AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1509, 31 January 1901, Page 41

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

Spontaneous, loyal and hearty was the response made by the citizens of Wellington to the invitation to welcome with befitting demonstration the succession of King Edward VII. The majority of the business people complied with, the invitation of the Government to close their premises from 11 o’clock till 1, and as soon as they were liberated from their customary occupations, the populace—men, women and children —betook themselves to Parliament. House grounds, which soon presented a most striking and animated spectacle. It had been raining hard all the morning, but as the hour of midday drew on. the sun made a fitful effort to gain supremacy, the rain-clouds withdrew, and the downpour ceased. There were, of course, no decorations, but a white band was drawn across the funeral drapings

at the Government Buildings, and upon that band stood out in bold 1 relief the words : God- save the King !” . An immense crowd occupied the lawn and took possession of the vantage points in the' precincts of Parliament House in anticipation of the ceremony of reading the. Proclamation. The local ‘troops, which had mustered in good force, considering the short notice given, were drawn up along the carriage way to prevent the intrusion of the public along the line of the Governor’s approach. The blue-jackets and marines from the warship Mildura (in command of Lieutenant Rideout, R.N.) were given a position of honour at the sides and front of the entrance of ParliamentHouse; from the eminence of which the Proclamation was to be read.

The Consuls, the Mayor and City Council, the clergy of all denominations, including Archbishop Redwood and several priests, and many leading citizens and! heads of departments, stationed themselves in favourable positions in the large corridor; and presently the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Edwards, in their robes of office, and the Acting-Pre-mier, in a Windsor uniform, accompanied by the Hons W. Hall-Jones, W. C. Walker and C. H. Mills, arrived on the scene. Mr Ward, on leaving his carriage, was obliged to resort to the aid of crutches- to carry him- up the steps, arid, though his sprained ankle must -have occasioned-him excruciating agony, he bore the pain without flinching, and went through his- part of the ceremony with great fortitude. Shortly before 12 o’clock his Excellency the Governor, attiredi in Windsor uniform, and attended by Captain Alexan_ der and the Hon C. Hill-Trevor, drove rapidly up to the entrance of Parlia-

meat Herne, escorted by the Heretaunga Menu led Rifles. The flags at Government House and the Departmental Buildings were at once run up (the example being followed throughout the city); the waiting crowd bared their heads, the man-o’-wars-men came promptly to the Royal salute, the Garrison Band played “ God Save the King.” and from the Mildura in the haibour and the batteries on Thorncion Esplanade in the distance the guns thundered a welcome to the new King.

THE PROCLAMATION

Two buglers from the warship, acting as heralds, and playing in perfect harmony and accord, then sounded the assembly, and the Hon J. G. Ward, standing beside the Governor (who from time to time lifted his hat at the men.

tion of the departed Queen and her royal successor), commenced to read in a voice which, rang put full strong and clear, the Proclamation, which was as follows: \ .

“Wbereas .it has pleased Almighty God to call to His mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose, decease the Imperial Crown cf the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and all other of her late Majesty’s dominions, is solely and rightfully come to the Hign and Mighty-Prince Edward : Now, tnerefore, we, Uchter John .Mark, Early of Ranfurly, the Governor of tne colony of New Zealand, Richard John Seddon, a mem- . b©r of her late Maj esty a Privy Council, Joseph George Ward, Acting-Premier ®f the said, colony, and the members of the Executive of the said colony, assisted by members of both Houses of the General Assembly, Judges, Magistrates and officers of Courts,..ministers of religion, Mayors, chairmen and members of local bodies, and numerous other representative European and Maori citizens here present, do now hereby, with one full voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that the High and Mighty Prince Albert Edward is now, by the death of ouf late Sovereign of happy arid glorious memory,, becoine . our only lawful and rightful liege lord, Edward the Seventh, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, Supreme Lord in and over the colony of New Zealand and its dependencies, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and constant obedience with all hearty and humble affection, beseeching God, by whom all kings and queens do reign, to bless the Royal Prince Edward the Seventh with long and happy years to reign over us.

