THE CORONATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12447, 2 September 1902, Page 3

THE CORONATION.

A SPLENDTD PAGEANT. . A CONTINUED TRIUMPH. (Per Sierra, at Auckand.) LONDON, iAugitst ... jCing Edward and Queen, Alexandra were Crowned in Westminster Abbey shortly after noon to-day. Though the ceremony was bereft of some of the elaboration and pageantry originally contemplated, it lacked ■little in tho way of encofcacular perfection. The whole ceremonial was of a. magnificently decorative character, and presented a constantly changing panorama around the two central figures enthroned in robes of velvet ermine and cloth of gold, amidst a distinguished assemblage of actors, the fulfillment of whose various roles necessitated constant movement. Each stage of the ceremony, with it 3 old-world, usages, furnished its quota of interest; while the interior of th« noble church, • filled as it was with officiating prelates in vari-coloured copes, ■with princes and diplomats, officers in goldlaced xiniiorms, with heralds, pursuivants, »nd other officers of State in medieval costumes, with peers and peeresses in rich robes, with' Oriental potentates in many-' ihued raimexft, with- men of all types and all shades of complexion from distant points of the newly crowned Monarch's Empire, with its dazzling display of jewels and wealth of colour, presented a picture whioh in its combined brilliancy and distinction has seldom been excelled. The crowd paid but little attention to the occupants of the vehicles. In the last carriage of tho first procession sat Prince Henry of Prussia, on the back seat, but ho was so occupied with talking to the Duke of Sainartea that ho seemed , not to notice the crowd. The Prince of Wales seemed very indifferent and stolid, \nit the Princess of Wales bowed and smiled'constantly. It was not until the King's procession came that there wa9 any show of enthusiasm. Lord Kitchener, Admiral Seymour, and General Gaselle, ae' they rorie . together, of course, came in for much attention, but they all eeemed to pay little attention to the people along the route. Lord Kitchener, in the resplendent full-dross uniform of a general, also ■ looked unfamiliar, and many persona did not recognise him. Indians were undoubtedly the most picturesquely dressed in Ih© procession, while the State coach of the King, drawn by the Hanoverian horses which figured in the late Queen Victoria's processions, seemed much more like fairyland than. usual. The progress of the royal covtego Was marked by no special incident, with the exception of an accident to Lord Edward Pelham Clinton, one of the grooms-in-wait-ing. It was j a. continued triumph, and reached its climax on arrival at tho Abbey, where there was a scene of unparalleled enthusiasm, which did not cease until their Majesties disappeared in the annex. The accident to Lord Pelham Clinton created considerable excitement in the Mall. The Groom-in-Waiting, in a closed carriage, war. passing York steps when his conveyance collided with another royal carriage going at " high speed in an opposite direction. The Lorses fell, and there apneared to be a bad mix up. The police" extricated the teams with some difficulty, and Lord Pelham Clinton, who was only slightly hurt, proceeded. A brilliant sunrise promised perfect weather for Coronation Day, but long before the ceremonies commenced threatening clouds gathered, and early arrivals on the route of the procession came provided against contingencies. The earlier crowds were in nowisa as large as it had been generally anticipated they would be. Many enthusiasts, with camp stools and ample sunplies of provendor, had spent the night on the best coigns of vantage that could be secured, and were in the same nositions at 6 o'clock tliis morning. At that" hour the troops began to take lip their allotted stations, and policemen three paces apart lined the route of the procession from Buckingham Palace to ; Westminster Abbey. Up to 7 o'clock there were certainly more police than sightseers visible, but after that time there was RTapid increase in the number of spectators suburban trains and tramears emptying thousands of persons every few minutes into stations adjacent to the procession's route. East London residents also nocked westward in such numbers that the streets east of Temple Bar became oppressively silent and deserted. y

•Scarcely had the-doors of Westminstor Abbey opened and gold sticks and ushers found their places before the seats began to fill Peers and peeresses swept up the nave, their scarlet and ermine makin<* vivid contrasts against the deep blue of the carpet. As they arrived before the thrones they separated, the peers going to the right and the peeresses to the left. Almost as animated was the scene in the vicinity of Westminster Abbey, where bands of 'music stationed about 'the building, relieved the tedium of the- early waiting, and soon after the doors were opened State coaches, carnages, and automobiles'rattled up in ceaseJess line, the rich apparel of their occupants eliciting hearty approval, which, however, was surpassed by the reception accorded to the men of the Naval Brigade as they marched pa3t at a swinging pace to take up a 'position, guarding the route near the Abbey. Premiers and Privy Councillors were warmly welcomed. The Fijians, in petiiooats, were the centre-of much interest, and Red Indian chiefs, in native costumes, feathers and blankets, and decorated with the customary mirrors, caused the most lively amusement.

