CORONATION IN SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14476, 24 June 1911, Page 2

CORONATION IN SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Tli'9 Coronation celebrations wore continued in Timoru yesterday uudi'-r trery happy auspices. Tho weather throughout the day was beautifully tine, in marked contrast to tliat o£ the previous day. Not only did the sun shine brigjlitlyi but a gentle breeze prevailed alsj, and this bad the effect of quickly drying the muddy roads. A half-holiday was observed from 1 p.m., ■Ui<l shortly after thes tour the. town commenced to fill with visitors. It was surprising how large a ■ number assembled, and throughout the afternoon there was a scene of the utmost enthusiasm, young ajid old, ridh awl poor, all uniting in showing their loyalty to King ani country. THE PROCESSION. '

The procession was one of the. best ever seen in Timaru, and the thousands of people who witnessed- it were unsparing in their praise. Punctually 'to the appointed time the long train ox exhibits moved off from the appointed place near the Drill Shed., and from thai hour (2.30 p.m.) until 4 o'clock, when the march ooncluded, it was a nover-ffuling source of interest. The procession was about a mile in length, and the varied nature of the c-rlubits in it, combined to produce a fine spectacul'ar display. Mr Lewis Jonas, hon. secretary to the Day Procession Committee, mounted on a smart little hack, rode at the head of affairs- and proved a marshal of the front rank. There was no accident of any kind, and from start to finish the intricate arrangements wero carried through without a hitch. The route originally marked out for the procession was not strictly adhered to, Uie rain having made some of the streets too 'muddy, but the route actually followed proved a very good one, and quite long enough. From the Drill Hall the proeession went through Browne Street, passing on to Craigie Avenue Just opposite the new Catholic Church, then it went up Craigie Avenue on the left side as far as College Road, where it turned and came down on the opposite side of the Avenue, until North. Street was reached. The line of march thereafter was by North Street. Theodocia and Arthur Streets, arouna tho General Post Office, past the "Timaru Herald" Offioa, up Sophia Street, around the Melville Hotel corner, and back along the entire length of the main street to the Jrill Hall. All along the route spectators were grouped to watch -tie procession, and every vantage point was fullv <ccupied, young and old evincing" the keenest interest in the proceedings. Those taking part in the procession were ns follows, in. the order named (the school children joining in at Arthur Street):— The school children, in charge of their teachers made a verv fine show at tlie head of affairs, each child Waving a banner as they marched along wrth head erect and .firm, sure step. There wer? some hundred? of them, nn l tl:e:r appearance was such as to Iravr- i > r..om for fear as to the futmv 0/ X. _ -aland. The Mountied ].}»■«•< •?: • T.- out. Bowie, followed tiie s?::oci c.i: . r;n, and they mustered to stroii'i Torre*. The Battalion Band ■<-! hy Drum-Major Johnston, ,nn -erc-Liu? Guardsman. were next m the long- procession, and played merry and appropriate marches as they moved along. Tluu-e worthy and respected veteran;; and heroes of tho wrecks at Timaru in ISS2, riding in thi old lifeboat, mounted on a lorne, and decorated with the country's colours, and a crown, above which wero tlie words 'Rule Bnttania f ' in bold wit l.etters, came next, and a he art v cheer given them all the way. 'lt was an inspiring sight, to see those sturdy pioneers, some of them grey-bearded and stooping, in the evening of their lives others strapping .and healthy fit for lite s labours for years to oome. Xhe old fellows enjoyed the ride and they bowed acknowledgment of the repeated ringing cheers. It was good, to watch them surveying tie people and: the places, with a look of pride, for surely the air of progress and prosperity that prevailed was in part the result of their early and earnest labours. It was an eye-opener to some of them, for one veteran, at least, has been bed-ridden for several years and had not seen the town until yesterday for some years past. Aw they passed' the Wreck Mcnument, erected in their honour, all ti>oge in the boat removed their hats as a mark or respect to. those less fortunate ones who had lost their lives when, endeavouring to save others. Those in the boat were Jamee Coram, "William Halfcrd, I. J. Bradley. P Bradley, "W. H. "Wall, T. Hart-, f! MaclCenzie, W. H. Collis end C, G. Vogeler. Mr A. H. Turnbull, of Christohurch, come to Ti'maru on Thursday to take his placo in the boat aa one of those entitled to do so, bat had to return yesterdav by the first express.

