THE PAGEANT

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 55, 29 November 1923, Page 7

THE PAGEANT

“ARMY THROUGH THE AGES”

BIG CARNIVAL IN MARCH PUBLIC MEETING ENDORSES PROJECT The project of the military pageant to be held in Wellington and other New Zealand main centres in March next was advanced a further stage last night, when about forty ladies and gentlemen attended at the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, at the invitation- of the Mayor, to secure workers for this big undertaking. The Mayor eulogised the work that has already been done by the Community Club, and spoke iv. terms of high praise of the character and efficiency of the Cadets, in whose interests the pageant was to be staged. It would be held in aid of the funds of both, and he commended it to the notice and interest of all who had their welfare at heart. Eight Centuries of Traditions. Mr. A. Gray, K.C., on behalf of the Community Club, delivered a short address in commendation of the work of that body, in catering by sound and practical ’ social service for the needs of the boys and the cadets. The pageant had been staged in London, and it was proposed to stage it here, in order to illustrate the styles and habits of the Army during the last thousand years. It would be presented in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, the bases of the three military commands in New Zealand. Associated with it would be a mammoth sports carnival, which was expected to attract large numbers. Promises of active co-operation by public bodies and individuals were already forthcoming, but large numbers of volunteer workers were needed. Especially were volunteers required in regard to queen candidate committees —artillery and engineers, infantry, ambulance, A.S.C., signal corps, senior cadets, returned soldiers. Special committees) were required as follow: — Works, side-shows, grounds, lighting, raffles and art union, gate-keepers and ticket-sellers. “The pageant promises,” said Mr. Gray, “to.be the most spectacular and fascinating display that has yet Jbeen seen in New Zealand, if not in the Antipodes. The chief feature will be the putting on of special pageantry from London, entitled, ‘The Army Through the Ages,’ which will be identically the same as was staged at Olympia, London. It will be historical in form, representing each distinct period for the past eight centuries. The executive has also ordered the star attraction, ‘Tilting in Ancient Days,’ which created such an immense impression at the famous • Arundel pageant. This has been hired through the High Commissioner and the War Office on specially favourable terms. Wellington will get something entirely now, and, from the very nature of the spectacle, it is certain to bo a success. Arrangements are made for other rare and brilliant spectacles, which will have a fascination of their own. What is mainly desired now is to secure as much support and practical help as possible, to ensure success to this mammoth undertaking.” Details of ths pageant. Maior M. I. K. Jennings, staff officer in charge of No. 5 Regimental District. sneaking on behalf of the Wellington Garrison, said there were 5000 Territorials and cadets, and representatives of everv arm of the sendee would take part. The pageant would bring out in an interesting and favourable wav the traditions and customs of the Armv and of the people of the past. He eave detailed) and interesting details of the military phases of the pageant, which will embrace contests in everv phase of the Army’s work, in peace or war, even to the staging of a night infantry attack, replete with the modern fighting trench, star shells and Verey lights. Continuing. Maior Jennings said that tho material, which was now on the wav out from England, would be identically the same as was used at the RovaT Naval and Military Tournament, Olympia. London, in Mav. 1922. There would be over 200 uniforms, with wigs, arms, and! accoutrements complete, representing : —llth Century. Crusaders, 10 men and 1 officer: 12th Century, Longbowmen. 10 men and 1 officer: 13th Centurv. Archers. 10 men and 1 officer : I4th Century. Canoniers. 10 men 1 officer: 15th Century, Pikemen, 10 men 1 officer: 16th Centurv. Yeomen of the Guard. 10 men 1 officer: 16 Centurv. Halberdiers. 10 men 1 officer; 17tb Centurv. Roundheads. 10 men 1 officer: 17th Centurv. Marines. 10 men 1 officer: 17th Centurv. Cavalier soldiers. .10 men 1 officer: 18th Century, Guardsmen. 10 men 1 officer.

Naval heroes would include: King Alfred l the Great and 10 men; men of Cinoue Ports. 10 men 1 officer: King Henry VIII. a.nd 10 men : Sir Francis Drake and 10 men: Frobisher and 10 men: Lord Collingwood and 10 men; Lord Nelson and 10 men. Ladies represented l would be: Queen Elizabeth. Marv Queen of Scots, Britannia. Joan D’Arc. Tn addition, the executive had ordered the material for stalling “Jousting Before Queen Elizabeth.” tho star attraction at the remarkable pageant held at Arundel Castle. Sussex, in August of this vear. This included material for: Six Maids of Honour costumes : one Knight Marshal; one French Ambassador: four Heralds: four Knights, with armour, lances and horse equipment. In this exhibition of “Tilting in Ancient Days,” 40 soldiers and sailors, fully equipped in the uniforms and arms of the Elizabethan period. would be utilised. In conclusion. Major Jennings said if, was honed that the warships on the New Zealand station would be in Wellington at the time of the pageant. In such nn event, the co-operation of the Naw and its personnel wbnld do much towards making the pageant a more striking spectacle. The project was warmly commended bv Colonel G. T. Hall, and Sir John Preliminary steps were taken for the formation of the necessary committees.

Tho Mover announced at the conclusion v of the proceedings that ho had just received advice that Lord Jcllicoe had accepted the post of patron of the pageant. (Applause).