ARRANGEMENT OF THE PROGRAMME.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 145, 24 June 1902, Page 4

ARRANGEMENT OF THE PROGRAMME.

A meeting of the General Executive of the Coronation Celebration Com tnittee was held last evening in the Council Chambers. There was a numerous attendance, and His Worship the Mayor occupied th_i Chair. The Mayor explained that the business was the framing o" a programme, to be issued immediately in printed form.

The meeting set to work and drew up the following programme : —

8.30 a.m. to 8.45 a.m.—The simultan ous ringing of all bells in town.

Nine o'clock. —Formation of procession in Alfred Street and York Ter race. Proce9ssion to begin at 9.30 a.m. and to draw up in Market Place at 10.30 o'clock. 10.30 o'clock.—Firing of feu de joie, singing by children, addresses, and presentation of war medals. 11.30 o'clock.—Coronation religious service. Noen.—Children 'a feast in Market Place. One o'clock. —Presentation of roasted bullock by the Maoris in native fashion. 2.15 p.m. to 3 p.m.—Children's sports. 2.30 p.m.—Laying of foundation stone of new public library and museum, in which function the Hon. C. H. Mills will take part. Three o'clock.—Maori hakas and poi dances. Four o'clock.—Distribution of King's buns. Seven o'clock in the evening.— Torchlight procession, to be followed at 8.30 by a "Continental" in Market Place with an exhibition of transparencies, songs, addresses, etc. It was decided to have the programme printed and circulated as an inset in the papers, the first output to be with the evening issue of to day. GENERAL DETAILS. The subject that evoked most discussion was the question as to the religious service. At the outset nc definite information was forthcoming as to whether the different denominations had fallen into line in accordance with the propositions mide by Archdeacon Grace at the previous meeting. It was stated that an agreement had not beon arrived at among the clergy. The Chairman said he did not tbink that the Committee, representing, as it did the community as a whole, could assent to any sectarian service as a feature of its programme. The pro posal at last meeting was that a united service should be held in the Church of the Nativity, but he now understood that not all the clergy were satisfied with the position. It appeared that the difficulty was that a united service on a wholly undenominational basis was not possible under the proposed conditions for the reason that the practice of the Anglican Church'did not permit of the partici pation of the clergy of other Churches in its service on an equal footing with its own clergymen. Speaking for himself, he would not object to attending a ceremony, as a united Coronation service, in any church, or public building, but such a service would have to be purely undenominational.

After discussion a motion was carried that a religious service be held in Seymour Square, or, in the event of wet weather, in some suitable building, on lines on which the clergy could meet on equal grounds.

At this stage Archdeacon Grace entered the meeting room, and placed a different aspect on the position. He explained that the participation of the clergy of other churches in a special service of this kind was quite valid, and his wishes and arrangements in connection with the occasion were in that direction. The only reason why the Church of the Nativity was selected for the service in preference to any other building; was that it provided the greatest amount of accommodation. The only thing he would hold out for if another church had been selected was the holding of the service ordered by the King himself. The decision to hold the ceremony under a roof instead of in the open was in consideration of the fact that it would be possible to carry out the ceremony under conditions free from distractions and with more reverence. The church provided accommodation for about 1000 people, and the service would Jasfc about threequarters of a hour. He was understood to say that the other clergy had been consulted, and had agreed to take part in such a service.

The Chairman said that all theComnrittee wished was that the service should be quite cosmopolitan. Archdeacon Graces's assurances placed the matter in a different light, and if the other clergy were satisfied the whole thing could be left in their hands.

The resolution already passed was then revoked, and it was decided that the Coronation religious service be held in the Church of the Nativity on the lines set out by Archdeacon Grace.

Mr McArtncy laid before the Committee a request, contained in a letter from Mr Miles, of Picton, that one of tho Blenheim bands be allowed to go to Picton for Coronation Day. The Hibernian Band was approached by the Picton people, who offered to pay it for its services, but it replied that it would not care to absent itself from Blenheim without the express permission of the Committee. The Band wished to give its services on such an occasion to the community on whose support it relied for its existence. Mr McArtney promised the residents of Picton who had approached him on the matter that he would lay the matter before the Committee. Mr T. Kirby addressed the Committee on behalf of the Band, It was resolved to forward to Pieton a reply regretting that the Blenheim arrangements had gone too far to allow of any of the Blenheim Bands visiting Picton.

In view of the fact that the Volunteers would be engaged in the religious service, a, sub committee was set up to arrange with Sergt.-Major Mason for lines of protection during the children's feast.

Ib was stated that replies had been received from all tho local societies promising to take part in the procession.

Any tradesmen who intended to make a representation in connection with the procession would, it was said, find ample accommodation.

The Salvation Army's life boat would be in front of the traction engines.

The route of the procession was fixed to avoid the bridges, which would bo a source of danger in connection with the traffic of tho numerous traation engines that will be engaged.

Investigation of the financial paib of tho business showed that up to date expenses amounting- to about £43 have been incurred. This amount is apart from the £40 voted for the children's feas1, which allowance, said the Ladies' Committee, would be adequate. The Spring Creek, Wairau, and Omaka ! oad Boards have each voted £7. The Awatero Road Board voted a grant for the entertainment of the children at Soddon, but the Seddon people have set their minds on the Blenheim celebration, and it was remarked that, as irain arrangements have been made to meot this crush, it was probable that the Awatere Board would re-consider tho matter.

The question of disposing of any provisions that might remain over was left to the good judgment of tho Ladies' Committee.

Bread has been provided for the

roasted bullock that will be distributed to the general public.

Distinguishing badges are being prepared for the members of the Celebration Committee.

Donations of provisions and other materials have been received from several quarters, and the Committee instructed the Secretary to convey its thanks to all donors.

The contingency of wet weather was mentioned, and several suggestions were made as to the course that should be adopted uader such circumstances. It was decided that the right of usiog a number of suitable public buildings for the children's entertainment be ob> tamed, and that in the event of bad weather the Committee meet at nine o'clock on Coronation Day and make arrangements accordingly.