FINE PARADE AT OTAUTAU

Southland Times, Issue 23199, 14 May 1937, Page 13

FINE PARADE AT OTAUTAU

Address To School Children

GAILY DECORATED PROCESSION

The Coronation of the King and Queen was fittingly celebrated at Otautau. The children were assembled at the school in the morning, when they were addressed by the chairman of the Town Board, Mr A. A. Liddell, and Mr G. Sinclair, chairman of the School Committee. Later a comprehensive programme of sports was carried out. In the afternoon a procession paraded down the main street, which was gaily decorated for the occasion, the following being the winners of the various events: —Pets: Trevor Silverwood (whippet) 1, Clutha Janson (Scotch terrier) 2. Best decorated bicycle, girl or boy: Valmai Pulley 1, Madeline Ireland 2. Best decorated full-size pram or pushchair: Mrs F. C. Beer 1. Best decorated child’s cart, boy or girl: Kenneth Paterson 1, Raymond Wesney 2. Most original costume, boys under 12: Ted Mackie (swagger) 1, William Harrington (John Bull) 2; girls under 12: Betty Thomas (fairy) 1, Shirley Fisher (bridesmaid) 2. Best decorated tricycle (girl or boy): Jenifer Irving 1, Fay Laing and Heather Paterson equal 2. Most original costume, open, 12 to 21 years: Sybil Norman (cowboy) 1, Mary Watt (gipsy) 2. Best poster costume, open: Edna Thomas (breakfast foods) 1, Noeline McMillan (Queen of Hearts) 2; adults costume, Mrs Ireland 1, Mrs J. Kennedy 2. Child’s Pram, Irva Pulley 1, Ivan James 2. Most original costume, open: Mr R. B. Whitehead (Maori chief) 1, Miss Sybol Wesney (Britannia) 2. Mrs W. J. McCulloch acted as judge, and Mr R. B. Whitehead was marshal. After the winners had paraded the assemblage gathered in front of the post office, where it was addressed by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, M.P. Fine Display In the course of his address, Mr Hamilton congratulated the authorities on the fine display, which was a credit to the town and would impress the young people. Emotion and sentiment were the foundation of patriotism and gatherings such as this tended to develop this to a high degree. The British people, he said, enjoyed greaterfreedom than did the citizens of other nations. It was interesting to note that New Zealand was the first to start the celebrations, then would follow Australia, Britain and Canada. They had every reason to be thankful and enjoy

themselves on this auspicious occasion, as it was not often they crowned a King and a Queen. The latter was of Scottish origin, and it was uniting the English and Scottish peoples. Mr Hamilton said New Zealanders enjoyed the best standard of living in the world, but it was wise to remember the sufferings and sacrifices through which the people had gone, in order to make this possible. The British Throne was a rock in the storm-tossed world, and the King and Queen were coming to the Throne under happy auspices, and he trusted both would have a happy and prosperous reign. They did not always appreciate the privileges they enjoyed under the British flag, but they should be thankful in their hearts that they were members of the great British Empire, and they could make it large by being law-abiding citizens. He appreciated what the local people had done that day, and stated it would impress a lasting memory on all present.

The singing of “God Save the King” concluded the afternoon celebrations.

In the evening a torchlight procession was held, the prize for the best-decor-ated vehicle going to Mr H. Macpherson (Show-boat), and the second prize being awarded to Mr Robert McMillan. The trophy for the most original costume went ■ to Margaret and Allan Fisher (bride and bridegroom). CEREMONY AT THE SCHOOL ADDRESS BY THE REV. THOMSON ■ The Coronation Day ceremony was observed at the school soon after the children had assembled in the morning. A number of parents were also present and the staff of the school. The Rev. Thomson addressed the children on “The Coronation of the Servant.” He said: “The Coronation of the King of England is ever a majestic, awe-inspiring, spectacular and epochmaking ceremony. It takes place in Westminster Abbey where the ruler of nearly every country, or his representative, is present. No higher office in the world can be held than that of our King and his position is fraught with great responsibilities. The Archbishop of Canterbury proclaims our King to have been duly crowned King of England and Emperor of the great British Empire. Divest the ceremony of all outward pomp and show and its real significance lies in the fact that he is not crowned as a dictator but as the greatest servant of the British Empire. Our conception of what a monarch should be is changing, our King is King by virtue of the service he renders. No one of us will be present at Westminster Abbey but we can play a part in that ceremony. The King becomes King because he is chosen by the neople and he needs our help, our loyalty and our devotion, and by these acts we can ease his burden. The throne of God is often vacant and its occupant is busy going ’ about doing

good. We rejoice greatly that we have such a King and rejoice at his Coronation and fervently pray ‘God Save the King.’” The children then assembled out in the playground, where a primus tree, donated by Miss Budd, was planted by Christopher Dawson, the youngest pupil at the school. -The children and parents then gathered round the flagstaff. Norman Riddle gave an address on the flag, saying that the Union Jack was the national flag of the British Empire and was a symbol of peace. The National Anthem was then sung. CELEBRATIONS AT GORGE ROAD LARGEST GATHERING FOR MANY YEARS The largest gathering for many years assembled in the school sports ground to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Mr T. P. Beck presided and opened the proceedings by directing the thoughts of those assembled towards the Constitution of the British Monarchy, the traditions it stands for and the high rank it holds among the nations of the world. Mr D McDougall, M.P., commended the local organization for the attractive programme submitted, particularly for the way in which the children, future citizens, were being catered for. During the afternoon sports of all descriptions were held. Basketball, Rugby football, tennis, hockey and rifle shooting competitions were held. Each child received a suitable gift. In the evening a very successful concert, arranged by members of the Women’s Division, was held. All nations were represented in costume. Miss Stella Lobb won the prize for the most appropriate costume. PROGRAMME AT NIGHTCAPS TOWN IN DECORATIVE GARB In beautiful weather the Coronation Day programme at Nightcaps on Wednesday was carried out without a hitch. Pupils assembled at the school at 9.30 a.m. and proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr W. Excell then addressed those present. Mr Excell told the children that it was in the year 871 that the first King of England, Alfred the Great, was crowned. That crown was used by successive Kings until 1649 when, during the Commonwealth period, Oliver Cromwell confiscated the crown which was sold to raise army funds. When Charles II succeeded to the Throne the present crown was made and had been used ever since, with the exception of Queen Victoria, who was only 16 years of age when she came to the Throne and for whom a special crown was made. Mr Excell explained the em-

blems comprised in the crown and some of the traditional history of Coronation ceremonies.

Lieutenant Tatton (Salvation Army) then led in prayer. The assemblage saluted the flag, and the National Anthem was again sung. There was then a march to the new High School grounds where Mrs T. Thomson planted commemorative trees. Mr A. N. Murray addressed those present on the significance of the tree planting ceremony. Upon the trees being planted hearty cheers were given by the children. The children marched to the Coronation Hall when a further address was given by the Rev. E. B. Stevenson. The Rev. W. McDonald led the congregation in prayers. During the afternoon district children were entertained at a picture programme. At 6.30 a huge bonfire was lighted and there was a large number of onlookers. The Nightcaps Silver Band rendered appropriate selections. The decorations of the township were favourably, commented upon.