CROWING THE KING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 104, 23 June 1911, Page 5

CROWING THE KING.

A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

IMMENSE ENTHUSIASM.

London, June 22. No language can exaggerate the splendour and effect of the great spectacle London .witnessed to-day. Besides its own population of eight millions, half as many millions more have gathered in this great nicropolis to see the pageant of the Coronation tiV to take part in the sacred ceromoniai at Westminster, as generations have done’ before for eight hundred years. / The people of England nave been joijied in their reverence and rejoicing by Royal princes and envoys from every part of the world, by representatives of venerable empires like Chiha and Japan, by delegates from the East,. by the actual presence of Indian princes with pedigrees reaching further'back than the Guclphs or Stuarts, by representatives of the youngest and most advanced democracies. Resides all these of alien blood who cajno to honour the Empire’s King, the occasion brought back to the Homeland thousands of sturdy childdren of the British race who have built up now States and new institutions of the parent type, wherever tjie .British flag is flown. • To • the forty-odd princes who came from foreign lands tne King’s Coronation was a pageant more magnificent tjian any of them could have ever seem

j To the thousands of representatives and members of the colonies who are now in London, to-day’s ceremony was npt only a nact of religious consecration, but a. recognition of the kingly tjo which binds the Empire together. THE ARRANGEMENTS. I London keen preparing for this [ event for many months. The experience of King Edward’s crowning nine years ago afforded ninny precendents of detail, but owing tp' Edward’s serious health that ceremony had been somewhat curtailed. The Coronation of King George Y. revived many features of earlier usage arid ceremonial. Happily, however, a bapqwt iwas not included. On ~'moEt occasions when ’ that feast was celebrated it became an orgie and an unworthy supplement to the religious ceremonial. ■ King Edward’s Coronation afforded many precedents for the honouring of visitors, for street decorations, for the use of the military and police, and the control of the crowd. These were adopted or improved upon to-da} 7 . ; THE DECORATIONS. The decorations were on a lavish scale. For fiye miles of the Royal route every, yard had been subjected to sepeial ddornment. There was one exception—from the Palace to the new Coronation Arch, which gives access to Cliaring Cross—the north side of this long section being lined with stands, including one of large dimensions, opposite Stafford House, which was mainly devoted to colonials. The accommodation and feeding of these visitors,has been a serious problem. Hundreds were foodless during the long heurs of waiting, and yet ail were well behaved. \

ORDERLY SCENES. There were no scenes of vulgarity or violence, or rowdyism, as at George IV.’s Coronation, when the very sanctuary of Westminster had to be protected by a bodyguard of "ugihsts, and the people were divided in allegiance. Everywhere to-day intense loyalty and enthusiasm were displayed. The crowds cheered everybody of note, especially Lord Kitchener, who had control of all the military, and rode up and down the line, inspecting here and re-arranging there, before talcing his most prominent place in the procession, and later joining in the Abbey ceremonial. The Imperial Prince of Germany, who has been more than ever popular with Englishmen since his Indian tour, was received with delighted cheers, as were others who were recognised in the stately procession. r Jhe clearing of the streets and th Q stopping of traffic, both foot and vcnine o’clock. At that hour every part of the rout ewas a dense mass of colour and a shimmer of steel. START OF THE PROCESSION. Those of the regal princes and distinguished representatives who had not lodged in the Palace, had been accommodated at many hotels, while some stayed at private mansions lent to the Crown. All these assembled at the Palace after early breakfast, and precisely at 9.30 the procession started for Westminster Abbey. The whole avenue of trees was in June verdure, find required only a few coloured flags on masts to supplement the beauty of Hyde Park, hub from Charing Cross 'to the Abbey was a wealth of ornamentation. From Charing Cross to the War Office there h'ferc masts bearing shields amid national flags, conn kited by garlands. In Whitehall there were Corinthian pillars carrying the armorial bearings of all the Sovereigns from Walliam the Conqueror downwards, coni nected with green festoons. NEW ZEALAND’S TRIUMPHAL ARCH. In the centre of Whitehall was New Zealand’s triumphal arch, designed by Irank Brangwyn, and gay with the Dominion’s new coat of arms, capped by the Imperial crown and decorated with pilasters bearing medallions of King George, Queen Mar" King Edward, Queen Victoria, Captain Cook, and Sir Joseph Ward, Bart. It is a handsome design but suffered through being only thirty-five feet high. A little further south, Ontario had erected two pylons, suitably dcoqratedi All Whitehall was a broad sanctu-

