CORONATION TELEVISED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23221, 19 June 1937, Page 21

CORONATION TELEVISED

RAIN MARRED THE SPECTACLE (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, May 15. Television was given an important test on Coronation Day, and it came through with flying colours. Some 30,000 people saw the scene at Hyde Park though they were far from the royal route, seated in drawing rooms, shops, offices and kinemas The 8.8. C. announced that the procession was seen by television as far away as Brighton and Ipswich Both sound and vision were received perfectly. From Fleet (Hants) and Rochester (Kent)' also came reports of good reception.

Reception was good, despite the rain, but it would have been 50 per cent, better in sunshine. The downpour continued during the whole hour’s transmission, making the worst possible conditions short of fog. The 8.8. C team, having waited from 4 a.m., were greatlv disappointed. The weather's perversity was emphasised when, immediately after the transmission, the light improved considerably. Such details as the emus’ feathers in the Australians’ slouch hats and the plumes in the Guards’ bearskins showed plainly on the screen. As

the procession passed in review, bands playing, cavalry and infantry marching (o a steady roll of cheers, the glamour of the occasion was captured by radio in a manner never , possible before. Owing to the rain I the Empire Premiers and Mr Baldwin were not seen, but the angle of vision into the coaches improved later, and a glimpse was given of the Duchess of Kent. Queen Mory could be seen through the glass panels distinctly, though the two Princesses were not visible. The brilliant Uniforms of the Indian Army and horses prancing momentarily sideways to the camera heralded the climax. A few minutes later the State coach, drawn by the Windsor greys, was in sight. Then for just a brief moment the King, was seen wearing his crown. Finally came a last view of the procession from the rear, passing towards the Wellington Arch. A commentary was given throughout. The pictures were transmitted by the Marconi-E.M.I. system, whose Emitron cameras were used. Drill and concert halls and many other buildings were temporarily employed as demonstration theatres by television manufacturers. At Rane*lagh polo ground a set was installed in a marquee. One wireless dealer organised a special demonstration for crippled children unable trattend the L.C.C. parade. Patients and staff of the Brentwood Hospital also saw the whole of the procession by television, a set being installed for them. ■ , . '