Given at Wellington in the colony of New Zealand, this twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and one. (Signed) * RANFURLY. J. G. WARD. W. C. WALKER. WM. HALL-JONES. C. H. MILLS. “ Ged Save the King!” ; His Excellency, in clear, loud voice, repeated the words, “God Save the King/’ the crowd fervently following his example. Then, once, again, the buglers blew an exultant note, the soldiery came to the salute; the crowd again bared; the inevitable photographer rendered permanent the scene; the "band played “God Save the King”; and the big guns still thundered in diapason across the waters. The Acting-Premier then called for “three cheers for the King,” and himself led the multitude’s tumultuous ovation. The Governor at once entered his carriage, the troops came to. the salute, the man-o’-warsnien ’ and Volunteers formed a procession headed by the Garrison Band, and marching down to Jervois quay there dispersed, and the sightseers with them. V

All of the Mayors in the colony have communicated with the Acting-Premier stating that the ceremonies were carried out as directed, and were attended by large gatherings of the public. Tho reading of the proclamation was everywhere received with, great enthusiasm, cheers being given for His Majesty. Ia a number of places Maoris attended in force and took great interest in the proceedings, some of the chiefs_ delivering loyal speeches after the reading of the proclamation. v

PROCLAMATION IN AUSTRALIA/

SDNEY, January 29

A Commonwealth Gazette was issued to-night containing a proclamation of King Edward VII., Emperor of India, and supreme Lord in and over the Commonwealth of Australia.

THE CONSULS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Immediately after the ceremony, the Consular Corps, in full uniform, proceeded to - Government House, in order •to tender to his Excellency the Governor their congratulations bn the occasion of the proclamation of King Edward VH. There were present: Count Louis Antoine Marie Joseph Henri de Courie, Consul for France; Mr Eberhard b ooke*, Vice-Consul for the German Empire; Mr John Duncan, Consular Agent for the United States and Consul for Portwr gal; Mr Henry Dillon Bell, Vice-Consul for Denmark; Mr Chas. J. ■ Johnston, Consul for Belgium and the Netherlands ; Mr Harold F. Johnston, ViceConsul for the Netherlands; Mr Alex. H. Turnbull, Honorary Vice-Consul for Spain ; Mr Arthur E. Pearce, Consul for Sweden and Norway The Consuls were received by his Excellency the Governor, who was also in full uniform, in in® presence of the Acting-Premier (Hon. J. G. Ward), and the Hons W. G. Walker, W. Hall-Jones, and G. H., Mills. The Governor’s stuff—the Hon C. HillTrevor and Captain Alexander—were also present. .

The Count de, Court©, -speaking cp ,behalf of the Consular ' Corps, said: - ; -My Lord, the Consuls of the various Powers represented in Wellington have the honour to express to your Excellency—requesting you to convey them to ; ih© King—their .heartiest congratulations, together with those of the foreign colour ies in New Zealand, on the occasion dF the accession to the Throne of Great Britain, of His Gracious Majesty Edward VII.. We sincerely hope that the new monarch, following the* noble' example of his regretted mother, will, by his .high influence, strongly contribute to the maintenance of the good., harmony happily existing between the Pow- : ers, Land: to- the conservation of thss peace '. so profitable to ‘all - nations, LWe hope; also, that His Majesty may have a long and* glorious reign for the benefit of his people and the- prosperity of th© British nation. God save the' King!’?; His Excellency replied: —-“Court d© Courte, and members of the Consular Chips—l thank , you on behalf of His Majesty for your kind congr at ula tio n® on his ascent to the Throne, -and" T will have great pleasure in informing him of the words .that you' have uttered. It is indeed a pleasing thing to know what friendly relations exist at present, end have for a long time existed, between all ;the Great Powers. None, I; am’ ruro, will do more to promote that peace than His Majesty now occupying the Throne. I join with yon in hoping that .he imy have a long life, and that he may have 4* glorious reign. I aek you to. drink to Me health.” The toast was drunk to cries of ''The King; the Queen.”

MUNICIPAL REJOICINGS. At the conclusion of the eeremonie©,** the Parliamentary grounds, the Mayer and the City Councillors proceeded be the Corporation Chambers, where 'Mm Worship the Mayor read the prodam*tipn, and cheers were given for tim King. The health of the King and the Queen Consort were afterwards toasted in the Mayor’s room. '"'.l Similar ceremonies took place at the offices of the Petone and Onslow Berough Councils.

