THE BLENHEIM PROCEEDINGS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 148, 27 June 1902, Page 4

THE BLENHEIM PROCEEDINGS.

The pifcy is that the Coronation celebrations programme could nofc have been carried oufc in its entirety. The modified proceeding were of such a sue • cessful and interesting nature that general regret was expressed that the programme could not have been carried out to its original extent.

The weather was unfavorable, a drizzling rain tailing throughout the day; nevertheless, an unprecedented number of people assembled in town, the concourse being the largest ever seen here. People, both young and old, streamed in from all parts of the district, and at midday the footpaths of the town were packed with spectators. At that hour rain was steadliy falling and the paths, sheltered by the verandahs, were the most protected points of vantage. The first incident was the united religions service held in Market Place at 11 o'clock. Thousands of people congregated around the rotunda to join in the intercession for the King's restoration to health, and the ceremony was of an impressive character. The service was led off by Archdeacon Grace, and other ministers who took part in it were the Rev. W. O. Robb, Rev. J. G. Spence, Rev. Mr Ensor and Rev. Mr Smith. A large number of children, who had assembled at the Borough Schools and marched therefrom to the Square, were in attendance and sang a number of hymns under the conductorship of Mr D. Sturrock, headmaster of the Blenheim Schools. Among these hymns were " The Old •Hundredth," "God Save the King," and " God Bless the Prince of Wales."

The Maori service held subsequently by Archdeacon Grace was attended by a large number of natives. A chant rendered by the Maoris was an effective feature of this function.

The children's feast was the next number on the programme. They were conducted to various public buildings, Gwai-t's Hall, the Drill Shed, and the Borough Schools being used for tbe purpose. An ample supply of provisions had been provided, and the youngsters were generously treated. It is estimated that about 1500 children were thus entertained. The scenes in the Hall and Drill Shed were exceedingly animated. The Maori children were provided with refreshments on the reserve opposite the Hall.

The distinctive feature of the whole affair was the Maori participation in the occasion. About 300 natives were in attendance, comprising the inhabitants of the Wairau P*h and visitors from the Waikawa Pah, and Nelson and North Island districts. Some 30 Maoris came from the North Island.

The roasting of a bullock in native fashion and the ceremony of presenting tbe beef to the Mayor in Market Place gavo unique interest to the programme. The bullock was cooked on the reserve adjoining Seymour Square, and thousands of people witnessed the process of taking it out of the oven of red hot stone*. This took place at 1.30 o'clock, and the roast beef was conveyed on an express to Market Place, being pre ceded by a procession of Maoris. The presentation ceremony was one of the most entertaining incidents of the day, being carried out with due native formality. Friendly sentiments were exchanged between the Maori spokesmen and the Mayor, Archdeacon Grace acting as interpreter. Other speakers were the Hon. C. H. Mills and Mr R. MeArtney. Sympathetic reference was made on both sides to the illness of His Majesty.

The roasted bullock was publicly distributed; and later on about thirty iVlaori females entertained a big crowd of spectators with a number of poi dances, executed on a raised platform in front of the Government Buildings. In conclusion the Maoris rendered a chant expressive of their sympathy for the King in his affliction, and then seized on the Mayor and conferred on him the honors of a " rangitira." Hearty cheers for His Majesty and the Maoris, called for by His Worship, were sent up by the spectators, and the natives responded with cheers for their native friends.

. Three traction engines with waggons occupied by country children, were drawn up in the Square during these proceedings.

In the evening intercessory ser vices for the King's restoration to health were hold 'in the Anglican Presbyterian and Wesleyan Churches and the Salvation Army Barracks, and at each place the latest press bulletin as to the progress of His Majesty was read out.