ombbrations concluded in fine weathm. TIMARU PROCESSIONS. FUNCTIONS IN OTHER TOWNS. Pk Pra» £isooi*tlon.

Following were the Territorials, who made a fine showing und«r the Command of Lieutenant Andrews of the permanent staff, and .Lieutenant Colonel Beckiughom V.D. lhe High School Cadets, under Captain Joirn6ton followed in full force, uud next paraded the I'ublio School cadets commanded by Captain and Adjutant J. A. Valentine. The school cadets looked particularly spruce ana' orderly, their general appearance and even, marching being favourably commented on all along the line. A stretcher party, from St John Ambulance Brigade marched next, and tlhere followed a trap in which were three Imperial Army and Navy Veterans, Messrs W. H. Page, (Navy), J. Lane (Army), and K. Campbell (Army). Neast followed members of the local bodies, the Mayor and Mayoress, and the Barouah. Councilors and members of the Harbour Board filling ttro drags. The Hibernian Lodge came next, led by Bro. Cunningham on a horse, ail the brethren wearing the orthodox groen sash. Four elaborately deoorated vehicles, nUea with feminine youth and! beauty, attired so as to represent all parts of the Empire followed, the display being that* of Mr T. Thompson, draper. Mr Thompson, himself, riding a donkey and in grotesque dress, wearing a "top" tat, checked trousers and a coloured vest, representing John Bull, was in'the lead. His original display was much admired, and _ tho tableau in one of his vehicles gained first prize in its section. A trio of deoorated carts followed, these being the property of Messrs Quirk and O'Brien, bakers. A quaint exhibit followed —one representative of V ll * - cent's quarry works at Waamataitai. In this were seen quarry screenings, yellow gravel, Milestone, a rockery, and a minature house with, a path of yellow gravel leading up to the front door. There was also a little engine drawing two trucks loaded with gravel. v The Fire Brigade carnage was tastefully decorated, and the brasswork shone and glittered brightly. Riding on it were about a dozen firemen who could boast a dazzling show of medals. The Cullmanntown detachment followed with an excellently got up carriage on which was built a tower, meant to represent a burning building, up which dummy were climbing and water was spurting sideways from the tower top. The Railway Brigade also had a good display. • Next followed the Marine Band, under Drum-Major Battersby. Then came a huge waggon loaded with furniture, bound for O'Callaghan's Mart, this being the exhibit of the New Zealand Express Co. Mr Hutchison, baker, made a fine show with half-a-, dozen of his delivery carts, some showing wedding cakes, others bread, and one the corn in its untouched state. The Christchurch Meat Company had a well-arranged lorrie loaded with wool and numerous by-produots - of the works. Mr W. Miller, grocer, followed. Xheu came the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, bearing their banner, hnd with a van on which several members were grouped in a tableau. Miss Sfcrachan, milliner, riding in a chariot accompanied by other ladies, displayed in regal form the latest in the world of fashion, making $ very chic .display. It was not generally known,' but one of the ladies in the" chariot " had 'em on"; in other words the harem skirt was there. The Borough Council water-oart, brightened oy a liberal share of patriotic bunting, was followed by two of the Council's draya loaded with road and path making materials. The Pareora Freezing Works exhibit was an exceedingly comprehensive one, including black and white wool, wool mats, barrels of oleo, mutton 011 the hooks, some live sheep, and several minor products, the whole combining to make a very fine display. John Davidson and Sons, carriers, were next in order with three gaily decorated drays and a Then followed Sharpe Bros.' exhibit of soft drinks, with a mammoth bottle showing on top. J. Jackson and Co., showed some fine woodwork. In one dray were to be seen the latest in mantelpieces and glasspanelled windows, while in the other was some fine woodwork, with a wood turning machine at work, and turned and fret-sawn work formed a framework round the vehicle. It wrs an artistic display, and was awarded Ist prize.

