THE PROCESSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17349, 14 May 1924, Page 1

THE PROCESSION.

BY SINBAD. Oh, who are these that boldly conic in noisy onslaught on the town—with bugle and with rolling drum, and cries that would a foghorn drown? Whence has arrived this motley crew, that stops all business at the sight, and words provokes, the city through, of disapproval or delight. What is this rabble near at band, that all the city gazes at? They’re not the Regimental Band—they’re far too musical for that. I have been told that such a sight has not been witnessed for a year ;—yes, reader, you have guessed aright—the Students’ Capping Day is here. S<?e, yonder are the King and Queen—l ask you, was there ever seen, in days that are or e’er have been, a more majestic pair? The King with stately scorn looks down—he has a (maybe) ermine gown, and on his bead he wears a crown with condescending air. His consort modest more would be—a simple style of hat wears she —a bargain bought for two and three in some far pre-war year; she smiles around w r ith .manner sweet, at every damsel in the street; I think it’s nice of her to greet her loyal subjects here. A stately herald leads the way, with fiery face and tunic gay;, his job. T should presume to say, is that of “ danger sign ” ; for as the troops with eager feet make progress ponderous yet fleet, his figure serves to clear the street and keep the crowd in line. The bands sweet music play, in competition keen, by items grave, and gay your high applause to glean. Now here is Long Tack Sam, a conjurer of fame; he does not care a clam for others in the game ; but should he try his tricks on Art and Artley. he will find that all for nix his sleight of hand will be. The Ziegfeld Follies girls most lightly trip along ; with lovely Marcelled curls, they charm us wdth their song. The great Railway Problem ,at last has been solved, and strikes will have terrors no more ; oij Massey and Coates has the duty devolved of tiding tlie services o’er. All grimy and breathless in blue overalls, a big Baldwiu loco, they run; while here are some fellows with crowbars and malls—the new r Clarence Bridge is begun. The good old moke Kingsdale again is rung in, and ships from the Navy are here ; while.rast lady athletes a meeting begin, and bootleggers brew bottled beer. With highsoaring spirits they hurry about, and citizens gather to see; 'when there’s such a perfect excuse to be out, oh, who in an office would be?