THE CROWNING CEREMONY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 1714, 19 August 1922, Page 5

THE CROWNING CEREMONY.

DAZZLING FUNCTION AT THI

PEOPLE'S. ROYAL PAGEANT. It would be no idle boast to say that the coronation ceremony (which marks the final stage in the Queen Carnival competitions) was one of the most lavishly produced and dazzling functions ever seen in New Zealand, and that is saying a great deal. The People's Picture Palace, where the ceremony was performed, was literally transformed into a Royal Palace, and a stately air pervaded the interior right from the stirring trumpet call of the Heralds to the bestowal of Honours by Her Majesty upon her worthy citizens. And with what grace and royal dignity did the youthful participants act their parts. The performers were as follows:

Queen Rangihuia Hetet (Primers). Ladies-in-waiting: Nettie Hetet, Margaret Bell. Biddy Holland, Mary Hetet, Tani Hetet, Kuia Manawaiti. Flower Girls: Marion Somerville, Phyllis Quigley, Joyce Brown. Joan Peel Walker.

Queen Elaine Hamill (Stds. 11l and IV.) .Ladies-in-waiting: Elta Jarvio, Moya Walker, Emily Waite, May Ormsby.

Queen Annie Nilson (High School) Ladies-in-waiting: Mavis McDonald Dora Evans, Phyllis Oliver, Jean Bain

Queen Jocolyn Hamill (Stds. V and VI). Ladies-in-waiting: Nancy Jordan, Lavinia Dunkley, Jean Smith, Peggy Luxford. Queen Connie Avery (Stds. 1 and II). Ladies-in-waiting: Nettie Hastie, Joan Trinnear, Gwen Stewart. Jean Patterson.

Mistress of the Robes, Margorie Barker; Page, Joyce Davidson; Archbishop, William King; Lord Chancellor, George Lusk ; Lord High Chamberlain, George Black; Queen's Jester, Peter Howarth ; Peers, Gerty Robincon, Colin Cato, Dick Brown.. Teddy Peterson ; Queen's Champion, loin Wilson; Heralds, Ronald McKenzie, Ken Blackmail. Standard-bearers: Queen, Jim Cochrane, Rob Simpson; Stds. 11l and IV, Victor Cadsby; High School. Beg Harrow ; Stds. V and VI, Victor Edgar; Stds. 1 and 11, Geoffrey Hadfield. Beef-eaters: Errol Cheal, George Jacob, Terence Mullins, Tom Hankers.

A clash of drums ; a peal of trumpets, and the audience were warned of the approach of Her Majesty. Then to the accompaniment of stirring music the Grand Procession commenced. Passing along the main isle through the audience and back through the other door the march, was repeated, and as the respective Queens passed along they were greeted with an ovation. First came the Heralds, with trumpets poised and walking with, measured tread. Then followed the two Standard-bearers carrying the Queen's colours. Behind these again came the stately Peer carrying the Sword of State upon a cushion, and he in turn was followed by the Mistress of the Robes bearing the .Imperial Mantle, adhering to the Royal precedent. Attendants tljien followed, and Peers carrying the stately regalia including the Sceptre, the Orb, and the Crown. The Archbishop followed and behind hiin. preceding the Queen herself, dainty diminutive flower-girls strewing the path of Her Majesty with flowers. Suitably garbed in the Royal Regalia—in this case the typical Maori costume with mat—the Queen then appeared and smiled benigningly upon Her Majesty's subjects as she gracefully followed in the procession. The Queen was surrounded by a Guard of Honour and her lady attendants were very appropriately garbed in the native costumes. Then followed the Chancellor and Lord High Chamberlain. The respective Queens followed on, each preceded by their Standard-bearers and divers attendants. The final figure in the Royal Pageant was the Queen's Champion, an important dignitary . Having paraded before the people, the procession then moved to the Throne Room, where the Royal appointments made an impressive picture. Surrounded by the other Queens, the Queen Rangihuia occupied the stately Throne. The Archbishop then asked* her if Her Majesty was willing to be crowned. With due importance ami with a condescending nod of her Royal head, the delightful voice of Queen Rangihuia was heart! to say;

