THE CORONATION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1108, 22 April 1911, Page 5

THE CORONATION.

' NEW ZEALAND CELEBIUTIONS. The Government has not yet considered the subject of the Coronation celebrations in New Zealand, further than to offer (as already reported) a subsidy of <£ for £ up to .6250 towards any commemoration buildings that may lie erected. If a similar plan is followed to that adopted at the late King's Coronation, local celebrations will be encouraged as much as possible, that is to say, 'it will be left largely to the local authorities throughout the Dominion to arrange their own functions. It is expected this course will be followed. .In Wellington, and probably in the case of tho other chief cities, the Government will illuminate the public buildings on some general scheme yet to be arranged. In Wellington exceptionally fino illuminations may be' expected. Probably also some massed function will be held in this city, with a military display, at which his Excellency the Governor, the Ministers of the Crown, and other prominent public people will be present. The time of the year of the Coronation—June 22—though a long summer's day in Englund, will with us be the depth of winter, and any gathering that mav b9 organised will no doubt be of a brie'f description, because of the uncertainty of the weather at that time. The Government has also to decide the numlxj of hulidnys to be observed in tho Public Service, The day following tho Coronation is the birthday of the young Prince of .Wales. •So far a3 can bo gathered the Wellington City Council is not contemplating any lavish expenditure upon Coronation celebrations. Many firms have offered to supply fireworks and the materials for illuminations, but their offers havo been quietly laid aside. The probability is that the council will confine its manifestations of loyalty at Coronation time to an elaborate display of bunting. The Harbour Board decided at its last meeting'not to spend any money upon fireworks or illuminations, but it will spread every availal'ifc flag to tho breezes that happen to blow on Coro- • nation day.