THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1937 CORONATION DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 10

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1937 CORONATION DAY

This is a day of days for the British people. Citizens of an Empire on which the sun is ever rising, they greet its dawn with gladness as it comes with a summons to fill the following hours with happy festival. First of the Dominions to be awakened thus, New Zealand speeds with loyal fervour the progress of the light toward the great city where a King and Queen beloved will go forth to their Crowning. Behind, across the meridian that sets the days in succession, yesterday has not yet been left. In front, the journeying day still takes its way to new thresholds. Among the self-governing units of the realm, this land uniquely possesses, by virtue of the very distance that divides it from the scene of Their Majesties' Coronation, the privilege of earliest welcome to a date, that will be cherished in national history. It would have been a fine gesture of loyalty had the day-dawn been signalised by the sending of an affectionate message, using the means devised by modern science, to tell Their Majesties in the name of all New Zealanders how joyously this day's arrival was hailed. But so calculated a deed, whatever its value in the reckoning of sentiment, would have fallen short in expression of the deep regard in which they are held in this country. No matter what the day, this regard is felt; love laughs at date-smiths. Enough it is, here on the edge of the calendar, to know that the wonderful day has dawned and to think of it as travelling across the world with its good freight of gladness, to leave a shining mark in the annals of the nation. As for the pleasant fancy that here, far in advance of the Homeland, this auspicious date finds New Zealanders so early .awake, there is a deeper pleasure in the knowledge that even now, under the expanding canopy of night, a great host of British folk are keeping vigil in London, awaiting eagerly the procession to the Abbey, and that ere long the city streets will be thronged by cheering millions, intent on showing their proud love for the King and Queen.

It is impbssible to read without emotion the cabled descriptions of this eagerness. With certitude it can be said that never before has it been so tumultuously manifest in days preceding a Coronation. In part, no doubt, this is due to the goings to and fro of Their Majesties for rehearsals in the Abbey, but this does not explain the joy with which every appearance of them and of other members of the Royal Family has been greeted. The explanation is deeper, and convincingly declaratory of the promising future of a reign that began amid strange shadows. A profound thankfulness stirs the nation everywhere, thankfulness that although King George and Queen Elizabeth came to their eminence unexpectedly they possess abundantly the personal qualities and capacities requisite to satisfy every demand that attaches to that eminence. As the Duke and Duchess of York they endeared themselves to all classes, and evoked an unswerving confidence in their ability to fill whatever posts might in the course of the years be theirs as members of Britain's Royal House. They did not come to supreme position by any road of their own seeking. Indeed, King George, like his illustrious father, was as a younger son without anticipation of succeeding to the Throne, and therefore without the early preparation so advisable for that promotion. Like that father, however, he has given speedy evidence of a determination to qualify to the full for the responsible duties thrust by unforeseen circumstances upon him. Both he and Queen Elizabeth are blessed with innate graces of character and disposition that make them universally revered, and added to these gifts are others, of mind and purpose, that' ensure a service of distinction. Little wonder is it that, even before this day of days can dawn on London, an ecstasy of delight in them has been so remarkably manifested. Thought turns now to the Coronation itself, which is to set a confirming seal on their dedication of themselves to the tasks of Royalty. Interest abroad has been quickened by publication of the arranged details of the sacred ceremonial. How necessary the preparation is can well be understood, but a story of Queen Victoria's experience in 1838 is worth re-telling in emphasis of the fact. There was much confusion at that crowning, yet she had visited the Abbey the evening before to ascertain whether she fully knew what she had to do. Rather pathetically 'she then asked Lord John Thynne, "Pray tell me what I am to do, for they do not know." It will be remembered by many that George V. and Queen Mary made themselves thoroughly conversant with every requirement in good time, and all was well. That excellent example King George VI. and Queen Elizabeth have carefully followed, and all participants have been worthily diligent in like fashion. So august an occasion calls for this care. To-day will bo added another to the momentous historic occasions that have made the Abbey solemnly memorable. The whole British Commonwealth has its heart there, and a myriad prayers, uttered and unuttered, will ascend for Their Majesties. May these prayers be richly answered and fulfilled.