A PRIVATE CELEBRATION. A number of gentlemen in business circles ~ assembled at the establishment of Messrs Bannatyno and Co. on Monday at the‘invitation of Messrs Harold Beauchamp and W. I. Nathan to, drink the health of King t Edward VII. Mr Beauchamp, in proposing the toast of ££ Our New King,’' referred to the great and lovable qualities possessed by the late Queen, and said that if his Majesty lived only half as good a life as the Queenj and evinced only half as much wisdom in his administrative acts he would' be one of the most model maie Sovereigns who had ever sat upon the throne of Great Britain. Mr Haybittle, as one who had personally shauen hanc.s with the new King, cordially supported the toast, which was received with great enthusiasm, “ God Save the King being fervently sung by those, present. The "toast of “The City Council” was proposed by Mr Beauchamp,and responded to by Councillor Townsend, an old friend of the senior partner. The toast of “The Principals of the Firm of Bannatyne and Cod' was proposed by Mr William Brown, the firm’s accountant, sup_ ported by Mr Whittle, of Kaikoura, and responded to' by Messrs, Beauchamp and Nathan, v;-

PROCEEDINGH ELSEWHERE.

GREAT PUBLIC ENTHUSIASM

RUSSEIjL, January 28^ The proclamation of Prince Albert Edward as King was read in the Town Hall by Mr Horace Williams. The Revs R. G. Boler and 0. E. Godbehear read prayers, 1 then a royal salute of twenty-one guxit was fired,, after which £ ‘God Save the King” was sung. A great number of people were present,' including; many natives, 1 who took a great interest in the proceedings. .LJ-* - . THAMES, January 23. The Mayor read the proclamation at 12.39 to-day, in t he presence of a large crowd. Three cheers were given for Kihg Edward, and the band played the National Anthem. i j i; ■' : AUCKLAND, January 23. Many thousands of people assembled opposite the Municipal Chambers at nchii to-day to hear the proclamation of the' he\V King. ‘ Tho ! street was packed * long before 12.39 pun. When the Mayor (Mir David Goldie) appeared, accompanied by City Councillors, the crowd bared their heads and listened to the reading of the proclamation in perfect silence. Then the Mayor called for cheers for the new King, which was responded: to most loyally, followed by the singing of “God Save the King.’ 7 A salute of twenty-one guns was fired by A Battery in Albert Park immediately after the reading of the proclamation. The Auckland company of the Sixth Contingent and about one hundred volunteers attended the ceremony in the capacity of a guard of honour. GISBORNE, January 28. The volunteers turned out in strong force at the proclamation of the King. A great crowd of people gathered to hear the proclamation, and the band played “National Unity” and “God Have the King.” WAIROA, January 28. • At 12.30 p.m., in the presence of bout 400 people, in front of the Post Office, the King; was formally proclaimed. -"Mr Perkins (Chairman of the Town Board) read the proclamation from an improvised platform, over which the Union Jack floated side by side with a flag borne by Tamati Waka, on behalf of the King’s Maori subjects. Three cheers were given for his Majesty, and the band •played “God Save the King.” The people dispersed after singing the National Anthem, as the bells rang out. ... NAPIER, January 23. The- instructions of the Acting-Pro-' mier with regard to the proclamation of King Edward were strictly carried out liereT A close holiday was observed from 11 a.m. to 1 p m., and there was an immense congregation in the vicinity of the Corporation Chambers at 12.30 p.m. The reading of the proclamation by the Mayor was followed by three nearly cheers. A royal salute -was fired, and the band played “God Save the Kmg. ’ The town was gaily decorated with bunting, in marked contrast to the mournful decorations of the last week. WAIPAWA, January 23. A large crowd witnessed _tho proclamation of the King. An address was de- - ■ livered! by the Rev W. Swinburn. ’lbe band played, and a royal salute was fired. _ rtP . PAHIATUA, January 2S. The King was proclaimed at 12.30 p.m. to-day. The Mayor being absent, the Town Clerk read the proclamation. All business places were closed for two hoiirs. The volunteers will file a royal salute this afternoon. PALMERSTON, January 28. The proclamation of the King was read from the band rotunda at noon today by the Mayor. All business premises were closed from 11 to 1 o dock. CARTERTON, January 28. The proclamation of King Edward VII. was read by the Mayor to a large and enthusiastic gathering, amid great cheering. A partial holiday was observed. WANGANUI, January 28. ■ A Large crowd assembled in front of the Opera House to bear the proclamation read! by the Mayor. The school children sang the National Anthem, and the Garrison Rand played appropriate selections. The church bells rang,

and a royal salute was fired from the guns at the Old Soldiers’ Monument in Queen’s Park. HAWERA, January 28.

