BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume 49, Issue 7622, 16 February 1921, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

PICTURESQUE CEREMONIAL

By Telegraph—ness Association— copyright Rec Feb 16, 9.25 a.m London, Feb J 5 The Kings’ speech, at the opening of Parliament, foreshadowed a Bill to deal with the liquor traffic in the light of experience gained during the war. It was also hoped to submit proposals for the reform of the House of Lords this session and the re* organisation of the railways. Dense crowds lined the Royal route to Parliament. They showed that they still loved the picturesque pre-war ceremonial, which has been revived entirely, except that bays were substituted for the cream Hanoverian ponies in the King’s state coach. The Life Guards and other Bands wore elaborate pre-war uniforms while the Guards, in scarlet and bearskins, lined the route. The Spanish, French, Japanese and Italian ambassadors journeyed in state coaches. The King, Prince of Wales, and Duke of York were everywhere heartily acclaimed. His Majesty was attired in a field marshals uniform. The Prince of Wales, for the first time in public, wore a Welsh Guard full dress with bearskin. Through the King’s forethought crippled soldiers and orphans occupied the reserve outside Buckingham Palace and invalided troops were similarly accommodated at other points.