OVER TWELVE MILLION PEOPLE LINE' THE ROUTE.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association

ary' of masts', festoons, strings, flags, and bunting of every design, flying everywhere. Parliament Square and St. Margaret's Churchyard were completely covered by stands, whose sturdy businesslike designs were concealed under scarlet cloth flags and floral decorations. “ ALONG THE ROUTE. Going back to Charing Cross on the return journey, the route along Cockspur -Street, Pall Mall, St. Jamei Street, Picadiily, Constitution Hill, to the Palace in Pall Mall, there wen masts with crowns, carrying tin names of the Dominions and othei parts of the Empire, decorated wit I hanging flower baskets in festoons, li St. James Street there was a fine scheme of festoons, similar to the de corations of 1002. ' , Picadiily was illuminated as well as decorated the entire length on the de signs of Sir William Richmond, Mr. Brangwyn, and others. There were no special decorations along Constitution Hill beside the above general scheme, hut there were thousands of individual decorations. Some houses were completely gar landed with flowers, and illumimvliom were on every principal building and club-house along the route. All stands were decorated with bunting. AN ANIMATED SCENE. r l ho public began taking their place; at daylight, and at seven o'clock t!.i Inoroughfares were becoming impass able to the troops of whom si>:tj thousand were moving to line tl-r routd. Military bands, and carriages and motors for privileges, made up a scene striking in its animation. Not all the peers* and pool esses went, to the Abbey by vehicles, mimy travelling by special steamer from Chelsea, where they made a strung' boat Toad of brilliant colour, for all worpi their robes, and carried their coronets in their hands. These land od fat Westminster pier and travelled to- the Palace yard. The entire soldiery were in gala costhmb, their brilliant uniforms contributing to the pictorial effects. Twenty-five thousand police also helped to preserve order, and to avoid fatal crusnings of people. All the ctracts debouching upon the route were strongly barricaded. Still the pressure was enormous. Quite two million people rode by road, rail, and steamship to London for many days before.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE - EARTH’S POWERS. , There were twenty-four carriages in all, fourteen in the first group, conveying the royal representatives and '.he guests, ranking in precedence from front to rear.

The Prince of Monaco and representatives of Egypt and Ethiopia led the ' van. The German princeling! and China’s gaily-dressed Ambassador‘came next. Then followed the Princes and Princesses of Saxe Co burg and Baden, and young George ofdGreece, the Duke of Saxe Coburp arid Prince Henry of the Netherlands. In the seventh landau were the French and Bavarian representatives, with Mr Hays Hammond, from Wash; .ington,: the one solitary person amid all the finery of gala uniforms in plain morning dress. The occupants in the following carriages included Prince Henry of Prussia (the Kaiser’s brother). Then came the hereditary princes and princesses, Danilo of Montenegro, the Ci-owu Princes of Sweden and Bavaria, Prince Chakrabonga of Siam (in native dress, wearing splendid jewels), the Crown Prince of Rournania, Prince Alexander of Servia, and the Crown Prince of Denmark. In the carriage with tho Prince and Princess Fushimi of Japan wore the Crown Prince and Princess of Greece. Next followed the Duke d’Aosta, the Grand Duke Boris of Russia, tho Spanish Infante Fernando.

In tho fourteenth carriage were the Gorman Imperial Prince and Princess, Archdukes Charles and Francis Joseph of Austria, Prince Youssouf Izzedin Effondi (who may some day be Sultan of Turkey). THE PROCESSION.