THE ROYAL PROCESSION.

As the hour appointed for the departure of the royal procession approached the excitement about Buckingham Palace was most marked. Punctual to time the advance guard of the royal cavalcade issued from the archway, the torses of the troopers curveting . nervously as they faced the wall of humanity that cheered their corning. Shortly afterwards came the Prince and Princess of Wales. The children of the Prince andi Princess of Wales, in white sailor suits, were the first occupants of the royal box. Immediately after they were seated they buried their heads in the huge red programmes. Finally, within a few minutes, their Majesties' State coach appeared at the gateway, and the King and Queen smiled and bowed in response to the mighty roar of cheers that dwarfed all previous welcomes. The scene in the vicinity was remarkable. On the roof of the palace were . perched a number of ■fashionably dressed ladies, members of the Household, and their cheers, with the fluttering of their handkerchiefs as the King and Queen entered the royal coach, gave the signal for the deafening plaudits of the populace, winch greeted their Majesties as they ©merged from the gates. The ovation was taken up by the crowd which thronged the wall, and was repeatedly acknowledged by the occupants of the State coach. The King looked pale and rather finely drawn, end was by no means as brown and robust as previous reports had led one to expect, and, while punctiliously bowing from side to side, ibe did so with a gravity very unusual to him.' He seemed to sit rather far back in the carriage, and moved his body very little. His curious crimson robes and cap doubtless gave him. an unusual appearance. The Queen, beside him, was radiant, and she never looked better. The cheers which greeted the pair were loud and unmistakably genuine, and very different from the perfunctory applause which usually creels the appearance of members of the Royal Family. The three processions to the Abbey were carried out according to the programme, and the only striking features of the first two were the gorgeous State carriages and the beautiful trappings and horses. IN THE ABBEY. Even when practically empty the Abbey presented an interesting and picturesque effect,, the oddest feature of which consisted in overy seat being practically covered by a large white official programme, in the centre of which was placed a small deep red book of the sen-ice. The entire scheme of decoration had been carried out harmoniously, and even the stands did not seem out of place. A peculiarly beautiful effect was presented by the King and Queen's box, comprising half a dozen rows of chairs in white satin, relieved only by the crimson, of the seats. Beyond the structural decorations for the seating of the spectators there was little attempt at any display, and the old gray arches lent their stately perspective to the Eoeno, untouched by flags or any gleam of colour. The various chairs to be used by the King and Queen in the service attraoted special attention, but what inevitably caught the eye was the glittering array of gold plate brought from the various royal depositories ranged along the chancel and - behind the altar. Amidst these surroundings the Earl Marshal (the Duke of Norfolk), resplendent in white knee breeches and heavily embroidered coat, hurried to and fro, directing the final touches. By 10 o'clock tho interior of the Abbey presented a blaze of colour. Along the nave, which ■was lined by Grenadiers, every chair was taken up by high officers of the army and navy, and others in equally handsome equipment. On top of the arch separating tlie nave from the chancel sat the surpliocd orchestra in stalls. With the'other Ambassadors were the United States Ambassador (Mr Joseph H. Ohoate) and Mrs Choate, and many officials. During the long wait and within the Abbey an American artist, who was c.omraissionfid to saint the Coronation

