THE CORONATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12910, 2 September 1902, Page 6

THE CORONATION.

! SCENE AT THE ABBEY. THE PBOCESSION. (Per R.M.S. Sierra, at Auckland.) LONDON, August 9. Kinf Edward and Queen Alexandra were crowned in Westminster Abbey shortly after noon to-day. Though the ceremony was bereft of some elaborations and pageantry originally contemplated, it lacked little in the way of spectacular perfection. The whole ceremonial was of a magnificently decorative character, and presented a constantly changing panorama. It found the two central figure* enthroned in robes of velvet, ermine and cloth of gold, amidst a distinguished assemblage of actors, the fulfilment of whose various roles necessitated constant movement. Each, stage of the ceremony, with its Old World usages, furnished its quota of interest, while the interior of tho noble church, filled as it was with the officiating prelates in vari-col-oured capes, with princes and diplomats, officers in gold-laced uniforms, with heralds, pursuivants and other officers of State in mediaeval -costumes, with peers and peeresses in rich robes, with Oriental potentates in many-hued raiment, with men of all types and all shades of complexion from distant points of the new-crowned monarch's Empire, with its dazzling display of jewels and wealth of colour, presented a picture which, in its combined brilliancy and distinction, has seldom been excelled. .The crowd paid but little attention to the occupants of the vehicles. In the last carriage of the first procession sat Prince Henry of Prussia on the back seat, but he was so occupied with talking to the Duke, who accompanied hrn, that he seemed not to notice the crowd. The Prince of Wales seemed very indifferent and stolid, but the.. Princess of Wales bowed and smiled constantly. It was not until the King's procession came, that there was any show of enthusiasm. Lord Kitchener, Admiral Seymour and General Gaselee, as they rode together, of course came in for much attention, but they all seemed to pay little attention to the people along the route. Lord Kitchener, in the resplendent full dress uniform of a general, also looked unfamiliar, and many persons did not recogniso him. The Indians, were undoubtedly the most picturesque dressed l troops of the procession, while the State coach of the King, drawn by the fat Hanoverian horses which figured in the late Queen Victoria's processions, seemed much more like fairyland than usual. The progress of the Royal cortege was marked by no special incident, with the exception of an accident to Lord Edward Pelham Clinton, one of the Grooms-in-Waiting. It was a continued triumph, and reached its climax on arrival at the Abbey, where there was a scene of unparalleled enthusiasm, which did not cease until their Majesties disappeared in the annexe. The accident to Lord Pelham Clinton created considerable excitement in Pall Mali. The Groom-in-Waiting, .in a closed carriage, was passing York steps when his conveyance collided with another Royal carriage going at high speed in the opposite direction. The horses fell, and there appeared to be a bad "mixup." The police extricated the teams with gome difficulty, and Lord Pelham Clinton, who was only slightly hurt, proceeded. A brilliant sunrise promised perfect weather for Coronation Day, but long before the ceremonies commenced threatening clouds gathered, and early arrivals on the route of the procession came provided against contingencies. The earlier crowds were in nowise as large as it had been generally anticipated they would ■ be. Many enthusiasts with camp stools and ample supplies of provender had spent the night on the best coigns of vantage that could foe secured, and were in the same positions at six o'clock this morning. At that hour the troops began to take up their allotted positions, and polioemen, three paces apart, lined the route of procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. Up to seven o'clock there were certainly more police than, sightseers visible, bub after that time there was a rapid increase in the number of spectators, suburban trains and tram-cai-s emptying thousands of persons every few minutes into the stations adjacent to the procession's route. East End of London residents also flocked westward in such numbers that the streets east of Temple Bar became oppressively silent and deserted. Scarcely had the doors of Westminster Abbey opened and the Gold Sticks and Ushers found.their places before the seats began to fill.' Peers and Peeresses swept up the nave, their scarlet and ermine making vivid contrasts against the deep blue of the oarpet. As they arrived before the thrones they separated, the peers going to the right and the peeresses to the left. Almost as animated! was the scene m> the vicinity of Westminster Abbey, where bands of music, stationed about the building, relieved the tedium of early waiting. Soon after, the doors were opened, State coaches, carriages and automobiles rattled up in ceaseless line, the rich apparel of their oocupants eliciting hearty approval, which, however, was surpassed "by the reception accorded to tho men of the National! Brigade as they marched past at a swinging pace to take up a favoured position guarding the route near the Abbey. The Colonial Premiere and Privy Councillors were warmly welcomed. The Fijiaus, in their petticoats, werethe centre of much interest, and a Redi Indian chief, in native costume, feathers and blanket, decorated with the customary mirrors, caused most lively amusement. As the hour appointed for the departure of the Royal procession approached, the excitement about Buckingham Palace was most marked. Punctual to time, the advance guard of the Royal cavalcade issued from the archway, the 'horses of the troopers curvetting nervously as they faced the wall of humanity that cheered their coming. Shortly afterwards came the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. Within a few minutes their Majesties' State coach appeared at the gateway, and the King and Queen smiled' and bowed in response to the mighty roar of cheers that dwarfed,all previous welcomes. The scene in the vicinity was ai remarkable one. On the roof of the Palaoe were perched a number of fashionably-dressed ladies, members of the Household, and their cheers, with the fluttering of their handkerchiefs as the King and Queen entered the Royal coach, gave the signal for the deafening plaudits of the populace which greeted their Majesties as they emerged from the gates. The ovation wa*s taken up by the crowd which thronged the Mall, and was repeatedly acknowledged by the occupants of the State coach. The King looked pale aind rather fined d'own, and was by no means as brown and robust as previous reports had led one to expect, and while punotiliously bowing from side to ride he did so with a gravity very unusual to him. He seemed to sit rather far back in his carriage, and moved his body very little. His curious crimson robes and capo doubtless gave him am unusual appearance. The Queen beside, him was radiant. She never looked better. The cheers which greeted the pair were loud and unmistakably genuine, and very different from the perfunctory applause which usually greets the appearance of members of the Royal family. The three processions to the Abbey were carried out according to programme, and the only striking features of the first two wlere the gorgeous State carriages and beautiful trappings and horses. Even when practically empty the Abbey presented ar interesting and picturesque effect, the odd-

