JUBILEE DRAMA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22107, 13 May 1935, Page 9

JUBILEE DRAMA

FIRE CAUSES CHAOS CHARING CROSS STATION HOME-GOING CROWDS MANY HAVE TO WALK CRUSHES AND CONFUSION By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright (Received May 12. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON. May 11 A fire at Charing Cross railway station before midnight complicated the homeward journeys, after the Silver Jubilee celebrations, of what the most reliable experts declare to have been the biggest crowd of sightseers London has ever known. One of the main electric cables on the bridge leading from the station across the Thames fused and set fire to 100 feet of woodwork under the bridge, which burned fiercely. The current across the bridge was switched off. consequently electric trains were brought to a standstill and steamtrains could not be moved ovrmj to hoses across the lines. The firemen also fought the flames from a fire-float on the river.

The station was packed by the crowd. Officials, using loud speakers, told the thousands of people it was no use waiting and urged them to go quickly to Cannon Street and London Bridge stations, where the trains were running. One crowd rushing from the station met another crowd seeking to enter. As a result many were crushed. Women burst into tears and others fainted. The people then rushed to three underground stations in the vicinity—the Strand, Charing Cross and the Temple, only to find them already crowded. The gates at Charing Cross and the Temple had to be closed. Thousands of people started to tramp miles to their homes. Others, who had longer journeys ahead, filled the seats on the Embankment and sat on the pavements there, and prepared to spend the night away from home. Experts agree that only the good humour of the crowd averted a terrible disaster and loss of life in the crushes before Buckingham Palace, where Their Majesties again appeared on the balcony, and in and around Charing Cross. Trafalgar Square after midnight bore the appearance of a vast open-air dance resort, thousands of people dancing and singing there.

LOYAL ULSTER

GAY DECORATIONS DUKE OF GLOUCESTER'S VISIT (Received May 12 6.35 p.m.) BELFAST. May 11 The Duke of Gloucester arrived in Belfast to-day to receive the freedom of the city and to represent the King at the Silver Jubilee celebrations. He had travelled on the warship Achilles which was escorted up the Lough by Ulster Air Force bombing aeroplanes. Enormous crowds thronged the gaily decorated streets. The Duke in replying to the address of welcome, said Their Majesties rejoiced in Ulster's loyalty and affection. The outstanding thing which had kept the world sane in the past years had been the stabilising effect of the British Empire.

SOUTH LONDON DRIVE

THEIR MAJESTIES CHEERED ENTHUSIASM OF THE POOR LONDON". May 10 The King and Queen to-day unexpectedly went for an hour's drive through the poorer quarters of South London. They surprised shoppers, and even the Mayor was not informed of their coming. Road-menders recognised Their Majesties and dropped their shovels and tfheered. The streets were soon lined with people shouting: "God bless Their Majesties!" The King and Queen travelled unobtrusively in a dosed car. They did not disguise their pleasure at the warm and spontaneous welcome they received from the people, who thronged closely around the car. When the Royal car was iu Battersea the Queen leaned from a window and patted a dog whiA a woman was carrying. A banner across one of London's poor streets was inscribed: " God Love Them." The visit had no relation to the four drives which the King and Queen have arranged to undertake to outer districts of London, the first of which will be to-morrow, when the northern parts of the city will be visited. This evening was the fifth in succession that Their Majesties appeared on the balcony of the Palace. Such a vast concourse gathered to see the King that by 9.30, p.m. Buckingham Palace was unapproachable nearer than St. Jaines' Palace. It was estimated that 100,000 people were present. A message from Vatican City says the Pope has expressed his pleasure at the telegram from King George, thanking His Holiness wholeheartedly for his prayers and good wishes.

QUEEN EULOGISED

LADY BLEDISOLE'S TRIBUTE

LONDON. May 10

In an address to the Associated Country Women of the World, Lady Bledisloe said the Queen had set an example to the world. Besides being a Queen she was a woman and a mother with the highest ideals. Lady Bledisloe added that the five years she had spent in New Zealand were the happiest of her life.