THE CORONATION IN NEW ZEALAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14475, 23 June 1911, Page 2

THE CORONATION IN NEW ZEALAND.

MARKED ]SY WEATHER.

PROCESSION 3 POSTPONED.

OMTEI) SERVICE IN TLMAIIU.

After laoJciuc forward for many wtxjUs to oalsbratinji tlio Coronation 01 the King 111 a liLLng waj in Tiiuuru, and alt or making the njest complete lj ruiijjouioiiti iur so all for ilno- woather —the one remaining «&sout»al t\t ojisuro biicccst-j —sank to Eero wiitu daylight broke yesterday morning to the accompaniment of a rain which puttered down Lord and mercilessly, and with no prospect otf abating. The previous night the stars had shono from a cloudless sky as if in sympathy with the many earnest hopes for lino weather on tho eventful day. But- it was not to b?, and another exemplification was given of the trutli that u:uu but God disposes. \Yhih» the ndalt portion of the populace experienced a keen sense of drgappoizitmant, words cannot describe the feeling of the. school children, who had been specially prepared for the occasion, and who had been looking forward with eagerness to tho part they were to play in showing loyalty to their King and Queon. It takes a great deal more, however, than a heavy rain to damp the ardour, of the people of South Canterbury when they have set their hearts uwm an object, and especially when that object ia in any way oonnected with loyalty to the Throne, This being so, it was not surprising that in spite of muddy streets and water overhead and under foot some thousands of people (many of whom came in from the country) _ assembled in the town to take part in whatever mipftt be decided upon under the altered circumstances. To hold the procession was quite out of the question, and it was also impossible to hold a pervioe in the open air. :It was therefore arranged to hold the service in.. Olympin, and to postpone the street prooession until to^fay. SERVICE IN OLYMPIA.

Thanks to the kindness of tlie Poultry Society, whose graceful act was commented oil bj the Mayor, the interior of Olympia underwent a remarkable _ and speedy transformation, the staging and tressles ready for to-day's ahow being quickly taken down, tlie floor-space cleared, and a temporary dais erected in the right tide of the hall, "about halfway down. The news that the service was to he held in Olympia was soon spread about town, and the public turned up in goodly numbers, there being a great gathering by 11 o'clock, the advertised time for the function. Govpitry visitors helped considerably to swell the gathering in. Olympia, wliere more people sought admission than could possibly be' admitted. The children from the South School, even tie little tots, braved the elements and, with their teachers, marched to thie l*all and occupied a position of pride, being lined un'invniediately in front the dais. The' Territorials and Sdhoot Cadets were placed in even older about the hall; Lieutenant Andrews of the parmanent staff supervising matters. Hie Battalion Band, Under Bandmaster Sclmack, jrera plaoed about the oantre ca the THE PARADE STATE. TKe parade staie, was as follows. — Permanent Staff—Lieut. Andrew# and Staff-SerKt.-Majprs Olementa and Sroeat. Regimental St aft .- Lieut.-Colonel Beokinaham, V.P., and Major Foden. Unattached Hesefre Captain J. E. S. Japksoh. ; , South Canterbury Mounted JJifles, A' squad. New Zealand Mounted Rifles— Captain Bowio, Lieut. Marchant and 33 men. 0. Company, Territorials—Captain MoNab in command, Captain Boys, six lieutenants, and 1 155 men. High School —Lieut. Johnson and 59 Senior Cadets. Public School Cadets C&ptaia and Adjutant Valentine in coikimand, the parades being as follows: — Main School, No. I. Company—Captain Collins and 76 Cadets; No. 2 Company Captain Donoghue and 76 etuJsts. ; BoutK .School Lieut, Marriott and 50 Cadets. St. Andrew's School —Lieut. Hawkes and 15 Cadets. Battalion Band Bandmaster Schnack, and 20 men. 1 ON,THE DAIS.

Those present on the dais were— Mr Craigie, M.P.j and Sfrs Graigie, Harper, Revs. T. Stinson, A. E. Hunt, A. Macaulay Caldwell, J. Featherston, T. M. Cumoiv, and! Adjt. Middlemen's (Salvation Army); esMayor J. Hole, Mr D. Virtue (Town Cierk), Mr H. H. Eraser (general secretary to the Celebrations Committee), .Mr Lewie Jocas (secretary to the Day Procession Committee), Councillors Raymond, Pearson, Hawkey, Higgins, Green, Angland, Shillito., Sealey, and Satterthwaite. THE SERVICE.

