CORONATION CELEBBATIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 147, 26 June 1902, Page 4

CORONATION CELEBBATIONS.

THE BLENHEIM ARRANGE-

MENTS.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE,

FESTIVITIES ABANDONED.

A meeting of the Coronation Celebration Committee was held yesterday in the Council Chambers to cousider the position. There was a numerous attendance.

His Worship read a number of mess* ages he had received during the morning. These were from Sir J. Ward, Acfcing-Promier, as published in onr columns. He did nofc think that there should be any demonstration in the nature of the firing of cannon,

decorations, etc., but he thought that it would nob be out of place to hold the children's entertainment and the native ceremonies.

Dr McArthur, S.M., said that the wish of the King that there should be no cessation of the entertainment of the aged and poor showed his goodness of heart. He thought that wish should be observed. If we made a mistake it would be an honest and well-meaning one. He moved that the children's entertainment and the Maori ceremonies be carried out.

Mr McArtney seconded Dr McArthur's motion. The food prepared for the children could be handed out to them without demonstration.

In reply to Mr Munr<e, the Mayor said that what was proposed was that the children should come in from the country, but there should be no trappings of joy on the wagons. On behalf of tlie Maoris, Mr S. McDonald explained that the ceremony connection with the presentation of the bullock was as appropriate to the sentiments of sorrow and sympathy as to that of joy, Ib was resolved that it be a request to the clergy to arrange for a short service in Market Place at about eleven o'clock, to precede the entertainment of the children.

It was resolved that the children be notified that they need not attend at the school till 10.30 a.m. The children, it was agreed, should sing a number of hymns at the religious service. Mr Macdonald said that about 150 natives, including about 40 for the North Island, at Picton, were awaiting word as to what they were to do. About 100 were on the way from the Nelson and Pelorus districts.

The hope was expressed that they would come to Blenheim, and it was resolved that the natives mentioned be asked to come through and take part in the modified ceremonies.

It was arranged that a religious service in Maori be held by Archdeacon Grace on the conclusion of the children's affair.

In answer to a question as to the observance of the holiday, it was pointed out that the shops were open this afternoon, the usual weekly halfhol iday. It was decided that to-morrow should be observed as a close holiday.

The services of the Garrison Band are to be requested to accompany the children in their songs at lunch-time.

Mr McArtney suggested a religious service in the evening.

Yen. Archdeacon Grace supported the idea, and offered the use of the Church of the Nativity, or said he would willingly combine with the other clergy in holding it in some suitable building that might be decided on. One suggestion was that the matter be left in Archdeacon Grace's hands to arrange ; another was that services be held in the different churches. It was resolved that the clergy be requested to hold services at 7 o'clock in their respective churches in connection with the King's illness. The Mayor announced that he would call .the Executive together again if anything transpired to make it necessary. Waipawa, June 25. It has been decided to carry out the programme arranged for to-morrow as peace celebrations. Nelson, June 25. All Coronation festivities have been postponed. Wellington, June 25. All the Coronation celebrations in Wellington are postponed, except the entertainment of the children and dinners given at Benevolent Homes,