"I. am willing." The Archbishop then made the following announcement : "Whereas the majority of the people in this great and glorious dominion of Te Kuiti and its surrounding district known from tune immemorial as Robe Potae have chosen the Princess Pangihuia to be I their rightful Sovereign and Rangitira and have in support thereof paid into the Treasury much tribute.. I. therefore announce and proclaim before you all here assembled that the said Princess Pangihuia is about to be crowned Queen of this Realm. Equally impressive and dignified wasthe presentation of the Sword and also the Investiture of the Mantle, Presentation of the Orb, Presentation ol the Jewel and the Sceptre. The crowning of the Queen was perI'ormed by the Archbishop, who. in placing the crown upon the Queen's head. In solemn voice said: "Lady, as chosen representative of your loyal subjects here assembled, I call upon you to (he office of Queen ot the Realm of Te Kuiti. Receive the Crown of (dory. Honour and Joy.' The Archbishop then shouted "Long live Queen Raugihuia," and this was taken up by the entire company. The roll of drums and a peal of trumpets. and the ceremony was concluded. The Champion's challenge followed, being delivered with a noteworthy daslPas he Hung the gauntlet to the ground. Mr Blackmail then delivered a solo. "Land of Hope and Glory." and the chorus was taken up by the company, and finally the audience. This preceded the presentation of the attendant Queens, after which the Queen's champion addressed her subjects as follows: "I am commanded by the Queen to inform you that it with great pride that she accepts the honour you have conferred upon her, and she trusts that she will he able faithfully to carry out the duties of her High Office. At her command I no\v hand

to her loyal High Chancellor and Lord High Chamberlain these scrolls setting forth her wishes in order that they may be known to you." The Lord High Chancellor then read from the scrolls:—

"Give ear O Ye People unto the greetings and commands of your Queen.

"Whereas the loyal subjects of tins Realm of Te Kuiti otherwise known as the Robe Potae did organise a Carnival for the purpose of securing funds so that the scholars of your school might benefit thereby and did succeed so greatly as to raise the mighty sum of £BO6 10s it gives your Queen much pleasure to extend her congratulations and thanks to all the loyal workers for their successful efforts . Furthermore, your Queen expresses to the parents and friends her keen appreciation of their general support.'' The Lord High Chamberlain delivered his address, after which, as a final ceremony, the Queen conferred honours upon her loyal subjects (who, by the way, were extricated from the hall). Robert Carnachan—Knight of the Switch.

George Hadfield—Knight of All Troubles and Minister of Railways. Arnold Blackmail—Knight of Modestv. Past Grand Master and Controller of Hell. Athol Howarth—Knight of the Robes.

The evening concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. The preliminary programme was left in the hands of the following capable performers:—Ronald McKenzie, Sadie Smith. Joan Lusk, Florrie and Teddy Peterson, and Mr Bradley. Selections by the Te Kuiti brass band were much enjoyed. Three cheers were accorded Mr and Mrs Howarth at the conclusion.

Generally speaking, the staging was practically' perfect, and the lighting arrangements were skilfully produced, contributing substantially to the splendid effect. The various parts by the children were so thoroughly carried out that it reflects the greatest credit upon Mr Howarth and his helpers for their perseverance and strict attention to detail.

Lastly, but not by any means least, the costumes could not possibly bo bettered. Indeed, it seemed as though the wearers had been using the costumes all their lives. In design and effect they were perfect, and of course Mrs Howarth is entitled to the highest measure of praise. The excellent music of Mr Scrimgeour contributed very materially to the fine swing which characterised the proceedings. Mrs McHutchison, assistant stage manager, also deserves thanks for her attention be' ind the stage.