ORPHANAGE CARNIVAL QUEEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18850, 1 May 1923, Page 8

ORPHANAGE CARNIVAL QUEEN

CORONATION CEREMONY. The first stage of the bazaar promoted in aid of the South Dunedin Orphanugte buildings'was reached last evening, when a very large body of spectators assembled in , His Majesty's Theatre to witness the crowning of Princess Philomena-, as queen of the movement. Following on similar lines adopted in the past, there were several rivals for the throne, the ladies representing royal aspirants to sovereignty being Princess Pnilomena (Miss Philomena -Stewart, the queen-elect), Princess isaoei (Miss Isabel M’Kenzie), Princess Brenda (Miss Brenda Marlow), Princes Lena (Miss Lena Bunbury), Princess Ima (Miss Ima Dawson), and Princess Agnes (Miss A. Spiers), all of whom took a very active part in the bazaar and were warmly supported in their efforts to raise funds for the orphanage. The coronation took place during the latter part of the evening, the earlier portion being devoted to a short concert programme, opened by the St. Eilda. Brass Band, which has established an enviable reputation for its playing. The performance of extracts from Balfo’s “Bohemian •Girl” was admirable, and was warmly acknowledged. The St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage choir, consisting of some 70 little girls, sang two selections very nicely, and were cleverly accompanied on the piaho by Miss Leila Campbell. The singing of the children was well worth hearing. Miss r. Gardner sang Braga’s “Serenade” exceedingly well, 1 and her success was largely contributed to by the well-played and sympathetic violin obbligata provided by Miss E Fraser. Mr H. Poppelwell sang ‘ lake a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” very pleasingly and gained warm applause. Mr S. Taylor sang “She is Far from the Land” most expressively, and Mr Bert Rawlinson more than satisfied his audience in “The Floral Dance,” which, well as it was sung, was eclipsed by,.his rendering of “Plymouth Hoe.” Mrs Lawson Broad was the remaining vocalist and quite satisfied the audience with her singing of Musetta’s song from “La Boheme.” All the vocalists received recalls, to which they responded. Miss Clara- Hughes made an efficient accompanist, and materially assisted at the piano. ■ The preparations made for the crowning of Princess Philomena were of a most elaborate description, and great trouble and expense must have been gone to in order to produce the pageant presented. The costumes worn by the princesses were exceedingly handsome, and there was a rich and harmonious blending of colour. Indeed, this was not confined to robes worn by the six young ladies whoso names have been already mentioned, as most of the courtiers and retainers were very handsomely garbed. Whoever had the arranging of the spectacle certainly exhibited artistry and exquisite taste, and what was seen on the stage for the last hour of the evening could scarcely have been improved upon. The trumpeting of two heralds announced the entry on the stage of the Lord High Chancellor and other court dignitaries who were followed by a procession of little girls. Then came the princesses, accompanied by their retinues. The train was a long one and took some time to move with stately dignity round the downstairs portion of the auditorium to the strains of the Coro> nation March, played by the St. Kilda Band. The word “stately” is used advisedly, as there was no sign of awkwardness visible at any time. Even the children scorned to have caught, the spirit of the thing and acted admirably. After the procession had completed the march round the audience a return was made to the stage, the queen-elect coming last and taking up her position on the throne, the remaining royalties being grouped about her. It was at tins juncture, when the procession was massed, that the great beauty of the spectacle became particularly striking. The coronation was’ performed with due solemnity by the Lord High Chancellor, and the princesses were then presented at court, after which a party of little girls danced very gracefully, several odes suitable to the occasion wore sung, and Miss Lily Stevens presented a beautiful wreath to the queen and executide a dance very prettily. The master of ceremonies was Mr H. Baker, the crown-bearer Mr W. Hnrridge, the orbbearer Miss M. Sullivan, (ho sceptre-bearer Master R. Richards, the casket-bearer Miss Mollic Carolin, and the sword-bearer Mr F. Tocmey. Mr A. G. Neill was Chancellor and Mr A. J. Tarlton Lord Mayor, and there were numerous maids of honour, etc. The concert and coronation will K> repeated at His Majesty’s Theatre this even ing.