The proclamation of the King was read in the presence of a very large crowd, who spontaneously sang “ God Save the- King,” and cheered lustily. The State school children were present in force. . The proclamation was interpreted for the benefit of the largo number of Maoris present. ELTHAM, January 28. At 12.30 p.m. to-day the proclamation of King Edwaord VII. was read to a large crowd. NEW PLYMOUTH, January 28. Despite pouring rain a large crowd assembled to hear the Mayor read the proclamation. The Taranaki and Guards attended, and the City Band played the National Anthem. At the conclusion the Mayor called for three cheers for the King, and a royal salute was fired from the gun on Marsland Hill.

BLENHEIM, January 28

To-day the King was proclaimed hy the Mayor from the Government Buildings. The large crowd assembled sang “ God Save the King.” All the bells were set ringing, and salutes were fired. * NELSON, January 28.

The proclamation was read by the Mayor in front of the Cathedral steps at half-past 12, followed by three cheers for the King and: the National Anthem. At 12 o’clock H Battery paraded, and fired a royal salute in Trafalgar street. Although drizzling rain was falling there was a large attendance at the reading of the proclamation. WESTPORT, January 28. The Mayor read the proclamation m the presence of a large body of citizens. The people cheered Edward VII., and sang “ God Save the King.” The bells rang joyous peals. REEETON, January 28.

The proclamation of the King - was announced here at 12.30 p.m. “ God Save the King” was sung, bells were rung, and there were other signs of rejoicing. C".l : SISTOI-I l U'iiCia, January 28.

The proclamation of the King was made by the Mayor of Christchurch at the Council offices, when, though the weather was wet, there was a large crowd, which at the conclusion of the proclamation, cheered the new King enthusiastically, and sang “ God Save' the King.” At the offices of the suburban boroughs, the respective Mayors read the proclamation,the reading being similarly received. All places of business were closed at 11 o’clock, flags were flown mast high, and the bells rang out jo vous peals. ASHBURTON, January 28.

The proclamation was read by the Mayor to-day before hundreds of townspeople. The Mounted Rifles were the only corps in attendance. The National Anthem was sung, and prayers were offered by the Anglican clergyman, the Rev R. A. Woodthorpe. TIMARU, January 28.

There was fine weather for the proclamation. A large crowd assembled, and the function was successfully performed. The shops closed from 11 till 2 o’clock.

DUNEDIN, January 28

The request that business places should be closed for two hours was rigidly observed. Several thousands assembled at the Octagon, where the Mayor read the proclamation. Cheers were given for the King, the band played the National Anthem, and the crowd joined in singing “ God Save the King.” The Mayor delivered a brief address. The Town Hall bell rang a merry peal, and B Battery, from the reclaimed land, fired a salute.

MESSAGES TO THE GOVERNOR

THANKS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY. ASSURANCE OF LOYALTY TO THE KING. On Monday morning his Excellency the Governor received the following cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: —“His Majesty the King and the Royal Family command me to express their sincere gratitude, in which His Majesty’s Government join, for the sympathy of New Zealand on the lamented death of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.”

The following cablegram, dated London, 24th January, only reached his Excellency on Monday : —“ Order for general mourning states that all persons are expected to put themselves into deepest mourning from the 28th January.” Hie break in the cable was responsible for the message arriving so late. In order to enable the ceremony of proclamation to take place yesterday, his Excellency decided that the order for mourning shall take effect from to-day. His Excellency has also received the following cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies : —“His Majesty the King and Royal Family are very grateful for numerous manifestations of sympathy which have been received from colony New Zealand.” This cable message is to be taken as an acknowledgment of all messages of sympathy sent from the colony on oehu’f of public bodies, etc. The following cablegram has been sent by his Excellency to the Secretary of State for the Colonies: —“My Government on behalf of the entire colony, desire to offer their hearty eongratma-

tions and humble homage on His Majesty’s accession to the Throne of our glorious Empire, and all devoutly pray His Majesty may be long spared. I desire to assure the King of the true love, devotion and loyalty of this al- -. —(Signed) Ranmrly.”

THE HEIR-APPARENT

A NEW TITLE

The Agent-General stated in a cabio message received on Monday by the Government that the Duke of xork takes the title cf Duke of Cornwall.