The procession consisted of five State landaus, containing members of the Grown Royal Family, the Prince Christian and the Prince of Schles wig-Holstein, the Prince of Teck, the jPrince of Battenhurg, the Duchess of Albany, His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, the Duke of Argyll, the Princesses Patricia and Henry of Battenhurg and the Princess Royal. The fifth carriage of the Royal section contained the Princes of AVales, George, Henry, and Albert, and Princess Mary. These young people were recognised along the entire route, and wore wildly cheered. The next carriage was their parents’. None got. such a tumultous reception as the third, or King’s carriage. 'this section of the procession left the Palace at 10.30, escorted by the Royal Horse Guard. After the four landaus containing the maids of honour, grooms, chamberlains and lords in waiting, came the last, conveying Lord Spencer (the Lord Chamberlain), Lord Chesterfield (the Lord Steward), Countess of Minto (Lady in Waiting), the Duchess of Devonshire (Mistress of the Robes). Then followed the most important officials in the Queen’s service, and who played , a leading part at Her Majesty’s right hand in all to-day’s ceremonies. The colonial contribution to this part of the day’s proceedings was not very strong. ' Twenty-five Australian .officers and non-coms, formed one of the guards within the Palace on

curtilage, or were on street duty, and the Australian Cadets assisted in lining the, route. Not. far away was a strong Canadian contingent. Ovei six hundred lined part of the Mall. Sixteen officers and five men of the New Zealand forces, under Colonel Bauchop, C.M.G., formed the guard near Quee"*, Victoria’s new memorial, with a detachment of Australian bluejackets undergoing training hero. The Standard of Australia was borne by Lord Northcote, New Zealand’s new standard by Lord Plunket, South Africa’s by .Lord Selhourne, Canada’s by the Earl of Aberdeen. Ireland’ s l>y Mr T. P. O’Connor, Ai.P. The Royal Standard was entrusted to Lord Lansdowne, and the Standard of the Union to the Duke of Wellington ; that of England, to Sir Frank Dymoka, the King’s Champion, and Scotland’s to Sir Henry Scrymclour-Wedderhuru. An historically interesting part of the procession related to the regalia. The Bishop of ilipon carried the Bible, the Bishop of Winchester the chalice, the Hi shop of London the patten, the Duke of Northumberland St. Edward’s crown, the Duke of Somerset the orb, the Duke of Richmond the sceptre with the dove, Lord Beaufort the Sword of State, the Duke of Beaufort the curtaua, Lord Robert; tbo second sword, Lord Kitchener the third sword.

The Earl of Loudon, Lord Grey and Lord Ruthyn carried the spurs, the Duke of Argyll the sceptre with the cross, the Duke of Roxburgh St. Ed ward’s venerable staff.

The Queen’s regalia and crown were entrusted to the Duke of Devonshire, the scopt: o with the cross to the Marquis of Waterford, the ivory rod to the Earl of Durham.

The King’s canopy was born by Earls Cadogan, Rosebery, Crewe, am Minto, ana the Queen’s canopy by the four tall, handsome Duchesses ol Hamilton, Portland, Montrose, and Sutherland.

The King had eight young train bearers, and the Queen six carls’ daughters. When the landaus swept by there came into view the most picturesque section of the procession, a navy and army escort ol nearly 200 men, hos, known in the service. There were lido do camps, general officers, in-spoctors-general, Field Marshal Sii E. “Wood, Lord Grenfell, Earl Roberts-, members of the War Office Stall, members of the Army v crowd of marshalmen and Kings equerries, with escorts of colonial cavalry and Indian cavalry. Colonel Heaton Rhodes and Majoi Percy Johnson, of New Zealand, were included. . , : , . , This brilliant cavalcade of varied uniforms made up a striking scheme of colour, which stood markedly out even amid the blase and glitter oi the surrounding scone, where all was colour and" animation. Behind this magnificent procession there rolled along the old Royal coach. THE OATH ADMINISTERED.

