CORONATION OF KING GEORGE V.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 159, 22 June 1911, Page 5

CORONATION OF KING GEORGE V.

(Continued from page 1.) I they inherited by right of succession on the death of the late lamented King Edward VII. Today the King and Queen receive that office from God Himself, Who, through His Church, sanctions and confirms the automatic action of the statute law of England. To-day we are carried back in thought to the days of Saul and David and Solomon, when the human king was anointed by God’s servant to be the human representative of the Heavenly King. To-day the Coronation sets before the anointed earthly king and his subjects no less an ideal of earthly sovereignty. The Coronation ceremonial is indeed the King’s consecration to a spiritual office which he can only dare to hold by Divine permission and by the assurance of Divine support. The sacred oil with which he is anointed is the outward and visible sign of the Holy Spirit of God, given to him to enable him to carry out faithfully the awful and responsible duties of God’s vicegerent. Listen to the solemn words spoken by the Archbishop after the invocation of the Holy Spirit: O Lord, Holy Father. Who by anointing with oil didst of old make and consecrate kings, priests, and prophets, to teach and govern Thy people Israel: Bless and sanctify Thy chosen i servant George, who by our office and ministry is now to be anointed with this oil (here the Archbishop is to lay his hand upon the Ampulla), and consecrated King of this Realm: Strengthen him. O Lord, with the Holy Ghost the Comforter; confirm and stablish him with Thy free and princely Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and government, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and fill him, O Lord, with the spirit of Thy holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.

This is no worldly office then. ' however exalted, to which our King and Queen are appointed to-day,; but an intensely spiritual and - sacred one, and if the monarchy of • the British Empire is limited on the. human side, it is certainly limited on the divine side, for none but; true servants of God could hope to; carry out the duties and live the life; which the Coronation service requires of the crowned heads of our j Empire. We cannot but believe ; that in the years to come (if Got! • spares them), when the duties and , responsibilities and anxieties of. high and privileged position weigh heavily upon them, that the King and Queen will find strength and comfort in the thought that ‘the > powers that be are ordained of God,’ and that they do not occupy 1 their exalted position by their own i will or by the will or the Empire, but merely by the will of God, and that he who has chosen and anoint- > ed them will stand by them and support them as long as they are faithful to the solemn pledges which they made at the consecration. ‘Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, I annoint thee King over Israel.’ Brethren, seeing that the Coronation means what it does, surely it is good for us to be here to-day, good for us to be joining with millions of our fellow subjects throughout the world in offering our supplications and prayers on behalf of our King and Queen. The heart of the British Empire is not only faithful and loyal to its earthly King, but faithful also, I believe, to its Heavenly King, and there could be no fitting commemoration of the Coronation in Napier to-day if this Cathedral Church was silent and deserted, and if no great united act of praise and thanksgiving ascended up to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’* The music for the service was appropriate to the occasion, and the ordinary Cathedral choir was strengthened by the addition of the choirs of St. Angustine and St. Andrew, the whole being under the direction of Mr. Horace Weber. The programme was as follow s:— Processional Hymn, *' O God the Ruler of onr Race” ; Psalm 122 ; Anthem. “Zadoc the Priest” ; National Anthem; “Almighty Father” ; “O King of Kings” ; “Te Deum”; “Now thank we all our God.” A BIG GATHERING. At the conclusion of the church parade there was a big gathering of people at the Band Rotundh, and at all points of vantage in the vicinity. By permission of Mr. F. Moeller, many hundreds of people watched the procession from the Masonic Hotel balcony. Some thousands also gathered on the Parade, and at the intersecting streets. Notwithstanding the fact that the races attracted many persons out of Napier, the assemblage: of the people was exceptionally larsre. and everywhere a spirit of joxonsness prevailed. I

j While the troops were in the Cathedral the City Band kept the public interested in stirring music, and the H.B. Highland Pipe Band contributed its share of martial music. The Spit and Napier Fire Brigades paraded, and. headed by the City Band, a preliminary march through the town was made. Later the Territorials formed up, and the STIRRING MARCH PAST took place. It was a fine sight, • and particularly fitting to the oc- ‘ casiou. and the crowd was visibly moved by the sentiment of the celebration. There were 512 troops in the i march past. The parade state was as follows:—Garrison Band 21, Staff 9. Permanent Staff 5: Territorials. officers 7. men 124 ; Senior • Cadets, officers and men 119; Veterans 15; Junior Cadets, officers i2, boys 203. Besides the troops f there were also the City Band (20), jH.B. Highland Pipe Band, Napier 1 Fire Brigade (20), Spit Fire Bri- | gade (16), Fire Police (16). I LOYAL SPEECHES. j The band rotunda was occupied ! by the Councillors and a number of j prominent residents and their j wives. ’ A big platform erected against the wall of the Borough Council Chambers was occupied by 250 school girls from the Napier School under the conductorship of Mr. Martin, of the Port School. The girls were all dressed in white with red .white and blue sashes and presented a very pretty appearance. Promptly at noon, the first gun of the Royal Salute boomed out, and later the rattle of musketry announced the firing of the feu de joie. J MR. J. VIGOR, BROWN, M.P., Said :We are present here to-day ; to show our loyalty to the greatest • monarch the world has ever known. 1 King George has been brought up as a sailer on board a training-ship, i where he was known as a manly, ! warm-hearted, straightforward lad. j His manliness was instanced by the i

