SAD PILGRIMAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 19, 23 January 1936, Page 7

SAD PILGRIMAGE.

PROCESSION OF MOURNERS. TOUCHING SCENES AT SANDRINGHAM PUBLIC FILE PAST THE KING'S COFFIN. t ' United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 12.30 p.m. LONDON, January 22. While London was acclaiming the new King a sad procession of pilgrims from all parts of the country was converging on Sandringham, as, according to the Queen's express orders, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene was opened to the general public and not merely to the villagers. The first arrivals waited hours in the cold for the doors to open, then filed slowly past the flagdraped coffin on which the Queen's wreath of white chrysanthemums and orchids was laid. The first to enter were two old women over 80 who have lived on the Sandringham Estate all their lives and knew King George from his childhood. The mourners exemplified the democracy that was so dear to King George s heart. Wealthy people clad in expensive furs, conventional silk hats and morning suits walked beside humble agricultural labourers. King Edward travelled to Sandringham by rail with the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as the weather was unfavourable for flying. The doctors consider that both the Duchess of York and the Duke of Gloucester are now well enough to travel. The Queen spent the morning attending to the mass of private correspondence. After several hours at her desk she walked in the sunshine with the Princess Royal, both dressed in deepest mourning. v About noon another wreath of pink and white carnations was placed on the coffin. No card was attached. It is understood it came from the late King s children. It is stated on the highest authority that Queen Mary will continue to be known as "the Queen until after the funeral. "The Times," in a tribute to the Queen, says: Next to the sense of personal loss, the uppermost feeling in the minds of all the people of the Empire is sympathy and admiration for Her Majesty. For 42 years she enjoyed the happiness of an ideal union and set an example to her husband's subjects which, particularly in the disordered years following the war, has been of incalculable value to the national life." The first six months of full mourning for the late King means that ladies in Court circles will be required to wear complete black ensembles, including shoes, gloves and ornaments and little or no jewellery, except diamonds. i One departure from precedent is that it will not be compulsory for ladies to wear black stockings. These may be of gunmetal or other sombre hues. As a concession to modern fashion the prevailing trend will not be interrupted, though formal evening dress will be less decollette than ordinarily. Ladies' evening coats will be of black velvet chiffon, heavy crepe de chine or satin. Fur coats will be permissible. Numbers of London women to-day bought complete outfits of mourning. The windows of many stores were entirely redressed with black garments.