The Druids display was a conspicuous 011© in the procession, a black-cloaked Druid carrying an ax© leading tbo vehicle on which was a group of members, men and women, attired in white robes, the men having long grey boards. More bearded B3£n were on foot. A Singer sewing machine was .at work on one of the Company's carts, and two other Singer carts, well decorated, followed. Mr J. H. Rodgere 1 bakery oan then Sir Avers, marine dealer. SueXee and ! Co., Chinese gardeners, had what was generally considered the beat-arj-anged display, and the liberal showing of patriotic flags proved that Chinamen can outshine many others in the matter of Ipyalty. One cart was i-.-ad'ed with vegetables, hung round on a net frame work, and the second carried a steamer, in whioh different vegetables were worked in to form the different parts. The Chinamen were frequently applauded, and their smiling faces and courteous acknowledgment of the cheering was pleasing indeed. Southgate Bros.,' plumbers amd sanitary fitters, had & big exhibit in the form of a, tar and sand roller. Next cam© the Pipe Band led by Drum-Major McDuff, and behind the Band came the Foresters. The Westland Timber Company followed with a cleverly .arranged display of turned woodwork. Then Eyans ajid Co. had their "Atlas" flour artistically displayed with three millers in attendance, dressed in white, and with red, white an<d blue ties. The vehicle was also elaborately decorated in l&eeping with the flour trade. The "Westport Coal Company was represented by a dray in which was a huge lump of ooal. and following this came three of J. HoLe and Co' 6. brewery carts with beer m bottle and in bulk, and a representatiaa of ail enormous bottle on one Another Clucamaa followed, Jim All wm vrith a spring cart hung with vegetables of all kinds, and decorated patriotic colours, «31 in a most artiitie mumior. This exhibit, like that ot Sue Leo and Co., vras freoneiitlv fl.pnlauded. From a d'rav iranied "1 coloured umbrellas, i\elson, Moate and Co. distributed nacikets of tea,_ and then followC 1 v '.® r J', tastefully arranged woodm, ,iT t, HP J- Jackson and Co liS J ? e lf ord Mills had their flour artistically displayed on the next vehicle, wheat m the stalk- being also , exhibited, both on an elevation a-bora the tlray, the whole bedng surmounted by a revolving scroll on which were i the words: "Golden Gem." D. Ashton. marine dealer, oame next, ond! following, was the St. .John Ambulance motor oar carrying members ready for nctinn at a moment's notice. J. hcoit s veterinary shoeing forge made & brave- show in a big decorated wag- '

gon drawn by aix horses. A forge was goiug at full blast in the waggon where several smiths were at work. And iu the waggon with thcni were two ponies waiting to bo sltodT Messra Frank Palliser and Sons had u. very fine industrial display drawn by n traction engine belonging to Mr "\V, Harkncss. Tho v-ehicU was t.nst-ofully adorned with busb greenery, and its sides wore built up in different kinds of building material, —hollow concrete blocks, ixjiu'h oat, etc., with enii>el.lishments. Men wcro at work in the '▼ehiole moulding the patent building blocks. Parr and Co., also bad a striking exhibit in the form of a moving engineering -establishment which was drawn by a trnotion engine, tho drivers of which seemed to take a keen delight in blowing the whist!© of the angina. A Frenchman next blwwed "his patriotism, driving in a comic-ally-rooted little vehicle, drawn by a pony. Ho was Mr Louis Vernhes, & potato grower, from Seadown. Last came an exhibit from America, this being the newly-Introduced Overland motor ear. Several privately-owned cars, a,ll gay with patriotic coloure, also formed part of the procession. Some amusement was occasioned as the procession wended its way along, through the antics and grotesque appearance of a couple of oyclists. One represented W. A. Scott and Co., and the other, Brcliaut Bras.

