught writes: — It was felt that such a concentration of British subjects should be marked by some special celebration or display which would express in a vivid form something of the feelings and pride in the past which are shared by the King's subjects throughout the world—something which would tell of the wonderful inheritance of the peoples under our flag. It was thought that the occasion should be taken to stage in the Empire Stadium something in the nature of a striking visual representation of the Empire—to produce in pageant form the activities of some of our great forefathers who exercised so profound an influence on the growth and development of our Empire; the result of their labours in the existence to-day- of the great Dominions, and episodes of stirring interest in the history of the Empire. The proposal was examined from the practical point of view, and the Government decided to accept, responsibility for the organisation of a great Pageant of Empire. The direction .and administration of this great task—for no pageant on such a scale as is proposed has ever been staged in the country—is undertaken by a council set up by the Government. The actual work of preparation was entrusted to an executive committee on which are representatives of all the participant Empire countries. The Pageant will be divided into three great geographical divisions, one being performed each evening, and there will be two complete performances of the three-day programme each week for six weeks. Each of the great Dominions will show a number of incidents in their history leading up to the present day. There will be magnificent episodes portraying some of the great landmarks in the history of the country in relation to Empire development: the setting forth of the great explorers, Cabot leading the way; the days of Queen Elizabeth: the triumph of the British fleet under Blake. There wifl be commemorations of the great heroes of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and of those who gave learning and the beauty of language to the world.' The three-day programme will terminate with a grand finale in the form of the Empire's thanksgiving, when the glories, resources and opportunities of the Dominions, India and the Colonies wilhbe shown in a great triumph. Tt is in fact proposed to present as far as is practicable in pageant form an historical picture of the Empire, which will be complimentary to the modern representation of the Empire comprised in the Exhibition itself. The Government has been fortunate enough to secure the services of some of the greatest experts in the production of pageants, among them being Mr. Frank Lnscclles. as chief pageant master, Sir Frank Benson, and Mr. Patrick Kirwan. Sir Charles Oman has placed his unrivalled historical knowledge at the Pageant Council's disposal. A number of the episodes in the Pageant will each require a cast of as many as two thousand performers, and it is estimated that for the whole Pageant the large number of twelve thousand performers will be required. T may say that the Government has already assured lis of the services of a limited number of artillery, cavalry and infantry. The City Corporation and the great livery companies are coming forward with financial help, and are interested in the production of a scene in the great Elizabethan episode. Amateur dramatic societies in London are helping, and volunteers have been secured from the Civil Service, and from many Associations formed as a result of the war. As a nation, English men and women are apt to be apologetic for the proud position the country holds among the nations of the world. This humble spirit, no doubt, is worthy of praise in our national character, but I do think there are times when we ought to let ourselves go. and this occasion seems to mc an opportunity to show to our own people and to the whole 'world the achievements of the British race in the past and the vast possibilities for the future.