scene in the Abbey, and who wore a court uniform, took careful note of tho surroundings for the historic picture ordered by the King. Peeresses took advantage of the long; interval to stroll up and down, but the Peera sat etolidly awaiting tho arrival of the Sovereign, their ermine- capes presenting a solid mass of wliite. After 10 o'clock the organ and band played, while the spectators, many of whom showed signs of sleepiness, chatted or pwept with their glasses what portions of tho Abbey they could see from their seats. THE CEREMONIES commenced with the concessional of tho regalia. Tho procession of tho clergy with the regalia/ then proceeded from the altar to the annex all present standing up, and the choir singing " O God our Help in Agee Past." Preceding the regalia were the boys of Westminster Abbey, followed by the children of tho Chapel Royal and choir, in royal uniforms. The Duke of Co-nnaught took Ilia place beside the Prince of Wales in the Abbey aa tho procession entered, bowing as he passed the Prince. The Archbishop of Canterbury took his seat in front of the Coronation, chair, and the Earl of Holsbury, Lord High Chancellor, seated himself by liis side. Several minutes elapsed, however, before the King , and Queen came in sight of those gathered about the throne. Suddenly "Vivat Alexandra!" was shouted by the boys of Westminster Ab"bey, and the Queen, walking slowly to the left of the throne, gained her chair and knelt at a. silken pri dieu, her magnificent train of cloth of gold being lifted out of her way by six scarlet-coated pages. Two or three minutes later came the hoarse cry from the Westminster boys of " Vivat Rex Edward! " witli blasts from the trumpets. Yet there was another wait. "What has become of the King?" was asked by the people, who were ehut off from sight of the nave. The Queen waited patiently, the organ ceased and then resumed. There was another fanfare of the trumpets and a chorus of " Vivats," and King Edward , appeared, walked to his chair in front of the throne, bowed to the Queen, as he passed, and then knolt down in prayer. After removing his somewhat unbecoming capo, his Majesty stood up, and the Archbishop of Canterbury in a trembling voice read the recognition, beginning: "Sirs, I licre present unto you King Edward, the undoubted, King of this realm," etc. Then there was a hoarse shout, and the blending of tho choir and the people, women and men, in the cry, " God save King Edward!" Several times this was repeated, and the Abbey rang with loud fanfares. Again the King amd Queen knelt, and the Archbishop of Canterbury walked to the altar and commenced the communion. While the Gospel was being read the. King stood erect, supported on oach side by two bishops in their heavilyembroidered copes. During the singing of the " Creed " all the members of tho Royal Family turned eastward. Roth Kiaig Edward and Queen Alexandra followed the service carefully, frequently looking at the copies of the service, which they held in their hands. The administration of the oath followed. Standing before the King's chair, the Archbishop asked: "Sir, is your Majesty willing to take the oath?" The King answered in firm, strong tones, "I am willing," etc., his replies being easily heard high up in the triforium, near the roof. . Then tho inkstand was brought, and the King signed the oath. He did not advance to the altar, but sat in the chair lie had occupied since the service began, while the choir sang " Come, Holy Ghost, pur souls inspire." The King remained seated, and the Queen stood up. After the Archbishop's anointing prayer an old canopy was brought over the King's chair, and his Majesty divested himself of his outer robe, and then walked to the ancient chair, while the choir sang Scndock's anthem. The anointing ' ceremony was scarcely seen owing to the canopy. The spectators were just able to discern the Archbishop of Canterbury's motions. After the prayer the King donned the Colodium Sindmiis and then resumed his seat, and from a scarlet. silke;n roll on which the prayers were printed in large type, and which was held, by the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury read the prayers and delivered the sword to the King, who did not go to the altar, the sword being taken to him by the Dean of Westminster while his Majesty remained standing. DEPARTURE FROSI THE ABBEY.

The departure of the King and Queen from the Abbey was signalled by another salute, and the massed bands played " God save the King." The entire route of their Majesties' return to the Palace was marked by scenes of 'enthusiasm similar to those which greeted the progress to the Abbey. It was more circuitous and through Clubland and Constitution Hill, giving hundreds of thousands of persons occupying stands, windows, and roofs an opportunity of greeting the newlycrowned King and his Consort before they rii-entered Bucking-ham Palace, which they did in the midst of remarkable scenes of enthusiasm, the entire crowd from Constitution Hill downwards joining in singing the National Anthem. The partial breakdown of the venerable Bishop of Canterbury, who, instead of assisting, had to be assisted by the King in the performance of some of his functions/is the subject, of sympathetic comment. The Archbishop is in his eighty-second year, and bis eyes are dimmed by old age. He had been a schoolboy when Queen Victoria was crowned, and now, with his' sands nearly out, he was called upon to crown her son. Everybody, and King Edward most assuredly, felt sympathy for rho aged prelate and sought as far as possible to case him in liis important functions, which none but he could perform. Indeed, the Archbishop of Canterbury is a figure second only to the King in importance atythe Coronation, and his collapse, which at one time seemed imminent, would have had deplorable results. The kindness of his Majesty had much to do with sustaining the veteran prelate,.as throughout his part of the performance, instead of the King needing help, he actually helped the trembling hands that placed the crown, on his head. All these things were known throughout London and England to-night, and they inspire and strengthen the boundless loyalty with which the people hold the King, who lias risen as it were from the tomb. King Edward himself, according to Palace accounts, is as happy as the people. His face was lightened up with a magnetism which has helped to make him liked by all admitted to his presence. There was no conoeaJment of his delight with the splendid greetings from his subjects, and when he showed himself on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the Quesn his face was radiant with pleasure. The facts are that some of the misstatements iu regard to his condition reached tiie King during his illness, and while he affected to «mile at some of them there is no doubt he felt them keenly, a.nd felt gratified at being able to show evidence of his recovery and of his possession of a strong constitution and uiiimpared vitality.