Before i 11.30 the Coronation service began. As the ecclesiastical profession' advanced through the west doors, headed by the Archbishops and Bishops, in capes, and other clignittries in scarlet hoods and surplices, a thrilling fanfare of silver trumpets leralded their approach. Sir I rederick Bridge’s magnificent and supplemented choir broke forth in lai i } s anthem, “I was Glad,” in piocessio, bo the theatre. Imperial sigmi.icance was given to to-day’s event by toe .Iving'of the standards of the overseas Dominions, India, and Wales, in addition to those of England, Scotland. ind\ Ireland. The Archbishop of Canterbury thou administered the Coronation oath, the King promising to maintain tiic laws, if God, the Protestant reformed roigion, and the rights and privileges )1 bishops and the clergy. The King advanced from his chan bo the altar and knelt on the steps, ke kissed tiie hook and declared ne Would perform and keep his solemn promise. . ... His Majesty had just before received cheers and ovations and addresses from his people and his Lords, and said he had been hailed as accepted to rule over the greatest Empire the world had'over seen. He now presented his own homage, like any ordinary' mortal, to the King of Kings. _ '• As .an introduction to the anointing, the entire congregation knelt and sang the “Veni Creator.” While the choir, were singing a “Gloria” from Handel, the Priest and the Loro Jhamborlaiu took off the King’s outer robe.. His Majesty seated himself in Edward’s ciiair under a pall of cloth of gold, supported by lour Gartoi Knights. The Dean of Wostminstci poured oil from the ampulla into the spoon, and the Archbishop of Cantermiry anointed the head, breast, and hands of the King, and while His Majesty knelt the Archbishop, standing over him, pronounced a blessing. The Dean of Westminster then chothecl King George in the “Celebiuin Sindonis” like a surplice or shirt, and a supertunic of cloth of gold; also the girdle recently presented to His Majesty by the GKillers’ Company. The Lord Chamberlain then touched the King’s heels with the spurs. The girdling with the sword followed. The King ungirdled with Ids own hand and laid the sword on the altar. It was immediately redeemed by the Sword-bearer, and during thereat of the service was carried before the King after another change of Royal dross, when the Lord Chamberlain clothed the King with the armili or stole into which had been worked for,this Coronation the symbols of the Dominions—the maple leaf for Canulu, the wattle for South Africa, and tiic stars for Australia and New Zealand. For priests as weli as king.Die stoic is a symbol that they haw been invested with spiritual authority. Over the stole the King was enfolded ,11 a pallium or open pall as opposed to the supcrtunica or closed pall. li. the present case the pallium was fthc .same as worn by George ,IV. It is r magnificent piece of decorated fabric, and glittered in the sunlight as fresh as when it was made. Tims clothed, the Archbishop of Canterbury presented the Orb with the Cross; after the Oih, the Ring, and two Sceptres, oacl. with an appropriate admonition and prayer. CROWNING HIS MAJESTY. Next followed the great ceromonj of the day, which had brought all present to witness. After the Archbishop of Canterbury’s brief and earnes; prayers, the King, still sitting or Edward’s Chair, the Doan or .Westminster handed the Crown from thd altar. The Archbishop reverently placer the Crown on the head of tiie Sovereign, and instantly the electric liglitvvere turned- on. The whole c-mgroga turn shouted “God Save the King!” The Poors, who up to this stage sat throughout the service without then coronets, simultaneoi sly raised then to their heads. 'fhe acclamations over the Archbishop of Canterbury presented tin King with the Bible, describing it a* flip most valuable thing this world allot ds.

After the Archbishop’s benediction all the Bishops ap'd clergy Joined iii ; loud “Amen,” followed by the roaring of canon, clashing of bells, and the suppressed sounds of cheering iron the outside.

