THE CIVIL SIDE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7450, 26 May 1911, Page 1

THE CIVIL SIDE

CORONATION PROCESSION APPEAL TO SPORTS BODIES. The Mayor is anxious that thoro should bo a very largo and representative civilian procession on Coronation Day in addition to the military. Ho is particularly anxious that the various sports bodies should be well represented—in their club uniforms—and with a view to inaugurating a scheme for the ’procession and discussing .details ho. invited representatives of friendly societies, sports clubs, etc., to meet in his room at tho Town Hall last night. There was a good attendance, the following persons being present: "Wellington Rugby Union, Messrs Perry and Sweeney; Wellington Football Association, Messrs Paton and Duncan; Wellington Hockey Association, Mi A. A. Bennett; Wellington Wednesday Hockey Association, Messrs Cusack aud Manning; Recbabito lodges, Messrs T. Fathers, W . Johnston, aud J. Newman; Sons and Daughters of Temperance, Mr A. Williams; Oddfellows’ lodges, Messrs Jesson aud Bodley; Aorangi Lodge, Messrs Pearce and Richards; Manchester Unity, Messrs H. A. Ibbotscn and C. M. King; Salvation Army, Adjutant Gunn and Major Johnston. Captain Hall (unattached) was! also present,-and consented to act as marshal, ho having had considerable experience in organising processions. " Mr Wilford said ho wished for some harmonious form of co-operation between all the sports organisations, lodges, etc. He made a strong appeal to the sports 'bodies for assistance. Footballers alone in the city totalled about three thousand, and if a _ large number of them in their club uniforms could be induced to join the procession it would be a distinctive feature ot the occasion. Britishers were noted for being lovers of sport, and New Zealand led the world in football. Moving pictures of the procession would be taken and would probably be-shown in other parts of tho world, and it would.bo a fine thing to show'the young manhood of Now Zealand in their football regjdia. Thoro would be am advantage in being in the procession, as speciid places would be allotted to all those taking part, and they would bo, able to see the* military review and march past front an advantageous position.. U,' tho weather was wot the speecli-makinf/ would take place in the Town Hall.After 'all, the young men would only' be discharging a fair obligation by joining the procession and taking parr, iu a national movement.

Practically all the representatives present said that they had circularised their lodges or clubs in regard to the suggestion, but it was too early yet_ t giro any, reply. The Rugby Union delegates said --that every club .had been notified. The Hockey Association delegate .'said, it might be necessary to make a special appeal. He was not too confident that the members would respond favourably. It was evident from tho .general remarks that the pro posal was viewed with favour. The Salvation Army representatives promised a band of between thirty-five and forty performers. The Mayor said nothing definite could be arranged that night.- They would have to meet again when all the replies from tho lodges and clubs were in.

All present formed themselves into ,a committee to further thb project, and tho meeting adjourned for a fortnight. .