LIVING UNION JACK.

Mataura Ensign, 24 July 1906, Page 1

LIVING UNION JACK.

SPECTACLE IN WHICH 10,000 CHILDREN TOOK PART.

Perhaps the most enthusiastic celebration of Empire Day was at Sheffield, where 10,000 school children took part in an Imperial pageant at the Sheffield United's football ground in the presence of 30,000 spectators. First there were uthk-lic, sports for the scholars—all keenly contested events. Then promptly at half-past two the trumpeters blew a fanfare and there marched on to the gro<bid 810 little boys—half the number in scarlet jerseys and caps, the other half in white and blue—and they formed on the green the ilng of St. George. Then came B l lo' little lads, half in blue and half in white, and formed Scotland's saltire at the other end of the green. Next the cross of St. Patrick was formed by S4O boys. All carried little flags of their respective colors. Then came a solid phalanx of 33G0 boys in red, wiiitc and blue, who, with the other lads, formed a gigantic Union Jack. Accompanied by the bands, the boys sang the "Red, White, and Blue'' with grand effect.

'l'lii! British Empire profession—a (spectacle on a scale of magnitude und ornamental detail never before attempted in England—brought the spectators from their seats with enthusiasm. Upwards of .'ISOO girls took part in a symbolic representation of Britain's world-wide colonics and dependencies. First came the. premier daughter of the Empire.—Canada. Companies of smiling damsels represented Canada as the lady of tire snows ; others as the lady of sunshine. The first group carried toboggans, skates, and earmuffs; the others llowers, fruit, and grain. Then came cowboys, diggers, dairymaids, Indians, fishermen, etc., all in correct costume, and carrying the implements of their calling. India was a gorgeous section of the pageant. A stately Ueguin walking demurely under a canopy and fanned with a' punkah of peacock feathers, Hindu women, and a guard of eighteen girls in sailors' costume formed part of the fascinating living picture.

South Africa flashed its diamonds and waved its ostrich plumes. Stalwart miners from the Hand and ■farmers from the veldt. Hags with the names of the colonies and famous founders made up a most ell'ectivc group.

Australasia wns charmingly represented, all the characteristics of the Commonwealth being most ingeniously worked out.

Followine- the I'ar-llnng chain of Kmpirc came the Three Kingdoms. The Scottish contingent was headed by two Highland pipers in full costume. "Scotia" was represented by a majestic young lady in while with plaid of tartan and wreath of white heather, guarded bv sturdy- Highlanders. The Irish display was also highly successful. Kngland and Wales was, however. Hie. most successful of the sections. National flags and emblems, patron saints, historical landmarks, and physical ■features were shown, and English pastimes-cricket, football, tennis, golf, shooting, fishing—were represented by boys in costumes. The lluy Queen was drawn round the arena on a rose-embowered car by sixty girls, and was enthusiastically cheered. "Albion,'' yvith a sailor bodyguard, und "Cambrian." with maids of honor, were most effective representations. The spectacular piece of the <luy was lbitaunia enthroned on a lofty ear, wearing a helmet of brass and bearing

a trident. Her car was drawn by I'JO little boys entirely clad in white sailor costumes. Miss Amy Wilson made a perfect Britannia, and was warmly complimented by the Duchess of Norfolk, who at the same time presented tier with a valuable memento, the gift of the committee.

When the ten thousand costumitl children were assembled on the green the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and other distinguished .guests ' drove in motor curs through the ranks amid tumultous ehecrmg. His grace and the_ Duchess of Norfolk expressed their delight tit the complete success of the Imperial display, and the ten thousand then sang "Rule. Britannia." The singing of the National Anthem by the ten thousand children and thirty thousand spectators concluded the display.