THE SPECIAL PRIZES. The following special prizes were awarded:— Artdstio Displays, John Jackson and Coy. I, Sue Lee and Coy. 2; Tableau, T. Thomson I, Miss Straohan 2i Best working exhibit, F. Pal User and Sons., 1; best commercial exhibit, Canterbury Frozen Meat Coy.

EVENING ON THE BAY. The enthusiasm of the patriots had not been damped by the strenuous day of cJobratkms and, as early as 5 o'clock, the streets were alive again and/ the town was bright with illumination. Myriads of fairy lamps of varied oolours covered the building in Stafford Street, and the iiluiminations, generally, were brighter and better than on the previous night. Being a more favourable evening, a great deal more bunting was displayed ;und several tradesmen made extra efforts for the celebrations. The bonfire on the Bay and the promise of -a iiroworks display acted as a magnet, and hundredis upon hundreds of people had congregated on the sands long before the appointed time for the torchlight procession. Soon after six o'clock, the procession left the Drill Shod and, precisely at this time, the glare of the boniire was &een from the Bay. Opinion was strong that this event had been begun far too early, hut this it is said, wap through some irresponsible* setting fire to the stack of material. By a quarter past six, the fire was burning at its best and by the time the majority of the people arrived, it was withering and low. Tailing up jjhe- Iproceasaion, there were fully two thousand people, a . crowd which crammed the street* and moved as a mass of considerable length. Heading procession wcus the Battalion Ban<f # then a full parade of Boy Scouts, the Drum and Fife Band, the Druids dasplay, the Marine Band and the Pipe Band. The principal attraction was the Fire Brigaao's carriage, froan which "Roman candles and rockets wure dis*charged, and coloured lights ahd torches burned. All along the line, >his continued, the firemen setting the rockets and fireworks off to tliie wry best advantage. A "Darktown" firemen's diplay created no little amuse-nvr-nt. Once on the Bay, there was little waste jf time, and the pyrotechnic diisplay and bands concert proved a highly successful and entertaining affair. In an hour, it was ever, and people flocked townwards, a very largo number making for tlx© Coronation Ball. All the evening, the town was crowded and lively, and people were out to see the last, of the celebrations until a late hour.

TEMUKA, A GOOD PROCESSION. Although the procession was knocked oil the head on Thursday, and consequently a number decided not to. talce part, yesterday morning's procession was an exceedingly creditable display. In beautiful weather, the prooession left Fraser Street at 11 a.m., headed by the Municipal Brass Baud. The Pioneers made a very effective display, about 60 turning out in a decorated lp ri *y> illustrating the early days of South Canterbury. Mrs "Ooira, as Queen Victoria in her early youth, was very effective. About 850 school children and school cadets marched the Mayor and Borough Councillors and members \.of local bodies following. The Maoris made an attractive display, being all in native dress and mostly mounted on horseback. They enlivened the proceedings with hakas alonr* the route. The Oddfellows and Good Templars made a good show with banners and tableaux, and the Fire Brigade were in full force. There were many decorated vehicles, and some fine trade displays were made. The procession went- round the Borough and proceeded to the Domain, where a large number of people had congregated.

judges had a somewhat diffinult task in awarding the prizes for the best displays. Their placmgs were as rollows: —Best decorated display, C. Bates, motor car; comic, Phillips Bros, (fisherman and sportsman) ; trade di'sW> Mre Gamble i tableau Britannia {Mrs Collins). The judges also gave a special prize to a young Maori who represented a Maori chief. On at the Domain a verse of the National Anthem was sung, and the Maoris performed a. number of poi dances and liakas, Mr T. Buxton made a short speech, and thanked all tjiose who had turned out that day to make a display. The tradesmen were deserring of the- best thanks of those present for making suoli a magnificent display, after it had been practically decided to abandon the procession, Mr T. Gunnlon also thanked all who had assisted to make the Junction a success.

