THE SCENE OF THE CORONATION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11347, 9 August 1902, Page 14

THE SCENE OF THE CORONATION.

A PRIVATE VISIT TO THE ABBEY. In a recent London letter to tbe "Sydney Morning Herald," Mr H. W. Lucy thus speaks of a visit to Westminster Abbey: — Personally conducted by a (reverend canon. I had the advantage of visiting the interior of Westminster Abbey, jealously guarded from intrusion |of the public during the process of preparation for the Coronation. It was significant of his Majesty's energy and aU-pervadingne ss .that before we entered it was fell judicious to inquire whether the King waa in the building. Scarcely a day passes without his Majesty driving down in his private brougham amd spending some time in the Abbey. \v_at struck jne most was the fact that of the six or seven thousand persons bidden to the Abbey very few wise© the 'ceremony of the Coronation. It will be performed in the apace beneath the lantern, where in ordinary times the lectern stands. That, the pews, and the chairhave all been (removed. In their place stands a large platform, appropriately known as "the jfcheatre." It is built on two levels. One five steps high,,on which the King will stand, one lower by two steps lor the Queen. Round this comparatively _na_ space, are erected boxes for the Royal family, one for the King's particular friends, and (galleries for peers and peeresses, privy councillors, meanbers of the House <rf Commons and their wives. Of these, save the occupants of the boxes, the only spectators who are assured of a full view of the ceremony ajre th? privy co-nciUoiß. T_e •" gallery allotted • to the House of Commons directly fronts t__ j theatre. But the structural peculiarities I of the Cathedral are (such as to interfere with the view of all except toose i_ the front rows of seats. For the great m__it_de of ticket-holders there will ?K>t be even a pretence of seeing what is going on in the Sacrarium. The main ibody, including the sons and daughters of peers, will be (_. the cave. They will, however, be comforted by an excellent position for aeeiog tfie Royal procession entering the Abbey, and will hear the music, not the least beautiful adjunct to the «eremo_y. Absolutely the best place, commanding a bird's eye view of the whole business, will be the organ loft. A very special place has been reserved for Mr Edwin Abbey, R.A., who has undertaken the colossal task of painting the State picture. Every day (rehearsals ol the music and of portions of the ceremony are performed. One must not say anything of the memory of a great dignitary of the Church walking with -tately step from corner to corner of the theatre, with outstretched hand Jeading an imaginary Sovereign, _od presenting him to a loyal hut ghostly congregation, who are supposed to break forth in shout of "God Save the King-" Actually at this rehearsal the silver trumpets from the orchestra on top of the choir screen pealad forth a brilliant fanfare. On the temporary .structures erected in connection with the Coronation procession, the annex at the west front eclipses all. It is tbe most marvellous piece of stage effect ever built. If, daily walking past lit to the House of Commons, I had not watched its growth from kth and plaster stage to Ha present look of .hoary antiquity, I would have been incredulous of the fact that two months ago the place on which it now stands was aa open roadway. Regarding it, close _>y or aiar off, it is impossible to distinguish it from the historic pile to which it has been temporarily Attached. Not only has <every architectural feature of the Abbey been skilfully reproduced, but tbe very weatherstained colour centimes have been eilentlv busy ia laying with reverent hands on the walls of the temple built by Henry HI. is,faSWo-y copied. Inside equal skill and ______ _■__ ir__iilirWhwl Th_ iKht*^ __—_____—_—«.—«_-»»^ji nT ■■mmingiU 1 "' i

forms a beautifu'.octagon hall, upon «.«* the streams ■bhrongh leaden paced windows,' copied from -he oldest, parts of tbe Abbey. Mv guide, to whom every inch of the oU -uflding is familiar, looking sadly round, asked what I thought of the new one. "It is very clever," I said. "Yes," jeplied the Canon, wfth almost savage emphasis, "it's wickedly clever."