EAST CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL HOLDS QUEEN CROWNING CEREMONY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18189, 23 June 1927, Page 6

EAST CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL HOLDS QUEEN CROWNING CEREMONY.

The Caledonian Hall was thronged with interested spectators last night for the crowning ceremony, which was the finale of the scheme organised to raise funds for a new heating system for the East Christchurch School. Frequent rehearsals and the great pains taken in the preparation of the numerous costumes made it a most successful function. The pupils carried out their allotted parts splendidly, and every detail was accurately rendered with all the pomp and ceremony attending a coronation.

After a piano solo played by Miss Williams, the head master, Mr Beaglepole, welcomed all present, and thanked all those who had helped, on behalf of the teaching staff. The curtain was raised, and revealed the court draped in black, and a canopy of gold coloured damask, a handsome oak throne, red carpets, cushions, etc. A fanfare of trumpets was heard at the door, and to the strains of a .slow march two heralds, in white satin breeches and scarlet tunics, headed the procession. They were followed by the Archbishop in red mitre and robes of white and purple, and the Lord High Chancellor in wig and gown. The ladies of the court with their retinue, their long trains carried by picturesque little pages, followed. First came one in white satin with a blue velvet train, her attendant maids in blue; the second was in henna coloured brocade with a train of royal blue; another had a red velvet train’ and another wore white with a pink velvet train, her maids in blue. Then came a princess in a pink flounced gown with a rose-velvet train. Her pages were attired in white breeches and back and gold coats, while their three-cornered hats were decked with ostrich plumes. Another princess had a shell pink train to her cream satin gown. Her maids wore jade and rose-coloured frilled frocks. All wore gold coronets, and their maids of honour wore dainty lace, pearl trimmed, caps and carried posies of flowers. The heralds led the way to the dais, then descended to meet the Queen. With stately mien she came slowly, wearing silver lace over white satin, and a purple velvet train edged with ermine carried by two pages in white. The heralds bowed low and escorted her to the throne, where she took hrseat, ller six maids of honour wore blue, pink and mauve. They curtsied to the Otieen, and then took their places behind the throne. Next came the mistress of the robes in black velvet and court plumes, and her pages in black and gold. She was followed by pages bearing the crown on a red velvet cushion, the sceptre and the orb. Finally came the stalwart scroll-bearers, in white breeches and blue surtouts. All made obeisance to the Queen and grouped themselves, making a feast of colour.

The Mistress of the Robes came forward after removing the Queen's coronet, and retired. The page brought the crown, which was placed upon her j head by the Archbishop, rapturous applause greeting the crowning. The sceptre and the orb were presented by the Lord Chancellor, who read from the scroll the address to the throne. “To our most gracious sovereign Queen Marjorie of the Kingdom of East Christchurch, on the banks of > the Avon, where stands the beautiful edifice wherein, day by day, your faithful subjects recount in solemn chant and loud-voiced harmony their allegiance to your Majesty, who has caused to be installed a heating system which will bring great, joy to all within.” After many diverting topical allusions, the address concluded with thanksgiv ing bv loyal subjects who hailed their Queen. The Lord Chancellor then read the Queen’s speech, in which many good things were promised, including a new school, and a number of honours were conferred. ’ i The scrolls were delivered to the ' i bearers, who were made equerries to : I her Majesty. The Royal Princesses « ! were all presented in turn by the Mis- ! tress of the Holies. The heralds adi i vanced and led the re-formed procession ' I away. I After a musical programme and some conjuring tricks, Mr Harvey, on behalf of the householders and pupils’ parents, presented Mr W ake, the late head master. with a handsome gold watch in a » j case, which Mr Wake suitably acknowt ledged.