Cheers were then riven for the Mayor, for Mr Gunmon, and the Maoris, after winch the children, were all lined np and nrovidod with calces ana lollies, and the proceedings terminated with a selection bv the Band. A good many afterwards went to Winchester t-o take part in the festivities there.

GERALDINE,

I At Geraldine, on Thursday, liotwithi standing tho heavy rain, celebrations were held on a lavish scale. Tho town was very effectively decorated, flags and colourings hemp; displayed everywhere. Many capital window displays attracted attention. In the morning £i service of prayer and thanksgiving was conducted in St. "Mary's by the vicar, the Rev. S. Hamilton and the Rev. G, B. Nanson, the order of the complete service at Westminster Abbey being read. The offertory was in aid of St. Saviour's Orphanage, and amounted to £lO 10s lOd, while later the vicar received cheques for £7 2s additional. The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Aii united service was held between 12 and 1 at Craig's corner, the Revs. A, B. Todd and G. H. Mann officiating, and the Rev. S. Hamilton being also present during the latter part. This gathering concluded frith the singing of the National Anthem. Immediately after wards, n procession was held m teeming rain. The Brass Band, : Geraldine Rifles, and School Cadets.-'

turned out, there being twenty 'exhibits in all. Jduvjug proceeded as far ;u» the Bank of Now Zealand, th\> pro<*\ssion roachod the Park passing the Co-operative Aicociation's buTding, and on. arriving there, there Mayor briefly declared the Commemoration Craoei, open and Mrs Kennedy planted tht* Commemoration oak in the Park. Thus over, the Mayor t-aicl it was his privilege to address tbem oti the ooctision of tho Cororatlon, He was sorry thoy had beon unfortunate n the wither, but they had shown that their loyulty was not daunted by a littH drop of rain—they were not niVa-ui to face the elements. As* subjects of a great Empire, they joined Honw nine yaTS ago in celebrating the Coronation of their late King, and in expressing good wishes which hod been fulfilled. That reign Jiad ended, however, and thoy had mourned the illustrious den<J Their late King hud boon succeeded by i tho nobla eon of a noble sire, and th*sV ! wore proud" that the Throne was filled N by a worthy successor. He spok* in appreciation of the display that bad been made, and lie tivauked all tho members of tho Committee for the good . work done, and concluded by expressing the hope tlint Aliuigthy God might grant a glorious and lengthv reign to King George the Fifth. (Applause) Cleans B. It. Macdonald, F. 11, FJatmun jour., F. R. Flatman senr . sprite Volunteers f llP ,l a Hov .|] Salute and the singing of the National Anthem and eheera for r,h o King and Queen brought the gathering to a £w\r T the weather was Uearer and th, town was illuminated (1 f precession taking place hil? hJff wore present at tho | on 11, held m the evening.

WAIMATE. OPENING OF CORONATION GATES VmTED lhWm - Coronatjon Day iu Waimate wae very wot. From early mora rain foil more or lass heavily all tho dav Tfc wan considered advisable, that as arranged programme as possioio should ha carried out; but, tho planting, of oak trees in King Oeorge Avenue was postponed tiU Monday next. Tho proceedings commenced with a free Junoheon for town and country children. This was given tn tho publio school, and notwithstanding the wet weather there was a large attendance. , * P-™. the procession of Territorials, Friendly Societies, Fire Brigade, Brass and Pipe Bands, Maoris and others marched to Scddon Square, liie lerritonaJs lined in Queen Street, and the Mayor (Mr N. Francis) exprained the changes in tho programme made necessary by bad weather. Councillor Inkster then, requested tho Mayoress to open the Coronation Gates, and for this purpose sho was presented with a pair of silver scissors from the Waitangi ironworks. After the gates were declared open the flag was unfurled by Mrs T. L. Hart (wife of the County Council's chairman). The Territorials fired a'feu d& joie, the National Anthem was suDg and played, and three okeers given for the King. Ihe procession then reformed, and went to the Drill Shed, which was packed. The Brass Band under conductor Wills, and the Pipe Band under Pipe Major Cooper, played selection* very acceptably, and the school children sang a number of patriotic songs, after which the Mayor gave an address, in the course of which he said;