fact that when a boy he hid some * marlinspikes in his superior officer’s i bed and when another midshipman ' was about to be punished for the offence he admitted that he had played the trick and took his punishment like arfother boy. His Worship .recounted the incidents which occurred during King George’s visit to New eZaland in June, 1901, and said that as the present Kingj was a man who has met the men , and soldiers of New Zealand, his, understanding of the feeling of our i ( vtntry will without doubt be of ■ great assistance to him in his reign. ■ He hoped that His Majesty will; have a long and a prosperous, and j a peaceful reign, that health and! strength may be with him, and that * he may be able to carry out his arduous duties in as tactful a manner as his illustrous father. BISHOP AVERILL * Said it was we privilege of New Zealand to be the first country of! note to offer up its thankfulness! on this eventful day in the history of our nation and of our Empire, and may the expression of loyalty f come not only from the lips but I from the heart of everyone present, i i It will be acknowledged by all that-i the present King and Queen are! worthy to accept the throne which j King Edward the diplomat and, ruler, so ably filled. The present; King and Queen have been trained! in the best school of loyalty. Great. constitutional changes may at any \ time take place. An unjust king; j may strain his subjects’ loyalty to, break ire point. King George’s* , qualities, ho we. ver. are eminently! suited for the proud position he! occupies. He is a manly man.; ■ During rhe last twelve months we have learned much concerning the* character of our King. Whatever! qua!.:.:. v.< have had before he became our Monarch, these to-day; have all disappeared. He has a right to rule because he has learnt 1 • to obey. He thinks for himself, j He is tactful, but he firmly doesj his duty. Many of us have had! first-hand knowledge of his good| ■ qualities, and this a ill give him a I ! great hold on th? loyalty of his' subjects. Thank God that a king; has been given us who can com-J mand our confidence. Let us to-; day renew our allegiance to him, | and may we go forward and look: forward to a prosperous and happy i reign. The present King has! shown himself worthy to follow his j successful and illustrious father. , REV. AH HER. j The Rev. Asher said he was sure* they were that day all minded to> give King George V. such esteem) and affection which they had for) Queen Victoria and King Edward! VII., and to assure him that we! who dwell so far from the great! centre of the Empire yielded to no I one in loyalty and devotion. In I spirit we witnessed the dedication; and consecration of the King that; day to the great work before him. j * He felt sure no one was more ready;

to consecrate himself to the Empire. King Edward had been known as a great peacemaker, and he thought King George would in the future be known as the great Empire builder, as the work before him was the development of the great Empire to which all of us belong. He would like to say that in the dedication and consecration of the King and Queen they should remember not to look only for devotion, but high character, in a King, and that they should strive to show this in each and every one of them as citizens of the Empire. Should w’e not as well dedicate and consecrate their lives to God and the nation. REV. FATHER MeDONNELL. He was glad to have the opportunity of joining his fellow countrymen in their expressions of loyalty. It is sometimes said that we New Zealanders are lax in our enthusiasm about our Sovereign. This, if true, is perhaps due to the distance that separates us from them, but to-day, the hearts of all ring true, for we honour the King and Queen who made the long journey to visit us. They were well advised in coming for the. personal love of subjects for their sovereign plays an all important part in a nation’s greatness. The Roman Catholics today, whom I represent, have special reason for gratitude to King George, for to him in a great measure is due the repeal of certain expressions in the Declaration Oath which offended the ears, not alone of Roman Catholics, but of all fair-minded men. Now we rejoice that nothing mars the happy celebrations of his Coronation Day. In the past our forefathers have proved their loyalty on many a hard-fought field ; in the future wet must be ready for greater sacrifices ; for greater dangers menace the Em- ■ pire and our rivals have grown in j number and power. We must all | unite in loving and honouring the King. Whatever differences we may have let us at least stand shoulder to shoulder in upholding the honour of our King, our country and our FLAG. REV. McNA l.» GHTON.

The proud boast of the Roman was “civis Romanus sum” “I am a Roman citizen.” But he boasts no more, for his great Empire is no more, and to-day, if national be pardonable, then it is our turn to display it. It is our turn since we claim to be citizens of the British Empire. We belong to a grea’ nation, and a nation that has play-i ed no unimportant part in the service of humanity. We grant that there are blots upon our escutcheon. We have fallen short, far short of what should have been our national ideals; < Yet must we claim that much has been doiie. To deny this would be to deny the power of God in our national life. “Righteousness exalteth a nation,” so taught the wise ruen of long ago, and there has been enough righteousness in our nation to exalt it—to give it an honoured place among the nations of the world. It has led in many a reform. Its flag has offered protection to many a weak cause., and we believe that its work is not yet done, that it still has a mission to fulfil in the world, and that its greatness may grow from more to more. There are not wanting signs that the time of crisis through which we are passing, especially in the Mother land, will ; issue in true national progress, ami that the Empire of the future may be greater than the Empire of the . present.