Til E INTHRONI SAT I ON. This lirst stage ended, there follow'd the iiithronisation on the King's i omago seat under the lantern. In 1 iic:,ld times the Sovereign was lifted or carried hv the physical force of Ins subjects. To-day the ceremony was figurative. The Archbishop ot Cau-K-rh.uiy was the first to do homage, dssing the King on the left cheek. It vas at this stage where the late Archbishop Temple, nine years ago, nearly fell at King Edward’s feet. PAY IXG HOMAGE. Next the Pi nice of Wales advanced to tnc top step of the dias, took off n.s coronet, and knelt before ins father. Others of Koval blood in the Abbey, also now in their places, joined too Prince, each declaring: “I do become your liege man of life and limb. The' Pccis next did their homage, the senior only of each order; His Grace of Norfolk for the dukes, if is Grace of Winchester for the niarqncss»s, Lord Shrewsbury for the eaiis, and Lord Ocvcrenx for the viscounts Each touched the King’s crown and ussed him on the check. The homage ended with the anthem, and there vas once more loud acclamations witl - .n the Abbey. CROWNING THE QUEEN. Up to this stage the Queen had ■oen seated in the Chair ot State, as .vhen she lirst arrived. The Archbishop row proceeded with her coronation, which was on a smaller and less minors ivo scale. She stood between Edvard’s Chair and . the altar. Four poetesses held the canopy, while the Aichbishop of Canterbury poured oil >ll her iicad and placed a ring on her anger, and then took fiio newly-made .Town'already described, from the altar, and reverently placed it on Her Majesty’s iicad. All the peeresses, .mostly in the north transept, or wherever else they acre seated, then put on their crowns. They wore dressed in g uviis of their own choice, and wore trains with bars of ermine showing Hieir rank, and Gains, longer or shorter, according to i heir status in the peerage. Their jewels wcio most resplendent. As they raised their right arms to ■aljnst their coronets, lights flashed noni them like sunshine on ripples of the sea. The Archbishop of Canterbury then ole cod the Sceptic in the Queen’s ight hand, and tiio Ivoiy Rod with the Dove in her left, and saying suitable prayers. Tier Majesty, supported by her two I’ishops of Oxfo.-’d and Peterborough ■nose from her place of anointing, and passed by the King on bis Throne of Homage, making a defip obeisance. 'c< which he b j-.ved~acknowledgiiieut. ind then sat in her own Chair of Homage, close by the King’s, but two steps lower. Tims the King and Queen sat together, crowned, sceptred, and enthroned. . PARTAKING OF THE COMMUNION. The next stage in this magnificent •cremony was acknowledgment as their fii'st act by both Sovereigns of their duty to Almighty God as members of Cm list's CiiurcJi. He ro, accomidmy advanced from ihc dais under the lantern to tiie altar, and humbly i“moved iln-ir crowns to partake o# lbe communion. The King personally, with his own hands, offered bread and wine for consecration. The King aid Queen, their officers, also presentid a frontal and dossal for the altar, the King also presented a wedge of ;old, weighing a pound, and Queen Mary presented a weight of gold. The comnjiiiiion service then proceeded, and tli cservice closed with the Te Rerun. After a brief retirement to Edward the Confessor's Chapel for refresh-• a.cut, the King and . Queen emerged wearing fresh crowns, the King’s known as the Royal Crown, and the Queen’s a small crown, set with dianonds. These were worn all the way through the streets. THE PROCESSION’S RETURN. The procession returned down the Abbey, amidst, the cheers of the audimcc and the vivats of the Westminster School, in reverse order to its entry, and so through the streets to Buckingham Palace, the route changing from Charing Cross along Cock;pur Street, Pall Mall, as above dcxnbecl. ITio whole line of progress was densely packed with people. Many patiently waited for nine or ten hours. J A wave of cheering accompanied the: 'loyal carriages all the way. After six hours their Majesties concluded this momentous day’s prdoal. KING VISIBLY AFFECTED.

Tiie crowds in Trafalgar Square temporarily broke the cordon at 10 i'clock • otherwise the police arrangements were perfect. His Majesty was visibly affected at the warmth of ins lecoption in the rti tots. THE QUEEN MOTH Ell.

