Opening of the Imperial Institute.

Manawatu Herald, 13 May 1893, Page 2

Opening of the Imperial Institute.

The Imperial Institute was opened on 10th May. The weather was glorious, and enormous crowds lined the entire route which was guarded by the military. Some 50,000 people assembled within the building and its preaincts. The procession numbered 200,000 people. Immense enthusiasm was shown, and the Queen, the Prince of Wales, theDu'keof York, the Princess May, the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord Roberts, and the Hon A.. J. Balfour, all met with great receptions. ■ The spectacle in the great hall of the building was a magnificient one. The Prince of Wales, as president of the Institute, received the various processions, which were headed by the Princes, the members of the Houses of Lords and Commons, the Mayors, Judges and Civic officials, Her Majesty being at the head of the last procession. A medal to commemorate the opening of the Imperial Institute haß been struck. It is to be made of Vie ■ torian gold. ..*•,■ Four Indian Princes were present, attired in striking cpstumes, as were also their suites. The majority of those in close proximity to the dais were dressed in uniform or court dress, while the large assemblage of ladies were dressed in the height of fashion.

The Rbyal carriages, with heralds, preceded the Royal procession, the National Anthem being played by the band. The Queen, who took her seat on Prince Rurijeefc Singh's $o!aeii fchrone* turned a key and set the bells in the tower ringing. This was the Signal for. the finrig of the gittis iri tlie Park, arid there was himiense enthusiasm displayed by the crowd, cheer after cheer rending the air. . . . Madame Albani sang tHe National Antheni; and the' Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the Benediction. The Royal processidri retired after the opening, ceremony to the. march From" Mefertieer's : he PrdyJhetej'