THE CORONATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 248, 17 September 1936, Page 2

THE CORONATION.

LONDON PLANS SPECTACLE

Few public announcements have given greater pleasure than that on the Coronation arrangements, says a London message of August 19. The whole country, and London in particular, has been eagerly awaiting the official statement of the route to be taken by the King on Coronation Day. Now tfiat the decision has been made, it is seen that the route is very largely extended compared with that taken by King George and Queen Mary in 1911. The route will spread out the crowds and there should be no danger of extreme congestion anywhere. The only danger the authorities will have to guard against is the possibility that too many loyal enthusiasts will try to see the procession twice. The King will actually drive through six and a quarter miles of London streets. This route is two and a half miles longer than when King George was crowned in 1911.

Schemes to make London the gayest and most brilliant city in Europe for the Coronation next year are reported to be making good progress. The City of Westminster in particular hopes to nut up the finest decorations ever seen in London. The designs will be ready in October.

Prices likely to bo asked for seats to view the procession will bo about £lO. This sum, it is ’stated, is being asked now for moderately good sites, and first floor window scats are being sold for £2O. Demands for £2O a seat are, however, excessive, according to the manager of a largo booking agency. “We are refusing to pay it,” he declared. “You may take it that most of tho reports of Americans offering enormous sums for seats are fairy tales. So far we have not accepted a penny for any seats. We have simply taken applicants’ names.” Peeresses will not wear coronets at the Coronation ceremony because King Edward is a bachelor. In such a case, it is pointed out by the Earl Marshal’s office, ancient rules of ceremony decree that coronets shall not be worn.

When King George was crowned in 1911, Queen Mary stipulated that the fabrics employed in making her dress and robes should be British. This precedent is now being followed. At tho Itoyal School of Needlework, women are working again on the beautiful embroideries they themselves fashioned for tho Coronation of King George. Peers and peeresses will wear robes of a magnificent shade of ruby red velvet, the Royal Family tho traditional rogal purplo.