Queen Alexandra, with her daugii tor Victoria and the Dowager Empres of Russia, wont to Santlriiigham _ai ly in the week to correct the silly suggestion that the Queen Mother uirhdrew herself out of jealousy or illwill, an absolutely ridiculous idea, it should be recalled that crowned [.cr,son ages do not attend coronations, for all present must directly or indiicctly make homage to tlic dew Sovereign. INTEREST IN G SERVICES. London, ■ June ;22. The Queen’s Hall was filled to-day ior services of intercession. All denominations wore represented, the Bishops of Eipon and London presiding. Similar fntercjssion services wore held tliroughont the country. TO-DAY’S MESSAGES. HONOURED NEW ZEALANDERS. {Received 22 8.5 a.in.) London. June 22. r H)e following New Zealanders were allotted seats in the Abbey :—Bril’ate and Mrs. Nevill, Messis. Turnbull, S. Yorret, Sir C. C. and La iy Bowen, Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Hills, Mr. and .Mrs. Smith, Mr, and Mrs. Rutherford, Mr. and Mrs Ivirkcr, Mr. and Miss Moss Davis, dir W. and Lady Hall-Jonos, Lady Stent, Mrs. Seddon, Mrs. R, J. Colhns, Mrs. Perrv, Mrs Rhodes, Sen KING’S FIRST PUBLIC ACT. King George’s first public act after having the Abbey and reaching Buckingham Palace was the touching of the electric button and laying the •arnor stone of the Fishermen’s and Sailors’ Home at St. John’s, Newfoundland. FOREIGN EXPRESSIONS. French, German, Austrian, and Russian newspapers have warm expressions of goodwill towards King George ind the nation. PORTRAITS OF THE SOVEREIGNS The King is proscu'ting the various Overseas Governments with a copy of the State portrait of himself "and Queen. v THE CROWNING. The ceremony of crowning took place at 12.27. An official from the Abhev announced the news to those iu the streets.

7 vliich was received with loud cheering everywhere, the crowds singing the National Anthem. Guns bred salutes from the Towar and Hyde Park. 'I he sermon was taken from Luka xxii.—‘J7 : “I am among you as he that serveth.” Dr. Lang said: “The King is sent to ho the leader of the people in the service of God and man f' J oin God's altar iio receives Ids rule. Wo pray that strong trust in God will keep him faithful to God’s great trust in him—a Ring among the people of the Homeland, the multitudes in India, and the strong young nations overseas, but raised above private and local interests' to unite all in one fellowship of common memories, ideals, and sacrifices.” The return journey commenced in sunshine amidst the most intense enthusiasm. The King and Queen wore their crowns. MISCELLANEOUS. (Received 23, 8.15 a.m.) Capetown, Juno 22. Every town and village in South Africa arranged patriotic festivities. The Indians and natives arc sending congratulations. Washington, June 22. Mr Babitg, Illinois, moved in the House a resolution demanding that the State Department inquire why only two dor.on American peeresses were granted permission to attend .the Coronation ceremony. He referred to the amount of money the United States exported with heiresses, and also that a number of such marriages had proved happy. It is unlikely the resolution will be treated seriously. The mover of the resolution said he desired specified information in order to allow the country to judge to what extent it benefited by such trade. MORE ABOUT THE PAGEANT. (Received 23, 9,10 a.m.) London, June 22. Sightseers began to congregate at midnight. Many were discovered at dawn peacefully sleeping on kerbstones. The crowd, however, was not as large as was anticipated, owing to police precautions and the high price of seats sending many Londoners to the country for the week-end. Buckingham Palace was the Mecca of the crowds, owing to possibility of watching the arrival of foreign princes and envoys. At the Palace the scene was most hi Pliant when the troops with their new uniforms and the colonials took up their positions. Princess Mary and one of her brothers watched from the window of tlio Palace. The New Zealanders were in dark uniform, the South Africans in khaki, the Imperial Light Horse and National Mohntcd Rifles were kilted. The Capetown Highlanders and 600 Canadians, representing 136 units, were particularly noticeable. The Guards of Honour were mounted in a quadrangle at 9 o’clock, the Duke of Connaught being the central figure. Brilliantly uniformed officers were superintending the formation of the procession. A number of gorgeously-clad and bejewelled Indian princesses were seated in the quadrangle. The rain and clouds cleared, and a burst of sunshine greeted His Majesty stepping to the State coach. The Australian Cadets and New Zealanders presented arms until the coach passed. llie Life Guardsmen were drawn up at the Palace gates leading into the Mall, where the King was welcomed by the shouts of the populace. Led by boys of the Duke of York’s School and Greenwich Naval School, and the pensioners, who ware seated on a circular terrace surrounding the Victoria Memorial. An exciting incident'occurred as the procession was leaving the Palace. A restive horse, which an officer of the Indian .Contingent was riding just ahead of the King, toppled backwards over the rider, crushing his helmet. The crowd believed him killed, but the officer rose and insisted on remountin';, the crowd cheering. The l Australians began to gather at the Stafford stand at 4 o’clock and it was crowded by eight. They greeted their Majesties, their children and the colonial contingent with coo-ees. There were thousands of gaily clad sightseers on the stands about the memorial arch at the end of the Mall, where gates swing open, their Majesties using them for the first time. Thirty thousand gathered on the stands and pavements in Parliament Square, including 2500 at Westminster Hospital, where from £lO to £25 a piece was paid for seats. Ten thousand Boy Scouts assisted the ambulance corps in supplying the crowd wibli refreshments.

