THE CORONATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14586, 24 January 1911, Page 6

THE CORONATION.

\ PLANS FOB THE CEREMONY. , OOE OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, December 16. The preliminary work of preparation for the coming (Coronation is proceeding apace. Transforming the Abbey is a huge task in itself. AH the fixed seats are taken away, statues are moved, and galleries are erected. This work occupies several months, and during this period the Abbey will be closed. In regard to the seating the geneial principle adopted is to dispense with fixed seats. Special chairs of Chippendale design, but with rush seats, were made for the previous Coronation. For the prospective ceremony there will be Chippendale pattern chairs of somewhat similar character with the seats upholstered in silk. The chairs and stools are all branded with the Crown, the date and the word "Coronation," and these are secured by the peeresses as mementoes. The Office of Works agreed last lime to sell the chairs at cost price, so that the provision of seating entails little cost to the organisers. ' • To Scotland has fallen the honour of making the large carpet, which will cover . the floor of the nave, and the looms of Messrs. . Templeton, of Glasgow, will ' shortly be busily engaged upon this important task. , The colour will be a rich soft blue,' and the ornamentation will include emblems of the Order of the Garter, and other, heraldic devices. From the specimens that have, been submitted by the Scottish firm, it is certain that a very beautiful example of the modern carpet-makers' art and skill will be produced, worthy in every way of the splendid occasion for which it is being made ready. A complete group of the articles to be used at the Coronation has been made by the Lord Chamberlain and Sir Douglas Dawson. The articles are on view at the

Tower. Among them are the crown of St. Edward with the Star of Africa diamond in front, the sceptre with the larger Star of Africa in it, the Virgo or rod of power, the Orb, the Sword of Mercy, the two Swords of Justice, the Ring of Alliance with the Kingdom, the Armillae or bracelets, the Spnrs of Chivalry, the Cap of Maintenance, and other objects. All these will be. borne by noblemen in the. Royal procession within the Abbey. Representations are to be made to the King to secure the passing of the Coronation procession through the principal thoroughfares of South London.