Record Reign Celebrations.

Hastings Standard, Issue 326, 19 May 1897, Page 4

Record Reign Celebrations.

Under date April 2 the London correspondent of the Lytteltcn Times writes : The splendours of our Colonial Premiers on .Jubilee Day will excel anything which even the most audacious dreamers amongst special correspondents had dared to imagine. I myself pictured them a few mails back clothed in purple and fine linen, and mounted on milk white steeds. But the reality is to be far more impressive. Each stateman will occupy a chariot of his own, drawn by four horses and escorted by the troops from his own particular colony. Tho u e who have wives, private secretaries and chaplains will add them to their entourat/e, and the raiment of all concerned is expected to be simply sumptuous. Colonial bishops by dozens and English canons and prebendaries by scores will grace the steps of St. Paul's and a really good opportunity of seeing their Sovereign is to be affoixlcd your troops. In consequence of the number of the latter expected, an important alteration lias been made in the arrangements for the Queen's procession on Jubilee Day. The number coming from the colonies was originally estimated at 400. Already nearly a thousand men have been deputed to attend. The new plan' is to have two processions, the colonial one marching separately. The new arrangement is believed to be more satisfactory. The colonial Premiers will (says .the official programme) ride in royal carriages, escorted by their own troops, and will be close to her Majesty, on foct, during the religious service at St. Paul's. By the original plan the Premiers were not to bo in the procession, and the colonial troops were to march along in front of the Queen throughout the route, and probably would not have set eyes on her Majesty once during the whole day. The colonial troops will make the first procession, cavalry coming in front, and then infantry at intervals, oach colonial contingent escorting its Premier, who will be provided with a royal carriage, drawn by four horses richly caparisoned. The colonial procession, which will probably be nearly half a mile long, will start from Buckingham Palace nearly ten minutes before the Queen's procession. On arrival at St. Paul's, the colonial procession will be drawn up round the west front of the Cathedral, and the Premiers and their wives will alight and take places reserved for them in close proximity to the Queen on the steps of St. Paul's. The troops, facing inwards, will await the coming of the Queen, whom they will be able to salute. Her Majesty desired to see them, and by the original arrangement this would not have been possible. The colonial procession, on the completion of the religious service will remain in front of the Cathedral while the Queen's procession goes on to the Mansion House. It will then follow as a second procession. As much as possible of the roadway will be reserved for the public as can be done with due regard to the safety of all, and therefore the troops will march in fours.