IN THE EVENING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 23 June 1911, Page 6

IN THE EVENING.

TORCHLIGHT rIIOCESSIOX AND FIRE WORKS. The "conditions last evening were absolutely, perfect for a torchlight procession. There were heavy clouds, and an emire absence of wind. The night, too, was mi!<l. and even the very young children could be taken out. The result was that the streets were packed with one of the largest- crowds that lias ever gathered in the city. A torch lijrht procession, was held, and was followed by a display of fireworks from- the Church Steps. Both were highly successful. Hie procession' was the best yet held litre, and the fireworks were got off with the promptitude so essential to a successful display. Though a little rain fell, it tin.ed' itself mest conveniently, till all the outdoor proceedings were over. The procession formed up at the Queerrs' Gardens, in Hardy-street, and moved off in the following order. —

Garrison Band. F-re Brigad'3 Tableau. Firemen. Oddfellows (in tableau). Foresters. Re-oha bites. Citizens' Band. Druids (in tableau). Boy Scouts. Salvation Army. The procession went by.way of Hardv, Codingwcvd. Bridge, and Trafalgarstreets. Each fireman carried t- lighted torch, and coloured fires and rockets were in evidence all through the -march. The fireworks included several set pieces, and numerous wheels and skyrockets. These were a gift to the Fire Brigade from Bickerton & Co., of Christchurch, who are entitled to our bcj3. thanks for the,p-ift. Mr Frank Gibbons had charge of the dispay, and is to be complimented on the expeditious manner in which he conducted it. Th-3 ball was kept rolliing all the time, and the interest thus maintained. The firo Brigade tableau was a covered fire waggon lighted with acetylene. Even the harness bore acetylene jets. Foreman. Bennett was responsible for the acetylene installation and airangement, and the signwriting was done by Firemen- Brown. The -Oddfellows' tableau depicted the centenary of the Order, the central figure representing Great Britain, whore the Order was established in 1810. and the side figures United States (1821). Australia '(1840), New Zealand (1842), Canada West Indies (1879). The progress of the Order and the present membership wore given: prominence. It was a most effective tableau.

The Druid*' tableau represented the admission of a novioe into the inner circle of the Order. On the front of the vehicle was placed, the altar, which consisted of a .representation of the altar stone of blue marble at Stonehenge, well known in connection' witli ancient Druidism. At the altaa* the Royal Arch Druidi was pea-forming the ceremonial rite,, surrounded by a number cf bards, sentinels, and minor assistants, garbed in the robes pertaining to their clßce. Greenery and da-a.pings bad also being effectively arranged oa the vehicle and the horses, and Druidieal mottoes were given prominence. The tableau was a very line one. ' Considerable time and trouble must have been expended in the preparation of the tableaux, and the members of the Fire Brigade, Oddfellows', and) Druids who undertook the work cf preparing them are to be warmly complimented on the success of their efforts, and on tiie pkc*u:e they gave to their fellowcitizens.

DEOORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS. . The darkness of the night added to the effectiveness of the illuminations'. At the Technical School' there was a brilj.ant display. The letters "G.R." were displa-vcd. by means, of colon red- electric bulbs.' and this- was the most effective display of the evening, and one quite new to the city.. The work in connection with the illumination ' was done by pupils of the Technical School, in charge of L. V. Gully. ' 'The transparencies at the P-cst Ottiue and the Public Works Office showed-' op well. These have previonsly been described in detail. At the Pest' Ofrke "God Save the King" was displayed by gas. the effect being heightened- by the various colours employed. We understand that Mr H. iMcArtn-ey .carried out the plumbing work, and- h-s is to be complimented on giving something new in gas devices. At the titv Council offices an anchor surmounted bv a crown made a r;ood show. and, on the top of the Church Steps "God S.tve the King" In yerv largo letters was a brilliant illumination. At the Theatre there was also a bright design.. "God Save the King." Most of the illuminated' designs were done by Mr rluddlcstone, effectively. though at short notice. Mr Fred Fairey h::.d a good. -display at his .«hop. the gas design beiiug pie.k-edi out in- 00 lours. Ot'ior business promises wliich •Jnd been- de< orated foi- tli-e ni<:ht with Chinese were J. Wo<.d. W. \\ ilk-ens' Bearding House. "Novelties." in Hardy-street, and the Geisha tea <i-(«mw. J. li- Dodson and Son ran out a .string of Chinese lanterns from their brewery, and these were a. pretty sight. Stewart Bros., Nile-street. had red. white, and blue fe.-toous on their veraadn. posts. At several private rrsid'cnees also Chinese I-atiterns wore .twinging front the v-erard n s. Aitcgthr-w Coronation uigN. in Ncls-on was a huge sucociss—no (rreatrir puccess has ever besn recorded in the historv of the cifv. The Chief Postmaster (Mr Ward) informs iKs that the de: o-atinns. flag?. •'.'•.[ i!li!ni:n;ilio:ii at the Fust Office and at

the Old Post Office will be continued tonight aaid to-morrow night. The Chairman of the .Nelson Education Board (Mr. A. T. Maginnity) has issued instructions for the Coronation illuminations at- the Technical School to be continued en Saturday evening. AT THE HOSPITAL ANiD TH'E HOME. ILLUMINATIONS, BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS. PATIENTS HAVE A GOOD TIME. The Hospital Board did not forget that the patients in the Hospital, even if sick, or convalescent, still, were enthusiastically loyal. Provision- was made for decorating the building, and also t-o give all a good! time, and every advantage was taken of this thougiitfuineis. The -staff just "spread themselves," and the result was that- the carridors and waicLs were mad-e gay with red, white a.nd blue bunting and greenery. There was a transparency of "(t.R." < vor the front door, illuminated by acetylene at night, and the ward* and corridors were hung with Chineselanterns, while the fever ward, not to be outdone. also had a. bit inner with "Lang Live the King," and a fine bonfire \-'t n< n the patients and convalescents wcie served with a dainty dinner, Christmas style, and as darkness fel] the transparencies and Chinese lanterns were lit, while, in the docttr's pad'dock, in full view of all, a magnificent ibonfire was set ablaze, lasting nearly all night. There were also fireworks, which the children of St. Orphanage as invited guests, patients, and staff all thoroughly enjoyed. Later the Orphanage children had dances' and games, and the evening wa.s wound up with an abundant supper. 11 voted the celebrations a great success. At the Alexandra Home last night there was a display of fireworks, which gave the old people some little enjoyment. It is only fair to acknowledge the .-ervices of the Garrison and Citizens' Bands. The members of both bands practicallv gave up the day and night in order to add to the pleasure of the public. This sacrifice is appreciated, and on behalf of the pub. lie. we thank the bandsmen for their part in yesterday's proceedings.