Thelma Adams is Crowned Marsden Queen

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1938, Page 7

Thelma Adams is Crowned Marsden Queen

A triumph of pageantry was the coronation ceremony of the Marsden Queen, staged at the Town Hall last evening. When the curtain rose after the interval it revealed a thinnc outstanding against a drop ciudain of deepest black relieved at the top with fleur-de-lys of gold. The orchestra struck' up a slow march, then down the main aisle of the hall dashed the court jester (Mr Hugh McKenzie). Slowly and with measured step the procession then entered.

Uniformed hdralds led the way, followed by the Queens and their retinues. Dividing at the hall-end, the procession of gorgeously gowned figures filed on to the stage from both sides, grouping themselves in a halfcircle about the central throne.

It was a colourful spectacle. Costumes were well chosen and the stage sense of Miss Thora Warrington went to the making of a tableau that was all the eye could desire. “Queen of the Realm.”

Gowned in white, with a long red train trimmed with the traditional white ermine of Royalty. Queen Thelma Adams . walked to her throne with simple dignity. To the accompaniment of slow music the Archbishop placed the crown of office upon her head and the Hikurangi Sports Queen became “Queen of the Realm.” Couched in quaint old English, addresses of homage were delivered by State dignitaries, the Queen-elect was handed her orb and sceptre, and the other contesting queens were then presented to her. Queen Gwen Boyd, m gold, Queen Inez Aldred. in red gown and gold train, Queen Stella Gray, in blue gown and gold train, each paid their respects. Mr Reg. Hamblyig as sword bearer, then presented Her Majesty with the sword, and loyal subjects were knighted. A.mong these were: Mrs J. Gray, Mr A. F. Baker, Mrs E. Mann, Mr W. Newberry, Mrs H. A. Aldred, Mr H. Davies, Mr A. Cadtnan and Mr J. G. Barclay, M.P. “Rise Knight of the Guaranteed Price,” shouted the Court Jester as Mr Barclay rose from his knees. Presentations to Queens.

Mrs Barclay was then called upon to make presentations to the Queens, and she also distributed bouquets as the ceremony drew to an end.

Court officers included: The Crown Bearer, Miss Dorothy Howie; Orb and Sceptrs Bearers, Miss Joan McMinn and Yvonne Lilley; Chancellor, Mr R. Nankivell; Lord of the Privy Council, Mr R. W. Williams; and the Archbishop, Mr G. W. Wilding, Hex-aids were: Misses Nancy Howie, Betty Clark,-Lorna Scott and Joyce Gadman, On the stage during the interval Mr J. G. Barclay, M.P., took opportunity to remihd the audience that on Wednesday next the Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, would be speaking at Whangarei. Mr A. G. McGee, px-esident of the L.R.C. for Marsden, also spoke congratulating Miss Adams on her success and thanking all other queens and their committees. It was impossible, he said, to single out any section for special mention —all had worked splendidly. He gave an assurance that the money raised would be well spent and added that there was much hard work ahead. The fight had only just begun and he hoped supporters would carry on until after November. There could be no rest, he said, until Mr Barclay was returned. Concert Items, The first half of the programme was given over to concert items. With Mr Art D’Arcy at the microphone, announcements were made through a loudspeaker unit. Solos were sung by Mr P. S. Tobin, Mr Nelson Procter, MiArt D’Arcy, Mrs H. A. Aldred and Mrs W. McMinn (of Gx*eytown). Rev, A. E. F. Sanft also sang, accompanying his item on a Spanish guitar. There were several costumed ballet numbers by pupils of the Warrington School of Dancing, Miss Thera Warrington providing a solo tap. Miss Stella Gray’s song and dance was another item very well received. An orchestra consisting of Miss Calkin (piano), Messrs J. Dobson (trum!pet), H. Batchelor (violin) and S. Tunnicliffe (bass) provided splendid music.