The Battalion Band played a voluntary at the commencement of the proceedings, and then followed an address by the Mayor, Mr Craigie speaking as follows: MR CRAIGIE'S SPEECH.

Fellow Citizens, —We arc celebrating to-4ay the Coronation of His Majestv King George V. This 22nd dav of Juno will become historic, and will 1 be recorded in the future history of our Empire. It 'is but nine years since our late King was crowned. Most of you will remember how everything was m readiness for his Coronation to take place on June 26th., 1902. but owing to King Edward being suddc-nly seized with a very dangerous illness "his Coronation hud' to be postponed indofinHifl recovery after a serious operation, was almost utTaeuiSus, for six weeks later, on the 9th of August, no was so far restored to health' and as to be able to undergo the xatrgucs of tlie Coronation ceremony. We ot limaru celebrated the occasion under more favourable weather eolations than wo are doing to-day. Our late King Edward's reign was short compared with the uniaue long reign of his illustrious mother. Victoria the Great and Good; who. as vou all know reJgner] for sixty-fire rears. (Applause i Our lato King had mauv natural and kingly gifts. He was the possessor of a charming personality strong sense wonderful tart, and not the least of Jus gifts and virtues was his broad- ; mmrtednes? and kindness of heart He nobly fulfilled the promise given ( to Quofln Victoria that ha would Trflow ,n her footsteps and take he<r noble and blaffldtess life £* an example nnct model. To e®u t o lf"' aD . reno "' n "i' l:nn«- lioiv | faithfully and nobly he carried „„t these lugh Kleals m his irreat. office as King or tlie Empire. (Hoar, bear.) inrough his prudence and tact, and I ; might, say genius, ho <rxerted an influence for peace and good feeling between other nations and onr Eninire 1 mention the splendid work he did in bringing about the friendlv and oordial relatior.-j with our 'neighbour across the English Channel, the French, and later the improved friendly relations with Russia and Oormanv and other Powers. King Edward's death was not. only a great loss to t-l'e British Kmpire. but to the whole world. He well deserved the title of Jiaward the Peace Jlakej-. (ADDlause.l

CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTH CANTERBURY.

In the period betwteen the lflst Coronation and* tlia one wo are now celebrating great changes have taken piuoe. Events and changes ooruo rapidly and unexpectedly ia these modern days. Some nations have rather doolinod in rank, others have risen to higher rank and power, for example take t'ho little nation Japan. "VVe are just.lied in believing with pride that the British Empire nas not, Binoe the last Coronation, lost influence or prestige, but rather gained in prestige and influence. And wo should thank Providence that we havo had no war during that period. The Empire has increased in population, wealth, and in volume ot commerce. Oui* own little Dominion has had its full share 01 that prosperity. The bold step of granting a free and independent constitution to the South African States was graciously taken by vhe Imperial Government, add the ' expressions of gratitude and pledges loyalty, of which we have so much evidence, fully justify, the generous confidence placed in our fellow subjects of South Africa, with whom we were so lately at war. The different States and Dominions throughout tbtf Empire are doing their best, as far as their resources will admit, to defend themselves and assist in one form or another the Motherland in nvaintainui-g our great and necessary Navy. t New Zealand's spirited and spontaneous aotion in presenting a battleship, had an electric and moral effect in stimulating the whole Empire to vigorous action and in augmenting and strengthing the bonds of one united Empire. Until an understanding is mutually agreed upon between all the great Powers to discontinue the race, i might say the mad race, for building .great 'Dreadnoughts— it is necessary and imperative that the Empire's Nary should be supreme on the seas, not only for the safety of our Empire, but for her to continue to bo as she is, the greatest factor in the peace of the world. (Applause.) Since last Coronation science, lias mode great strides, prominent among winch is the perfecting of one of the world's wonders, wireless telegraphy, which will bo an inestimable boon to the world, enabling ships, though a thousand miles apart, to communincate with other ships, also to keep in touch with the distant land. It will be the means of saving lives and other great benefits to mankind. The science or art of flying has also made marvellous and wonderful developments, ,The daring aviators, with their swift and bird-like flights through the air, have far surpassed' the wildest flights of the imagination of the most imaginative individual of nine years ago. Science in medicine and surgery has bedn most active in research and progress has been made in waging war with human diseases and for the alleviation of human suffering.

