WAIKOUAITI

Otago Witness, Issue 2527, 20 August 1902, Page 11

WAIKOUAITI

The Waikouaiti celebration passed off very successfully. On Sunday all the rerviceß in th* various churches were suitable for the occasion, prayers being 6aid for the King and Queen and thanksgivings offered for the King's recovery to health. Special psalms and hymns were sung, as well ah the National Anthem, both morning md evening, and the Te Deujn was sung at the Anglican and Presbyterian churches — at the latter to Jackson's well-known setting. At night the Acting-Premier's telegram was read, conveying the welcome news of the Coronation ceremony having taken place without any fatigue to the King. Early on Monday morning willing hands were busy decorating the township— festoons of flags and strings of lanterns being suspended ot different parts of the Main road. Mrs Murphy, in Beach street, displayed eoibp largo flags, one of which— the Uruon Jack (12ft x 3ft) — fluttered in tho breeze in Dunedin when the King vas married 39 years ago. At noon tha King's and Queen's oaka were planted by the Mayor and Mayoress in the school ground, and tliv_ a DrofiMgiaa

was formed, headed by tho Mayor's carriage, and the splendid eilk banner of tho Oddfellows' lodge. Following came the members of the several friendly societies in regalia, the band, the school children waving innumerable flags, Maoris, and the general public on foot and in conveyances. On arnval at the beach refreshments were served out in a grassy spot, and then young and old set to with hearty goodwill and planted an extensive area of the Sandhills with marram grass, the band playing selections meanwhile. The planting over, tea was handed round, and the school children were each one presented with a handsome medal, a bun, an orange, and a packet ofMollies. Gamee were indulged in, and several hakas were danced By some Maori children. Cheers were called for the King and Queen, and "God save the King" was heartily sung in both English and Maori. At night a torchlight procession, headed by tho band, paraded the principal streets, the chief feature in the procession being the display made by the Druids' Lodge, the members turning out in their white gowns, coloured fire being burnt in front of them along the route, and the township was ablaze with illuminations, bonfires, and fireworks for spmo two hours. The people then crowded into the Public Hall, which was soon full to o\ erflowing. At 8 o'clock the meeting opened by the lu;ty singing of the National Anthem, followed by the "Coronation March" as a piano overture, played by Mm Kojt. The Mayor (Mr Allcock) expressed his pleasure at presiding on such an tccapion, arid on the succe^ of tho celebration. The Rev. B. A'anes followed with a few n marks eulogistic of the King and Queen, showing their consideration and kindness for the poor. Mr C. Duke then gave a vigorous speech, which won aroused the enthusiasm of the audience and caused tlio'-e present to give demonstrative expressions of loyalty. Mr T Mackenzie, M.H.R , gave an interesting description of Westminster Abbey, with its old associations anrl boro testimony from personal knowledge to the tact and courtesy of the King. Mr H. Buckland brought to nimd the sen£e of duty which dominated the King's character, giving some appropriate quotations, and al c o reciting Thornton's " G-. B. I. and Co." Dr Hislop spoke of tho courage tl>e King had exhibited on larious occasions. Between the speeches the Choral Sonoty rendered "The Kirk's song,' 1 "The \ietoi\ ip turn," and " The carnival." Songs were contributed by Mi»s Martin ('' .Sons of the Southern Cro-s "), Mrs Kelly ("'Better bul« a wee"), Miss Oikney ("Tho lost chord"), and Mr Stewart ("Bonnie Prune Charlie"). At the close the National Anthem was again sung right heartily. A dance followed the meeting. The weather was all that could be desired — glorious sunshine, without a trace of cold wind, — enabling all to get outside to demonstrate their loyalty to the throne, and the day will be long remembered an one of the mo=t enjoyable experienced here.