THE CORONATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3559, 8 May 1901, Page 4

THE CORONATION.

"Whilst a number of would-be well-in-formed persons fix the coronation for November 9th (the King's birthday) or December Ist (Queen Alexandra's), "Truth" "scofia at its taking place at all this year. Says Mr Labouchere:—" The proposal that the coronation should take place this year is preposterous, and could mot for a moment be entertained by the King. Even if only Bix months of Court mourning had been ordered, the private mourning of the Royal Family -would last for twelve months, and the etiquette of European Courts prohibits a coronation from taking place until at least a year has elapsed after the death of the last sovereign. The fact is, that a coronation is a" very large affair, and both in 1831 and in 1838 the preparations for the ceremony extended over nearly a year. All the recognised Courts in the world have to be formally advised of the function, and then each State arranges to send representatives, and the names of the individuals selected must be submitted to the King for his approval Each European Court now sends a member of the governing family, while the French and American Republics will doubtless despatch special missions on the occasion. It ia quite impossible that the coronation can take place before next year; and a Parliamentary vote for the expenses will be proposed by the Government at the proper time, which will be at the beginning of the session of 1902. In 1831 the coronation cost £50,000, while in 1838 £70,000 was expended; but in 1831 there was a public outlay of £240,000, which included a bill from Rundell and Bride of £58,000 for the new crown, and no lesa a.sum than £24,000 was squandered on robes."