est feature of which consisted in every seat being practically covered by a large white official programme, in the centre of which was placed a. small deep-red book of the Service. Tho entire scheme of decoration had been caried 1 out harmoniously, and even the stands did not seem out of place. A »peculiarly beautiful effect was presented by the King's and Queen's box, comprising half a dozen rows of chairs in white satin, relieved' only by the crimson of the seats. Beyond the structural decorations for the seating of the spectators there was little attempt at any display, and the old grey arches lent their stately perspective to the scene, untouched by flags or any gleam of colour. The various chairs to be used by the King aind Queen in tho Service attracted special attention, but what inevitably caught the eye was the glittering array of gold plate brought from various Royal depositories, ranged along the chancel and behind the altar. Amidst these surroundings the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, resplendent in white knee-breeches and heavily-embroid-ered coat, hurried to and fro directing the final touches. By ten o'clock the interior of the Abbey presented a blaze of colour along the nave, which was lined by Grenadiers. Every chair was taken up fey high officials of the Army and Naivy, and others in equally handsome equipment. On top of the arch, separating the nave from the chancel, sat a smrpliced orchestra. The peeresses took advantage of the long interval to stroll up and down, but the peers sat stolidly awaiting the arrival of the Sovereign, their ermine capes presenting a solid mass of white. After ten o'clock the organ and band played, while the spectators, many of whom showed signs of sleepiness, chatted or swept with their glaspes what portions of the Abbey they could see from their seats.