His Majesty King George comes to the throne in the prime of life. He comes not without experience and knowledge of the affairs of his offioe. He was fortunate in having the confidence and wise counsels of the late King, his father. .For years ho was associated with him in his varied and multitudinous duties and the vast correspondence that daily devolves on tlie Monarch of such an Empire. \Ye are told that King George is a great, enthusiastic, anU methodical worker. King George is unique inasmuch as he is the fin>t Monarch who has sat on the British Throne who has been through' the whole Empire, which means being round the globe. It is interesting to us to remember that -he _ has been through our own Dominion, and ■even passed through Timaru. Tlie knowledge he has gained of the physical features of his oversea possessions, learning at first hand the limits, possibilities, conditions aiid aspirations of each, should be of the greatest value to himself, his advisers and the Empire at large. (Applause.). Queen Mary in ibany way?, is a pattern woman, wife and mother. She is devoted to her family and home .lite. She is setting an. excellent and wholesome example to till her subjects in tlih respect. She proves her kindness of heart and sympathy for the J oung and suffering by werkiug for and visiting and doing all the good rbe can for hospitals, home - ; and iustitut ons For the young and nuf( rtunate. Tlw Empire is fortunate i'« baring so excellent a Kin,* and Queen a>* Gcortre and oVJary. I'-.onu, may they be snn r ed to reign and io' tinuc ths-ir nood work so nobly begun, and they will, -so'sure a 6 the day follows the night, enshrine themselves in the hearts of a great, free And loyal people dwelling throughout the vast dominions over which the'r held sway. God vwc our King and Queen, and *\vc must nsvr-r forget also to pray God save the people! May the re.'gn of King George the Fifth be a reign of many victories, victories without war and bloodshed the victories of Peace! May the English tepeaking American ißepubiiv and \cur great Empire clasp hands and agree that in future all" differences tliat may ar.'so shall be settled .by peaceful and wise arbitration, and no doubt but that other rations will follow their good example. May this reign bo d'stin,o;mshe 4 d for its wise legislation, for the improvement and amelioration of the soc.al conditions ui the many millions that arc now. wo fear, inadequately fed, inadequately clad, and inadequately housed, so that the offspring of our poor and unfortunate brothers and sisters will be caved for morally and educationally, and shall have- equal opportunity along with the more fortunate to become good and useful and honourable May this reign he distinguished for its .statesmen and pubhe men of high character. Muv our ruins and representative men be imbued with patriotism, high ideals, and lofty aspirations. And' may the old flag continue tA be the emblem of strength, justice, freedom, and liberty. God bless our King and Oueeri; God bless our Empire; God bless nil the people of the Empire! (Coj tinned applause.) PiRATSK A XT") PRAYER.

The Rev. Feathorston led tlie gathering in tho singing of the Hundredth .Psalm, which was heartily sung by everyone pre&ent.

The K-ev. A. i\. Hunt read Vsalm 21. which begin? : —••Tito King shall joy in tliy strength. () Lord-: and in thy.salvation how gp?atly .shall lie rejoioo." '*o God, our .Help in ages Past.'" was next .sung on tlio annoiineem'.*nt of the Rev. T. St-inson. The Rev. Jlacaulay Caldwell offered up an appropriate prayer, asking that God should bless the King and enrich hiui with wisdom and grace. On the announcement of the Rev. T. Curnow. the assemblage then joined in the verses of the hvmn "Praise to our Lr>rd.»

THE ARCHDEACON'S ADDRESS. Archdeacon Harper, who on rising received a ci.'i-iiir.i riveting, delivered a most appropriate address, which was attentively listened to and frequent-

ly punctuated by whole-hearted apThe -Uohdeacon explains! ihat within a Jew ho urn King George and Quooii Mary would l>e taking part in tho solemn Coronation servic*- in the' uimwit Abbey afc Westminster, wh«To Hi« Miijoai.y would receive' Jiia Crouu jus King of fcbc grewt, British Lnipire, and Kmperor of India, The Coronation service waa one of the liiost anoieait and 1 venerable institutions in our national history, and illustrated the oontinuifcy of our constitutional moma.rchy right bjick to tho days of tlio Stth. century. In that service the lving catered- into a solemn and sacred contract with tho peoplo of iiis realm, and' rlid so in tho presence of ms vast an assemblage oi his subjects as could gather within tho walls of tho ancient Abbey. Tho King made public acknowledgment that lie was the servant of the peoplo booause ho rooojsnised himself as tiio servant of Go£» and he mud© a public, profession that, God helping him (according to tho words of the ancient and solemn oath) ho would maintain the laws of his roalun, and himself obey thorn, do justice in mercy, and all in Tiis power to constantly increase? tho welfare of ills peoplo. Tho peoplo entered into thoir part of tho contract by paying ioyxu homage and giving tho fhxiir acknowledgment, that they would do their part if ho would do his. In tho Corouation servioo it was <«pressly stated that Kin<r and peoplo looked to tho guidunco or Almighty God, looked to His morcv and over-ruling providence to guide their paths.

