CORONATION DATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 11

CORONATION DATE

MAY 13 PROBABLE AGREEMENT OF DOMINIONS CLAIMS TO PRIVILEGES [from our own correspondent] LONDON, April 23 The Dominions have come to an agreement about the most suitable date, from their point of view, for the Coronation. A/i increasing volume of opinion favours a day in the first fortnight of May next year, most probably tho lrith, the Thursday before Whit Sunday.

A Thursday has been the choice for the last five Coronations. This decision, moreover, would avoid a clash with the Whitsun Holiday traffic. When the official announcement is made the Dominions and colonial representation at Westminster Abbey will be fixed. No intimation has yet been made about the numbers to be invited. Competition for a place will be extremely keen.

The Court of Claims will meet soon after the Proclamation to decide who shall have places and functions at the Abbey ceremonies. .Its task will be heavy, for every right to appear, no matter how well established, must be established again before the Court.

Where there is more than ono claimant to a hereditary privilege counsel will be briefed to argue the validity of the claims. One of tho most picturesque of these disputations was the rivalry between the Duke of Newcastle and the Earl of Shrewsbury to provide the glovo for King Edward Vll.'s right hand and to support his right arm. The Court of Claims found for the Duke, as Lord of the Manor of Worksop.

The only claims invariably allowed since tho Coronation of King Charles 11. are those of the Bishops of Durham and of Bath and Wells to support the Sovereign during the ceremony. The Dean and Chapter of Westminster claim not only the right to instruct the King in the rites and ceremonies, but also fees, which include 6yds. of "sarcanet" for the Dean's robes, all the oblations and offerings, the King's upper vestments when he enters the Abbey, the Throne, Royal scats, cushions, carpet, and other ornaments, and "an hundred manchets, the third part of a tun of wine, and fish according to the bounty of the King." for the Dean and Chapter's repast. A manchet is a small loaf of the finest wheaten bread. The hereditary King's Champion, Mr. F. S. Dymoke, the 73-year-old Lord of the Manor of Scrivelsby, Lines, will claim his right to appear. Until the reigli of George IV. his ancestors used to appear on horseback, armourclad, at the Coronation Banquet in Westminster Hall, and challenge to mortal combat any other claimant to the Throne.