EMPIRE DAY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13742, 25 May 1910, Page 7

EMPIRE DAY.

CELEBRATIONS LARGELY

CURTAILED

United Pre»s Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 23. I<ord Meath tentatively eugcests June 28th, the date of Queen Victoria's coronation, as being suitable for th(* adjourned Empire 3>ay demonstrations.

The London County Council lias cancelled tht> half holiday for to-morrow, and instructed the head teachers to pive addresses in the schools for half •vi hour on. the duties of citizenship

SYDNEY, May 24

The weather promises to be fino for toe Empire Day celebrations, which will be on the usual lines, though less elaborate, owing to King Edwaid's ciwith. ■

(Received May 24th, 9.5 p.m.)

Empire Day was celebrated by th© schools in the usual way. The observance was carried out quietly in the city, whero an assemblage of 20,000 gathered in front, of the Post , Office and sang "Rule Britannia" and the National Anthem. The proceedings concluded with cheers for King George.

The only recognition of Empire Day locally yesterday was the hoisting of the flag at the City Council Chambers and the placing of throe wreaths on the Quoen'g statue in Market square. The Bluejumpers' loyalty, alike to Queen Victoria and to the late King Edward, was demonstrated' yesterday by placing two wreaths of white chrysanthemums and evergreens tied with purple ribbon. The wreaths bore the following inscriptions: "From tho Blue, jumpers, 1862-1910, to tho memory of Queen Victoria," and "From the Bluejumpers, 1862-1910 ,to the memory of King Edward VII."

TO THE EDITOa OF "THE TRESS." Sir, —Might I suggest November 9th as Empire I)ay? It has been known so long as a holiday as Prince of Wales's ana later, King c Birthday, that I think its passing out of recognition would be regrettable, and it would be particularly appropriate hero in Christchureh, as Carnival " week without a public holiday would be incomplete. Of course if it wore agreed to keep the late King's birthday all over tho Empire as Empire Day so much tho better, but I think for New Zealand no day could be more appropriate—Yours, etc.,