THE CORONATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 106, 26 June 1911, Page 5

THE CORONATION.

AFTER THE CEREMONY. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association. London, June 24. Australian visitors, especially Victorians, comment on the absence of any tangible expression of Australian fooling in the Coronation procession. New Zealand’s arch commanded attention.

In yesterday’s procession Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., was escorted by New Zealand troops, while Mr Fisher, Commonwealth Premier, rode with Sir Wilfrid Laurier, u ho was escorted by Canadians. Although there were Australian cadets in London, they were merely utilised for forming a line on Westminster Bridge. Upon arrival at Buckingham Palace after yesterday’s procession, their Majesties had luncheon, during which time the troops retired, but tne people remained, cheering and singing. At three o’clock the Sovereigns made their second appearance on the balcony, this time surrounded by all their children. . The assembled multitude wore wild with delight, and the whirlwind of enthusiasm formed a fitting climax ui the day’s ovation. It is estimated thivfc tlio docoiaticms and illuminations in the city cost a quarter of a million. Despite torrential ram, many thousands traversed the thoroughfares, witnessing the illuminations. . The King, replying to a municipal address, expressed an earnest wish that his most distant Dominions may feel that they are as much witnim their Majesties’ thoughts and care aS the groat capital. The. King thanked the . polico loi their patience and tact, adding that the foreign guests greatly admisecl their conduct. A feature of the pageants was the absence of accidents and police cases. The police plans for the safety of the huge crowds evoked cheers at many parts of the route, where the constables were casually walking in S 'si'r 3 J. G. Ward contributes articles to the “Daily Mail,” wherein ho declares the Royal procession’s progress was an incomparable demonstration of tho orderliness of the people. The police control, he said, was marvellous. For a time his carriage was blocked owing to a trace breaking. He and General Botha and the two Premiers’ wives were provided with a fresh vehicle. . , The “Daily Telegraph” says one of the notable features of the procession was the presence of the Overseas 'Premiers. The magnificent treops from Now Zealand, Soutli Afiica, auci Canada looked fit to take their places side by side with the best picked troops in the world. “If those vacant spaces can produce such young sons of Auak,” said the “Telegraph,” “there need bo ho regret at our export of men.” - _ The King and Queen and the visiting Royalties left London this morning for Portsmouth, where the King reviewed tho Navy. They reached Portsmouth, at 12.30. The journey was made in a strong wind, with occasional showers and fitful gleams of sunshine. . . . British and foreign ships participating in the review wore gaily dressed'. Twenty special trains convoyed guests, including the Imperial Conference delegates, Overseas Premiers and Parliamentarians. _ •, Thirty additional trains were filicci with sightseers. Admiral Sir A. W. Moore was .an supremo command of the licet, consisting of 32 battleships, 25 armoured and 9 protected cruisers, 12 depot ships, 89 torpedo craft, aggregating 1,021,510 tons,.,and costing £106,000,000, and manned by 60,000 officers and men, the largest fleet ever assembled. Besides these there were eighteen foreign warships, each country sending one, excepting Japan, which was represented by two. The review area covered eighteen square miles. The fleet was- arranged in five long main lines, with smaller lines filled" with destroyers, submarines, and torpedoers. The sixth line was formed of foreign ships. The shores of the Isle of 'Wight were crowded with vessels belonging to various steamship lines. Tho Royal yacht, Victoria and Albert, steamed* out, to tho accompaniment of vociferous cheering from the multitudes lining the shores, the whole forming an impressive spectacle Upon the yacht entering the lines of the combined fleets, the Royal salute from three thousand cannon thunderously acclaimed the Sailor King.

U nbrokon sunshine prevailed at Portsmouth. Later in the afternoon their Majesties inspected twenty-five miles of lines of warships, standing on the fore bridge of the Royal yacht. As the yacht passed, the sailors lustily cheered and the bands played the National Anthem. Two hundred thousand spectators were assembled on the sea fronts of Southport and Gossport. The King’s reception by foreign flag officers lasted until 5.30. When their Majesties left the fleet a thunderous final salute was fired. ILLUMINATIONS CONTINUED. THE KING AND THE FLEETS. (Received 26, 8.5 a.m.) London, June. 25. The illuminations in Fleet. Street, the Strand, and West End were continued last night, when the streets were again crowded. The King held a reception for foreign flag officers at Portsmouth, and exchanged greetings in several languages, dispensing with interpreters. The King banqueted 200 British and foreign officers aboard the Royal yacht. Their Majesties and children afterwards witnessed the illumination of the fleet from Semaphore Tower, where there is a magnificent nanoramic view of the Solent. The fleet presented a superb spectacle. (Received 26, 9.10 a.m.) London, June 25.

Tho King inspected 150 naval and military veterans at Portsmouth. He spoke a few words to each. Nelson’s ship, the Victory, tho premier flagship of the Navy, commenced the salute when the Royal Standard was lioistod aboard the King’s yacht? The rest of the fleet then followed. The ages of 409 guests at the Coronation dinner at Guildford totalled 32,000 years. The metropolitan railway carried 1.000. passengers, tho district 'railways 1,400,000, and other tubes 1.950.000, on Thursday and Friday. Princess Henry of Battonborg handed Mr. McGowan a flag subscribed by tho Islington School cchildren in exchange for a New South Wales flag. A children’s Coronation fete will be held at Alexandra Place on Monday. QUEEN ALEXANDRA. (Received 20, 8.5 a.m.) Ottawa, June 25. Queen Alexandra, in reply to a message cabled by Earl Grey,'said: Accept my deepfclt thanks for your kind Avoids and thoughts of me during tiie sacred ceremony for mv dear son and daughter-in-law. Thank God all wont off well.