To-day our thoughts centre upon him, who, in the providence of God. has been called to be the earthly head of our great Empire, and our heartfelt prayer is “God bless King George. Long may he reign over us, long wear the Crown, which to-day is to be placed upon his brow,” and we add, “long may he have as his gracious consort, our good Queen Mary.” As loving and loyal subjects we do well to meet at this time to honour them, and we do well to remember that we may add to the glory of their reign by seeking to make this part of the Empire- -fair and favoured New Zealand —worthy nf the best British traditions. We may cherish high ideals and as true patriots earnestly seek to realise these ideals, whatever the cost. Living as we do under the light of the Southern Cross, may we be reminded of the Cross which it symbolises, and learn the great lesson of altruistic service, so shall we develop as we ought individually, and nationally, and contribute our share to the growth and glory of the Empire.

Owing to the indisposition of Mr. Cornford, the Rev. McNaughton took his place upon the platform. Mr. Taranaki Te Ua was unavoidably absent, and the proceedings therefore closed with cheers for their Majesties the King and Queen, and the Mayor of Napier.

BAND CONCERT. In the evening the Napier City Band will give the following selections in the Band Rotunda “God Save the King and Queen,” “Erin.” Selection. —“Songs of England.” March. —“God Bless the Prince of Wales.” “Grand Coronation,” “Red, White and Blue.” As the. Band is in need of funds, it is to be hoped that the public will respond liberally towards the collection which is to be taken at the close of the performance. THE SCHOOLS. No public ceremony took place at any of the schools to-day. Yesterday the schools closed for two days holiday, the Coronation medals being distributed, the hei.imasters in each case making appiopriate remarks. The pupils attending the Sacred Heart Convent will not return until next Monday week. PORT SCHOOL BALL. Messrs. Dalgety and Co.’s store of Port Ahuriri was the scene of a brilliant function last evening, when the Coronation Ball in aid of the prize and picnic funds of the Port School was held. It is estimated that at times 300 couple occupied the floor which was in fine order for dancing. Willing hands decorated the building in an artistic manner, palms, ferns and flags giving the interior an imposing appearance. Ninnes’ Band supplied the music, extra dances being played for by Mrs. Brooks and Misses Benson, Cotton, Newbold, and Mr. Mitchell. Messrs. Creagh, Holland, Gray, Kessell, Sentonfi Riddell and Fahey made courteous M.C.’s. A committee of ladies attended to the supper.

SYDNEY DECORATED. (Received 22, 8.30 a.m.) j Sydney, June 22. I Great preparations are completed for celebrating the Coronation, and if the weather holds the city will present a brilliant spectacle of decorations and illuminations. There are many important functions arranged. ROYAL PRESENT TO N.S.W. The Secretary’ of State has advised that the King is presenting New South Wales with a copy of the State portrait of himself and Queen Mary in commemoration of the Coronation. A DAY IN ADVANCE. Adelaide, June 22. Combined Coronation and Empire Day celebrations were held here by public schools yesterday. Melbourne, June 22. Coronation celebrations were commenced yesterday. Demonstrations were made by the publis schools and patriotic songs sung. Two hundred and fifty’ thousand Coronation medals were distributed. ELSEWHERE IN DOMINION. RAIN AT DUNEDIN. Dunedin, June 22. Heavy rain set in shortly after midnight, and the weather outlook is most unpromising for the Coronation celebrations in Dunedin. THE EVENT AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, June 22. The day is being observed pretty well as a general holiday. The grocers and a few drapers only are open. The town is well decorated and preparations made for illumination at night. The garrison troop, cadets and territorials were reviewed by the Hon. Fowlds and the Mayor in the domain. Coronation services have been held in all the churches.

WET AND WINDY WELLINGTON. Wellington, June 21. The weather to-day has been boisterous, with drizzling rain and, occasionally, heavy rain squalls. The barometer has gone down below 29, and the outlook for to-mor-row’s celebrations is decidedly gloomy. Very little is being done in the way of private illuminations, the Union Steamship Company, which has a fine show on its new building, being an exception to the general rule. At the post office and Government Buildings the illuminations will be on a grand scale, and very effective. The railway offices, the Government insurance building, the Public Trust office, and the temporary Parliament House will all be illuminated. Unless the weather improves the procession and the military parade may have to be abandoned. In the event of its being too wet for the review the Territorial force will occupy the Garrison Hall, and the cadets the Town Hall. Salutes will in. any case be fired from the warships in part and from a shore battery.