In Neiv Zealand, the speaker Baid, we were tho first to begin a long chain of celebrations in honour of tho Corunotion, and within the next twentvfour hours otheTS in ail parts of tlVe civilised world would bo doing ns wo were now doing—away in southern Africa .and America, iu India, in Egypt, in every nook and'form r, village and city of ths Old Country, and on many a vessel on the hi\ ad r>an. Everywhere there would be vast assemblages gathered to celebrate this same occasion and express their faith and .belief that an King George V, we had a worthy of his great father King Edward VII. .(Applause.) He was wor.Miv „| £;)< of his great and good and ..vcr memorable grandmother, our late Moved Queen Victoria. (Great amilan;.'.; The Archdeacon next wcj.t <»n to toll of what he had I?arn;;d when in London, concerning "the personal characters of our King and Queen. He found that everywhere th-ev were held iii the highest esteem, and that both King George aud Queen Mary bore characters in which there was no flaw. This was not only his own personal opinion but. the deliberate opinion of people -well qualified to judge. Everyone acknowledged them to be right well worthy of the J ugh and honourable offices which they held'. (Applause.) It had been said that it is a fierce light which beats upon a Throne; and tlie King like other people, even on his exalted pedestal, was not immune from the malicious tongue, but the fierce light which beat upon him had' revealed no dark spot. —(applause)—while of his admirable wife it was impossible to speak too highly. (Applause.) The King and Queen were well mated, and both set a fine example of what a man and woman should be at his or her best. Both, were quite simple in their lives, yet brought high intellectual gifts and broad sympathies to bear on the discharge of'their responsible duties. Continuing, the Archdeacon said the continuity of our constitutional monarchy went back to the time of King Alfred, it had stood the test of centuries. It was on record that four centuries before Christ, according to the .old Greek historian Hemlotus, certain people met together to discuss the best form of government; and ever since that time the question lias been in debate; But he took it that the history of our constitutional monarchy went to solve the ' question. (Applause.) Our form of government had been the envy of all other nations, even of'the best regulated Republics. Not only had the lapse of years given such standing to our hereditary constitution, but it seemed upon 'the very threshold of a long tenure of years to bring increasing prosperity to our great Empire (Applause.) We were proud of that, but prouder still our King and Queen, winch was the of the grand personal character of greatest of subject of pride . to-day. •While we were thinking of our 'King and Queen we need not lvesitate to pray Almightj- God to bless them in ■their work, to which ihey were devoted body, mind, and 1 soul; and in giving them our loyal affection wo honoured their perfect character as well as their exalted position as King rind 'Queen. (Applause.) Lastly, the Archdeacon reminded the audience of a striking part of the Coronation service in tho Abbey, where the Archbishop says: I "Sirs, I here present unto you ICing i George, the undoubted lung of this Realm: Wherefore all you who are come this dnv to do your homage and service. Arc you willing to do tho rhiiw?' 1 TV* people .signify their willingness and joy, by loud repeated acclamations, all with one voice cryling ont. ,"G:kl Save King George!" These words would be used within 1 the nest fe\v hours at the Abbey, the 1 Archdeacon said. and lie asked the large audience assembled before him f-'» n?' ,r \it after him: f: God save the Kmc."

