"IN ENGLAND, NOW"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22609, 28 June 1935, Page 16

"IN ENGLAND, NOW"

The following is a letter written by Miss Brenda Guthrie to a Dunedin friend:—

Perhaps you might be Interested to hear something " first hand" about our King's Jubilee. I am sure to all colonials, be they from Australia, Africa, India, Canada, or New Zealand, it has proved an inspiring and unforgettable sight, and has done a very great deal to bring the whole British Empire even into closer bonds than ever. The amazing loyalty and interest shown by all classes has been splendid, and the personal love of the people for their King and Queen has, perhaps made itself more apparent than ever before. This is the great foundation upon which our Empire stands, and after visiting other lands which have no royal head it seems to us so solid and altogether grand. The night preceding the rojral procession from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul's Cathedral crowds stood all through those hours until aquarter to 11 next morning (the appointed hour) just to catch a glimpße of their King driving past. Bed-ridden men and women crawled out and sat on steps all night long for the same reason, and in the poorer parts of London people pawned their belongings to buy paper decorations for their house. Some of these homes were also resplendent in dyed rags, petticoats, or even other wearing apparel of less importance and dignity! And London itself! What a London! With its crowds, its bunting, and various decorations; its illuminations and flood lighting and its parks filled with flowers and spring's young green. It is a magnificent city of light and gaiety, and the papers say it has never been so full before. Such happy, well-mannered crowds, though, it is a pleasure to be one of them, and at night (when on certain streets all traffic is stopped for the viewing of the illuminations) it is a revelation. As far as the eye can scan just an impassable, seething mass of human heads! Of course, Monday, May 6, was the day of days, when the King and Queen, the Royal Family, and noted personages from many lands went in procession from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul's Cathedral for the thanksgiving service. With the aid of our High Commissioner, we had marvellous seats on a stand in the Mall close beside the palace, and we also had a lump in our throats, I can assure you, as that superb procession passed us. We were specially favoured, as, owing to our position, we saw it twice —first as it was leaving the palace and then as it was returning there. The royal route was lined with redcoated soldiers in elegant " busbies " and along it flashed Hussars, Lancers, Horse Guards Cavalry, King's Bodyguards, and Queen's Guards mounted on splendid horses and wearing glittering uniforms. Irish pipers and other spectacular bands passed along on foot. You may imagine what the Mall looked like with its closely massed row of stands on either side filled with colourful women's attire, its decorative poles of gold and red and its border of English trees showing their first fresh green of spring. In front of the Palace en either side were huge bed 3 of scarlet tulips (planted by the King's command), which just added the finishing note of harmony to that altogether satisfying colour scheme. Prime Ministers, head of police, statesmen, and members of the Royal Family were all in open carriages, the royal carriage being drawn by. six lovely horses with postillion riders.

The King and Queen, looking most regal (and so wonderfully young and well) were drawn, of course, by the famous Windsor greys. When the last of the procession, upon its return journey to the palace, had passed between the Palace gates, from all directions thousands surged towards them, and in one tremendous chorus cheered their Majesties and sang " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." In response the King, Queen, and all the royal group (Prince of Wales, Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Eoyal, Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince George, Queen of Norway and little princesses) came out on the balcony and we saw them perfectly. . Then the cheering was deafening and the crowds went wild with enthusiasm. The words of our taxi driver came back to us: "I don't think Miss (he had said) when you looks at these 'ere crowds who 'av stood h'all night to see their King that-there is much room for Communism 'ere in London." The sun shone on everything and the day was so warm that it might have been one of New Zealand's best instead of old London's. With the aid of loud speakers we on the stands were able to take part in the impressive service at St. Paul's, which came through as clearly ns if we had been inside the church itself. This ancient city has truly been en fete last week, and we have witnessed many impressive eightß. Open-air services with a congregation of over 200,000 people singing hymns which were being broadcast to the furthest ends of the earth. Olympia, where before an audience of thousands the army and navy vied with each other in wonderful teats of horsemanship, motor cycle riding, and pontoon building; operas ablaze with lights, jewels and beautiful women, and theatres " packed out" where immense audiences cheered madly when the King's speech came through. Beautifully-deco-rated streets, with all traffic stopped, given over at night to thousands of pedestrians who formed one long unforgettable and impenetrable mass—such has been London of last week, and our King and Queen have fearlessly driven to all narts of the city in open carriages, happy beyond words at such a reception, but also deeply moved. They drove to the centre of the slums almost without nu escort one day, and sat in their carriage opposite the gate of a poor little home until the woman in it had been able to crawl there and receive their smile. They had heard how this particular patriotic old soul had had her cottage painted red, white, and blue for the iubilee celebrations, although she herself had no hope of participating in any way. When she was told that she was actually to see their royal Majesties at her own gate her joy was unbounded. Where, 1 wonder, in any other land would we hear of such stirring things! Isn't it good to be a Briton! , Selfridge's, the American shop here in Oxford street, caused ouite a sensation by its decorations, which were executed by noted artists at the cost of £IO,OOO. ' The country just now, all round .London, is at its best, with carpets of primroses and bluebells and fine English trees just bursting into leaf. We have enjoyed some delightful excursions around. The flood lighting, too, at night of such fine old warriors as St. Pauls, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Buildings, National Gallery, the Palace, and the Horse Guards is perfectly beautiful and beyond description.