The ceremonies commenced with a procession of clergy with the Eegalia from the altar to the annexe, all present standing up and the choir singing " O God our Help in Ages Past." Preceding the Regalia were the boys of Westminster Abbey, followed by the children of the Chapel Royal and the choir in Royal uniforms. The Duke of Connaught took his place beside the Prince of Wales in the Abbey as the procession entered, bowing as he passed the Prince. The Archbishop of Canterbury took his seat in front of the Coronation chair, and the Earl of Halsbury, Lord High Chancellor, seated himself by his side. Several minutes elapsed, however, before the King amd Queen came in sight of those gathered about the throne. "Suddenly "Vivat Alexandra" was shouted by the boys of Westminster Abbey, amd tho Queen walked slowly to the left of the throne, gained her chair and knelt at a silken prie dieu, her magnificent tram of cloth of gold being lifted of hear way by six scarlet-coated pages. Two or three' minutes later came the hoarse cry from the Westminster boys of " Vivat R-ex Edward," with blasts from the trumpets. Yet there was another wait. " What has become of the King?" was 'asked by the people who were shut off from sight- of the nave. Tho Queen waited patiently; the organ ceased, and then resumed. There was another fanfare of the trumpets, and chorus of "Vivats," and King Edward appeared and walked to his chair in front of the throne, bowing to the Queen as he passed, and then knelt down in prayer. After removing his somewhat unbecoming cap his M-ajestv stood up, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a- trembling voice, read the Recognition, beginning,' "Sirs, I here present unto you King Edward, the undoubted King of this realm." Then there was a hoarse shout, and the blending of the choir and the people, women and men, in the cry " God swve King Edward." Several times this was repeated, and- the Abbey rang with loud fanfares. Again the King and Queen knelt, and the Archbishop of Canterbury walked to the altar amd" commenced the Communion. While the Gospel was being read tho King stood erect, supported on each side by the Bishops in their heavily-embroidered capes. During the singing of the Creed all the members of the Royal family turned eastwards. Both King Edward and 1 Queen Alexandra followed the sendee carefully, frequently looking at the copies of the service which they held in their hands. The administration of the Oath followed. Standing before the King's chair, the Archbishop asked: " Sir, is your Majesty willing to take the Oath?"' The. King answered in firm, strong tones, "I am willing," his replies being easily heard high up in the triforium, near the roof. Then an inkstand was brought, and the King signed the Oath. He did not advance to the altar, but sat in the chair he had occupied since the service began, while the ohoir sang " Come Holy Ghost, our Souls Inspire." The King remained seated and the Queen stood up. After the Archbishop's anointing prayer, a gold canopy was brought over the King's chair, and his Majesty divested himself of his outer robe and then walked to the ancient chair, while the choir sang the anthem "Zadok the Priest." The anointing ceremony was scaorcely seen, owing to th« canopy. The spectators were just able to) discern the Archbishop of Canterbury's motions. After the prayer, the King resumed his seat, and from a scarlet silken! roll, on which the prayers were printed in) large type, and which was held by the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury read the prayers and delivered the sword to the King, who did not go) to the alter, tihe sword being taken to- him) Try the Pean of Westminster..

' The departure of the King and Queen from the Abbey was signalled by another salute. ■ The massed bands played " God Save the King." The entire route of their Majesties' return to the Palace was marked by scenes of enthusiasm similar to'those Which greeted the pa-ogress to the Abey. The partial breakdown of the venerable Archbishop of Canterbury, who, instead of assisting had to be assisted by the King in the performance of some of his functions, is the subject of sympathetic comment. The Archbishop is in his eighty-second year, and his eyes are dimmed by old age. He had been a. schoolboy when Victoria was crowned, and now, with his sands nearly out, he was called upon to crown her son. Everybodv, and King Edward most of all, felt sympathy for the aged prelate, and sought, as far as possible, to ease him in his important functions, which none but he could perform. Indeed, the Archbishop of Canterbury is a figure second only to the King in importance at the Coronation, and his collapse, which at one time seemed' imminent, would have haddeplorable results. The kindness of his Majesty had much to do with sustaining the veteran prelate throughout his part of the performance. Instead of the King needing help, he actually helped the trembling hands that placed the crown on, his head. All these things were known throughout London and England to-night, and they inspire and strengthen the boundless loyalty with which the people hold the King who has risen, as it were, from the tomb.

King Edward himself, according tot Palace acoounts, is as happy as the people.; His face was lightened up with a mag-, netismi which has helped to make hdmj liked "by all admitted to his presence. There was no concealment of his delight with, this splendid greetings from his subjects, and when he showed himself on, the) balcony of Buckingham Palace with the Queen his face was radiaait with pleasure. Some of the misstatements in regard to Ms condition reached the King during Ms illness, and. while he affected to smile a.tl some of them there is no doubt he felt thean keenly, and felt gratified at being able toi show evidence of his recover} - and of his possession of a. strong constitution and unimpaired vitality.