To-day we are gathered together the same as every other Briti&sli centre at this end of the world to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King George. Tfye people of Waimate never miss _ any opportunity of expressing their lov-afty to the Throne, i which, is shown by the large number ! present here to-day despite the wet, and all will, I know, most-heartily euj dors© the resolution X shall presently I submit for your approval. Probably | most of us were present at the local [Coronation festivities in honour of the ! late King Edward nine years ago, | but -all will join with me m desiring I that our present Iving will enjoy bo long and happy a reign that noue but the young will again assemble for a .similar purpose. The subjects of the British. Empire have for 60 many years been ruled by just and tactful sovereigns that they aro apt to forget how much they owe to the self-deny--1 ing life and strenuous work of their rulers. King Gorge is reported to be, if possible, <jven a harder worker for his people, than wos his father, whilst his practical interest in his oversea „ dominions is well known. To Queen ' Mary our thoughts naturally also turn at this time, for her interest in the people, more particularly , the sick and needy, is too well known to require repetition. She is a model i mother, reported to spend all the time she can spare from State functions in her cliildren's nursery, personally superintending their upbringing. His "Worship referred to the celebrations that would take place Ui London, and stated fcliat wherever the British Flag was flying eome celebration in honour of this great event would take place, and various would be the memorials to remind posterity of the importance of the occasion. Waimat-e has done its part, -Mr Francis continued, for we iave just for- | mally opened the King George Coronation gates, which when completed, ' will have cost the borough £l2O (half of which sum will be provided by a Government subsidy) { and which must long remain to remind tShe people of the importance and dat© of this notable event; it will interest you to learn that in spite of outside competition Mr W. J. Wills, our local maker, secured the contract for this work, and he is to be congratulated on his design and the excellent manner in which' the gates are erected. Further, we shall on Monday "plant the first tree? in the avenue of English oaks to b5 called King George's Avenue. This variety of tree, of which one specimen at Windsor Forest is said to be over 1000 years old, whilst another at Cowthorpe in Yorkshire is estimated! at nearly 2000 years/is also surely a most fitting memento for our descendants. Lastly we have the £2OO subscribed by the public and Borough Council equally to complete the purchase* of a chiming clock in our new Post Offioo, which must always be known as the Coronation Clock, for in any ordinarv year the Council oould not have voted so lnrsa a sum to the purpose. Mr Francis addressed some appropriate remarks to the ohildren, after which he moved t

''X'ltfat "u:o 3 the inhabitants of ! ' Borough end County of Waimat-e, ; [ hero assembled in honour of Hii Majesty's Coronation, do hereby acclaim , : -ur devoted loyalty to lung George, and desire to express to their Majesties our humble congratulations on their Coronation with a fervent n*ish that ! tliey may long ]>a spared to con- ! tinue their illustrious reign." r He stated that a copy of tho resolution would be forwarded to the Acting Prime Minister for submission to His Excellency the Governor as His Majesty's representative. ?* h Hurt (Chairman of tho Waunate County Council), in secondthe resolution., spoke of the descent ot His Majesty tho Iving from an illustrious line. King George seemed to some of the best traits of King Edward and Qu-een Victoria He was sure the object of the ruler Trns the happiness of his subjects. Tho British were a democratic nation and during the reign of the present RovaJ Family more progress in. every way had been made than in any former re"fgi. gii Pago 3.*