SHRINE OF SHADOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 9

SHRINE OF SHADOW.

SCENE OF SOLEMN GRANDEUR.

United Press Association. —Copyright.—Rec. 2 p.m.

LONDON, January 24.

King George lies in state in historic Westminster Hall, where his dead father similarly received the last homage of his people. The coffin, from which the gold, scarlet and blue folds of the Royal Standard fell over the purple catafalque, stands out on the dais with the dignity of the Cenotaph, in a pool of light thrown by four huge candelabra. Eight others direct their rays upward, floodlighting the age-old timbered roof. The remainder of the vast hall lies in shadow.

At the head of the coffin rests a single wreath, Queen Mary's, and in the centre scintillates His Majesty's Imperial crown. Below shine the sceptre with the Cullinan Diamond and the Royal orb. Six candles of unbleached wax, in great silver candlesticks, burn unwaveringly in the stillness. A silvern and jewelled cross rises above the head of the coffin.

King George's crimson robe, trimmed with ermine, which he wore at the opening of Parliament, is draped at the foot of the coffin below the orb and sceptre, the colour blending with the purple pall which was first seen at the burial of the Unknown Warrior in 1920 an-d has since been used at the funerals of many famous people, including Queen Alexandra. TJe pall was presented to Westminster Abbey by the Actors Church Union in memory of 300 actors killed in the war.

Yeomen of the Guard, their scarlet surcoats hidden by blue cfoaks, stand at the four corners of the dais, their crimson-tasseled * nikes reversed. At the corners of the coffin stand officers of the Life Guards, the candle-light reflected from their burnished breastplates, with white-gauntleted hands crossed on their swordhilts and helmeted heads bent. Four officers of the Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, cloaks covering their brilliant uniforms, lean on reversed halberds at the end of the dais. King Edward has introduced an innovation by extending to all Guards regiments the privilege, hitherto enjoyed by the Horse Guards and First Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, of supplying officers attending the bier. Thus until Tuesday will the King be guarded in silent majesty.