The return journey was accomplished without incident.

At 2.50 p.m. their Majesties were crowned, and later appeared for several minutes at the Palace and bowed to tho cheering populace. The troops caught the enthusiasm, and without orders joined the demonstrations, tho officers drawing their swords and waving them aloft. There was rejoicing in every town and village in Great Britain and Ireland, and all were lie-flagged and in most places the Mayors and Corporations attended services at cathedrals and parish churches. Many oaks were planted. In parts the school children were entertained at tea and sports and aged pensioners wore feasted, tho festivities concluding with, fireworks and bonfires.

Forty-seven Crimean and .Mutiny veterans wore banqueted at Birmingham.

One hundred thousand children received medals. Tho children at Bournemouth and other places organised Empire pageants, including representatives of every colony. Groceries were distributed to 14,000 Bristol aged poor. There was’ a Lady Godiva procession at Coventry.

At Liverpool 544,000 Georgian halfpennies were distributed among children, and at Newcastle 50,000 beakers were given to children.

The celebrations in Scotland and Ireland were less elaborate, as they are awaiting His Majesty’s coming in July. Highland sports were general tliroughont Scotland. The Protestant churches in Ireland used a special Coronation service and anthems.

The fleet and foreign warships at Spithoad wore dressed in flags. The vessels and the garrison flatteries fired Roval salutes at middav.

Mr. McGowen, Mr. Murray. Sir 'William Lyno, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Mr. and Mis. Lewis, Sir John and Lady Forrest, and other overseas parliamentarians wore in the gallery of the corner nave of the northern transept, and had an excellent view of the ceremony. Madame Melba was included in the King’s box. The Duke of Norfolk specially invited Wicks, a nonagenarian, who was a “chorister at flic funeral of George IV., and was present at tho Coronation of King William, Queen Victoria, and King Ed waul.

Tiie P rinco of Wales, in the rohea of the Order of the Carter, led the procession of British Royalties in the Ahhey. PI is brothers were in Highland costumes. Princess Mary had a long velvet train and a small coronet. 'I he Prince of Wales was seated in front of the poors, and as each priu-

