THE PATRIOTIC QUEEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15737, 12 October 1914, Page 5

THE PATRIOTIC QUEEN.

SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENTS. The festivities following upon the election of Miss Violet Hyde as Patriotic Queen were brought to a successful conclusion on Saturday by a coronation ceremony in the afternoon, and an election in the evening of the princess. Interest was added to the proceedings by the presence of Sir Joseph Ward, Bart., Lady Ward, and their daughter, Mrs. B. B. Wood. The Ponsonby boy scouts formed a guard of honour, and escorted the queen from the Star Hotel to His Majesty s Theatre, where a large crowd had assembled. Mrs. Massey, who was afterwards elected princess, was first maid of honour, and Miss Mascot Lewis was second maid of honour. A feature of the coronation ceremony was the number of floral tributes presented to the queen, many beautiful bouquets being handed up by the pages. The crowning was performed by Sir Joseph Ward, who said the fact that the election of the queen had resulted in the raising of £500 for patriotic purposes added lustre to what was in itself an interesting event. One of the attributes of the race to which they belonged was that they were able to engage in the solid, hard work of defending the Empire, and at the same time take part in ft function of this nature. It was one of the national characteristics which made opponents respect, revere, and admire the British race.

After the coronation ceremony an excellent programme was submitted, the chief items being spectacular dances. A "Fete -of Nations" programme was given in the evening in His Majesty's Theatre before a large and appreciative audience. Although there were about eighty performers, there was no hitch in the arrangements, and each it-em was carried out in a highly creditable manner. Talented displays of dancing were given by the Misses Bloomfield, I. Hunter, J. Munro, L. Reed, R. Onbling, and Stodart, in a ballet; Miss Iris McKenzie, who was responsible for "Rainbow" and hornpipe dances; Miss Vita Flanagan, in a "Valse Rose;" and Miss folly McLaren, who executed "Forget-me-not" and clog dances. A dance by nine girls in Dutch costume was deservedly encored. An action song entitled "Silvery Moon," in which the solo part was taken by Miss L. Walker, created a good deal of amusement. Miss Thelma Flanagan delivered a Testation, for which she was recalled. A clnbswinging display by Mr. W. Lints was also well received. A large number of young ladies took part in various military and fancy-costume marches. The performers proved to be well-trained, and these spectacular displays were deservedly applauded. Musical selections and accompaniments were played in a capable manner by the Garrison Artillery Band orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. G. F. Cater. A patriotic song entitled "The Soldier" was sung for the first time in New Zealand by Mr. J. W. Atkinson, and his excellent rendering of it won prolonged applause. Towards the end of "the programme the result of the election of a princess was announced. The voting was done bv the audience at the coronation in the afternoon, and by those who were present at the evening performance. Mrs. Massoy secured ihe largest number of votes, and after the throne had been erected on the stage she was crowned by the Patriotic Queen, Miss Hyde. Mr. Lints, who organised the election and entertainments, referred to the generosity of Miss Cecil Hall in lending several of herd pupils for the concert. 'rffv