THE CORONATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20720, 6 May 1937, Page 6

THE CORONATION

GOOD PROCESSION ASSURED

ARRANGEMENTS WELL ADVANCED

The Coronation executive met last evening to complete arrangements lor festivities next week.

It was reported by Mr B. L. Blodorn that arrangements were complete for the procession which gave promise of being an outstanding one.

For the Ball Committee Mr P. B. Foote stated that their arrangements were well in hand, and there was every indication that the function would be an outstanding success. Mr R. S. Goodman said that the fireworks display would take half an hour, ar.d arrangements had been made with the Fire Brigade to give a waterworks display, which would take 15 minutes. The Yacht and Rowing Clubs found that they could not give a display which would last any length of time, but the fishermen were prepared to take their launches into the Bay, and with lanterns and coloured lights they should put on an attractive display. It had been found desirable to hold the displays on the Thursday night, in connection with the retailers. Mr P. W. Young said that the Caroline Bay Association desired to hold the bon-fire on the Thursday night. There was only sufficient material for one bon-fire, ar.d it was felt that it would be better to make one good display. The meeting agreed that the fireworks, water-works display and bonfire be held on the Thursday night. Mr E. D. Mcßae said that the retailers had their plans well in hand, and their programme would be a comprehensive one. They had set up three committees, and their part of the festivities would not be confined to the retailers, but would be a business community effort. They had arranged for concert parties, burlesque displays, community singing and dancing and so on. They had also decided to conduct a window-dressing competition, which would be judged by public vote, and already 96 entries had been received, the retailers having taken up the idea enthusiastically. Mi- C. Shackell said that they had done their best to make the procession on the Thursday night a success, and in order to do so they had sought the co-operation of lorry-owners, with a result that they had obtained the use of 36 lorries. At the moment they estimated that the procession would be half a mile long, exclusive of private cars. They were desirous of taking the procession right on to the grass in the vicinity of the Sound Shell, in order to form an arena, and their whole programme depended on gaining that permission.

It was agreed that the committee should go ahead with its arrangements as though permission had been obtained.

Mr Shackell said that they were desirous of keeping all private cars off the Bay unless they were decorated. Mr Goodman said that they did not desire private ears on the Harbour Board reserve because of the fireworks display. He asked what constituted a decorated car.

Mr Shackell said that the men on point duty would have to decide that. The committee would find their task easy if those intending to decorate their cars would advise them.

The Mayor said that small points would be cropping up, and the various committees would have to act without waiting for the executive. Mr Mcßae said that the bands only would be out on tire Friday night, ans with a little organisation those in fancy costume in the earlier functions could;be persuaded to turn out again on the Friday.