cess passed ho bowed, acknowledging their obeisance. After tiio Prince of Wales had received homage ho kissed the King and retired, bowing profoundly. His father drew the Prince towards him, warmly kissing him, placing his hand beneath the boy's chin. With a further obeisance the lb nice retired. The Council of the .Festival of Empire banqueted the Overseas athletes at the Crystal Palace, Lord Desborough presiding. lie emphasised the value of the contests in furthering goodwill and friendship between the nations of the Empire. Mr. Coombc, manager, responded to the toast of "The Visitors.’’ AUSTRALIA. ■(.Received 23, 8.5 a.in,) Sydney, June 23. Yesterday’s twin, traffic record surge f sed even the visit of the American fleet For some hours during the evening the street traffic was practically blocked by immense crowds viewing the ' (Received 23, 8.45 a.m.) Sydney, Juno 23. The Coronation ball in the Town Hall was a brilliant function. At. 10 o’clock, corresponding with the Coronation hour, the National Anthem was played amidst great enthusiasm. Cardinal Moran, in the course of a sermon at St. Mary’s Cathedral said: “Wo Catholics join in the festivities more readily because the Coronation works an epoch in religions tolerance.” , A feature of the-rejoicings was that at a given signal a lino of immense bonfires were lit along the Blue Mountain peaks. Melbourne, June 23. The State Government lias provided four thousand poor with a Coronaon dinner. The official Commonwealth dinner was a brilliant function. Earl DuJley, who was the only speaker,said he was convinced that no Sovereign ever ascended the British Throne more determined to do his best in an honest, simple and straightforward fashion than King George. Hobart, June 23. The weather was fine for the Coronation celebrations. The general decorations and illuminations were not elaborate. The leading business people gave a donation to charities instead. Perth, June 23. The weather was fine and the city handsomely decorated and illuminated. There were enthusiastic celebrations throughout the State. NEW ZEALAND. PATRIOTIC MAORIS. (Per Press Association!) Rotorua, Juno 23. The Arawa tribe passed a rssalutiorlast night congratulating the King and Queen, and renewing their allegi ance m confirmation of the sentiment! loyally given during the King’s visi to New Zealand in 1901. CONGRATULATIONS. Wellington, June 23. The following cable lias been sent to tile Secretary of State, for the Col onies through the Governor:—“Thai the Government and people of New Zealand desire to tender their respect ful congratulations to His Majesty tin King on the occasion of his corona tion. They pray that by the blessing of Almighty God His Majesty fnay long be spared to reign over His pcopxc.” The Governor gave a State dinner last night. LOCAL CELEBRATIONS. ENTHUSIASTIC PROCEEDINGS. Yesterday was observed as a gene nil holiday in Stratford, and everybody joined heartily in the Conora tion celebrations. 1 Quite a lot of business places were decorated for the occasion. Mr R H. Robinson’s window was elaborately decorated with a representation of a 'seascape including a number of warships, and a miniature Dreadnought had a place in the window. The Borough Council building wardecora ted with festoons, and MessrrS. Ward and Co.’s windows displayed a number of pictures, including portraits of the King and Queen. Other firms which made display? were:—Messrs Hallenstein Bros., II J. Hopkins, A. Spence, R. D. Lowers, Egmont Clothing Co., Melbourne Clothing Co., and P. Edwards, while minor displays wore made in othei shops. A large show of bunting was made at the Post Office, where also there was a large transparency depicting the King and Queen. In the evening, when all the shop windows were illuminated, it was evi dent that, although on a small scale, the people of Stratford were doing their best to show their loyalty tc the Throne. At half-past twelve a procession was formed at the Courthouse, Mr H. Wilson acting; as marshal. This war headed by about forty of the Strut ford Mounted Rifles. Also in the procession were a few veterans. Boy Scouts, Fire Brigade, Oddfellows Foresters, Girl Peace Scouts, 610 school children, and the Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Primitive Methcdist ministers and the Captain of the Salvation Army. The procession mar filled up Broadway, down Regan Street, Juliet Street, and Fenton Street to Victoria Park. Here a special staging had been erected and was occupied by the Mayor, Territorial officers, and reSrssentatives of local bodies. The layer opened proceedings with a short address, being followed by M’ J. B. Hine, M.P., Revs. Metson and Harrison and Lieut. Cardale, whe made a strong appeal on behalf of the now defence scheme. The Rev. Metson gave a very forcible address suitable to the occasion. During the proceedings prayer was offered up by the Rev. Thomson, and Cap tain Wilson, of the Salvation Army, gave out the words of the various hymns sung. There was a large number of the public present, and the proceedings were marked by enthusiasm throughout. The occasion was celebrated at the Catholic Church by a votive Mass at 8 a.m. Rev. Father Trcacy madt a few remarks suitable to the occasion, and at the conclusion of the service “God Save the King” was sung, the congregation standing. CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHER1 1 . Telegraphic reports from all p.utr of the Dominion show that Coronation Day was misery id generally as a public holiday, illnmnia mas heir* displayed and rejoicings held ni neaii;. every town and borough.