Tlie assembled crowd repeated the phrase, and with a ver.se of the National Anthem. the Benediction, and riniring clears for King and Queen, the meeting closeTl. Tlie crowd' immediately left the Hall, outside of which ths volunteers lined up on either side of the street and lirsd a feu de joie. at the close of which the Band played a verse of the National Anthem. AFTERNOON AND EVENING. How to spend the remainder of the day was tho problem which confronted a good many people at the conclusion of tb2 service in Olympia. Quite a large number 01 country visitors were in town, and in .spite of th-3 wet these, as well as many local people, found considerable interest in parading tho town and inspecting th-.> shop and stroet decorations. The Garr.son. Band also camo- to the re.unie by' inviting tho public to attend a free concert giwn by thc-m In the Prill Hall. This generous offer was greatly appreciated and largely availed of. Most of the decorations in, fat/rie possessed a limp and sorry spectacle, the rain having caused the colours to i- run.'' I t was a dull, dismal day, and 'thero, were no signs of the weather brightening m the early afternoon, so that people were not in the mood for making holiday. The steady, teeming rain had soaked and spoiled much of tho exterior decorations, and the damp and cheerless look of everything, with no prospect of its brightening, was such that but few ventured out, the attactions of tho fireside bein£ greatest. Thoughtful for tho young folks, the children's committee made the best of it, deciding that the children should be entertained as well as circumstances would allow. Thov were taken, nearly one thousand strong, into tlie Main School, and there treated to a tempting least- of cakes, sandwiches, and lollies, distributed in bags to the little ones who were seated in the schoolrooms. Tea was served, and every attention paid to them by teachers and committeemen. Some went home after the luncheon, some went to the picture matinee, and a number stayed behind at an impromptu concert held in one of the class-rooms. Thus the afternoon passed as pleasantly as possible, the youngsters being despatched for their homes in time for tea.

As ovor one thousand hags of raW and lollirs voloft over, it w : >s derided to send ■"> tV> vnrimr town school for the children tvLo had not

put i» an appearance, so that they could feast to-day. This afternoon, Mr Craigio will present tho cadet shooting shield to the Main School cadets. EVENING DISPLAYS.

, In .the-, eyening, when the weather was clearer and itioro cheerful, tlie town was brightly illuminated on all sides, and people turned out in greater numbers to view the illuminations. Tho datknes of tho night aided uct a little to make the electrical devices effective. The Post Office, strung with glow tamps of various colours, plus monojjrams and transparencies in the upper windows, received well deserved admiration. From the Post Office triangle could be seen the upper lines of glowing lights on the C.F.C.A. and Poreora buildings, and the little dis.tance made these striking objects too. Both, on nearer and fuller view, were seen to be excellent applications of the current from the power-house. And not far from either the Builders' arch claimed attention, with its outline, monograms and surmounting device in smaller lamps. Worry's too presented a good appearance from the street to the south. Somewhat out of the way of the street crowd, but well worthy of attention, the railway station .staff made good use of their opportunities, all of the numerous office windows on Station 'street being filled with transparencies. At several points a novel effect- was produced by enclosing the more powerful street lights in conical coloured bags. J. Jackson and Co. tried a double series of specially erected lnmps in red. white, and blue, but the white being uncovered did notseem to belong to the scheme. Practically nil the shops furnished something to the total display of light and colour, and not a few of the devices were extremely pleasing. Some of the drapers relied, and not without good reason, on the use of trade materials skilfully disposed. From the fine gasioT star on the Commercial Hotel, south, to the multiple show past T. and J. Thomson's north (with a good solitary display at Kernohan and Co.'s up North Street), the evening strollers had plenty to look at. One n;vcl and effective decoration was an imitation diamond crown on the. Gas Co's. showroom. Those who wandered down .towards the harbour were pleased, if not surprised, to see the ships in port illuminated also. The night was too cold for lingering over the show, and l\v 9 p.m. there were very few people in the streets.

The fireworks and bonfire at the Bay wiM be gone on with immediately on arrival of the torchlight procession, which will leave the Drill T-TcJi. at 0 o'clock to-night and murch through tht main street. CORONATION BALL.

The Coronation Ball is to commence at S to-n.ght. Th? Bali Committee have arranged- with tho Borough Council tu have a. clean footway made to rhe Ball room. Tlie road opposite Turnbull's buildings will be shingled and a crossing made, there, and the footway thence will bd lighted, with small lamp*. Passengers are requested to keep to ihe north of these all the way. and then they can be sure of keeping dry and clean. As a number of people have been unable to procure tickets beforehand, it lias been decided to sell tickets at the door. Purchasers are requested to bring the right amount. The gentlemen's cloak room is under export supervision, and to ensure safe custody of belongings, a small charge of 3d will be made. On the children's niglit no adults will be allowed to dance together; but an adult may daucc with a child. Admission to the supper room will be by ticket which the child will receive 011 entering the room. This ticket will have to be presented to the doorkeeper when the bearer enters the sup-per-room. (Continued on Pags 3. 1 )