THE CORONATION

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1937, Page 5

THE CORONATION

VISITORS LEAVE FAREWELL BY THEIR MAJESTIES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). RUGBY. May 16. Members of foreign deputations who came to London for the Coronation took leave of the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace this morning. A deputation, which included foreign Royalties who were not staying at Buckingham Palace, were received by Their Majesties, in the State apartments.

The King and Queen who were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, walked round the State rooms, in which the delegates were grouped, shook hands with all of them, and bade them farewell.

QUEEN MARY’S TOUR LONDON, May 16. Sightseers thronged the West End until early morning. It is impossible to estimate the numbers who saw the decorations. Queen Mary, looking happier than since the jubilee celebrations, unexpectedly toured the north-east districts of London yesterday evening to see the decorations in the poorer quarters. Her return to Marlborough House was marked by scenes of enthusiasm. WHITSUN CELEBRATED RUGBY, May 16. Stimulated by the Coronation, the holiday spirit is running high this Whitsun. The railway companies' holiday arrangements this year are having to allow for special traffic of visitors from the provinces, who, unable to see the Coronation celebrations on Wednesday, are anxious to view the street decorations and floodlighting of public buildings in the capital. For the next three nights, as on the last two, the principal streets in the West End of London, including most of the route of Wednesday’s procession, are closed to vehicular traffic after 9 o’clock, to allow the crowds to circulate freely and sefelv on foot, where there is most to be seen. The diversion of wheeled traffic imposes a severe strain on the ingenuity of t#e police and the temper of drivers, but it ;is appreciated by sightseers and gives to the West E!nd an unusual appearance of carnival.

A GENEROUS GTFT RUGBY, May 16. As a memorial of the silver jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary, a private donor living in Edinburgh has given to the palace of Holyrood House a silver banqueting service of 4000 pieces and other equipment, including 7000 articles of linen. Formerly on the King’s going into residence at .Holyrood House, it had been necessary to bring plate and linen and (other necessities from Buckingham Palace. The King and Queen will go to Scotland on July 4, and live at the palace of Holyrood House for a : week.

Radto HUMOUR LONDON, May 16. “We’ve found Mrs Dodds, so you can all relax!” boomed from a loud speaker in Picadilly Circus, producing great merriment among crowds who were thronging the centre of London fop; public rejoicings. The crowds dis- .■ covered a' - large part of their amuse.ment to I>p in listening to attempts to dipd lost visitors. These attempts emanated from the police broadcasting station, the-primary pappose of which was, to control vehicular traffic. The broadcaster aroused shouts of pretended disapproval when he declared: “Mister Jones has lost Mrs Williams.”

The crowd sceptically reeeied a subsequent explanation that Mr« Williams was Mr Jones’ mother-in-law. The broadcaster, after vainly pleading with the pedestrians to keep to the pavement announced; “Ladies and gentlemen, the Circus is yours. There will be no more traffic.