TIMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 33, 14 August 1902, Page 6

TIMARU.

(From our own correspondent.)

The celebrations on Coronation Day in Timaru were a great inccets. A monster procession was held representative of all elapses, trades, friendly societies, etc., in the community, while tableaux, banners, and trade representations were most effective, and were witnessed by thousands of people. One of the most interesting items in the procession was a representation of Ireland, designed by Mr W. Grieve and carried out by a committee of ladies and gentlemen under his supervision. A waggon drawn by two powerful horses was decorated by a framework of evergreens closely woven in netted wire completely surrounding the vehicles, and various mottoes — ' Erin-go-bragh,' • God Save Ireland,' etc., with designs of shields, harps, and shamrocks — were worked out in gold on the dark green background. The tableau on tbe top of the vehicle, where a suitable stage and throne were erected, was one of the best in the procession. Erin (Mies Annie Dillon), dressed in a costume of white trimmed with green and gold, seated on a throne and leaning on a harp, was the centre piece, the steps of the throne being occupied by little girls in white holding lyres and wands, while the corners were filled by four young maidens representing Art, Agriculture, Industry, and Literature. The colors used in the various costumes were confined to green and white and gold, and the effect of the grouping was very pleasing. A mounted guard of honor accompanied the vehicle repreeenting Robert Emmett, Henry Grattan, and two Irish squires. The repreeet tation of Robert Emmett (Mr B. J. McKennah) in full military costume, as shown in the popular national illustrations, was easily recognisable. Mr MoKennah is to be complimented on the manner in which he studied the character in every detail of dress, his physique aiding him considerably, the representation beiDg undoubtedly one of the most attractive in the procession. As Henry Grattan, Mr M. McKennah was an ideal Irish gentleman, and, with dress and wig, looked the character all over. Messrs M. Flannagan and P.Sullivan were splendid representations of the rollicking Irish country squires, and completed a quartette of Irish gentlemen rarely represented in typical detail in New Z aland. Mi.s9 Dillod, as ' Erin,' won golden opinions, and the various other figures in the tableau filled their positions admirably. A magnificent pair of draught horses, generously decorated and lent by Mesbrs Forgan Bros, gratis, was harnessed to the tableau, and proved most tractable in all the noii-e and excitement, being skilfully handled by Mr P. Kane, who undertook the responsible position of driver. The Hibernian iSociety, headed hy the Rev. Father Tubman and the president (Mr J. Leary) followed the tableau. Unfortunately, a strong north-webt squall made it necessary to take down the society's bann< r. The gathering numbered about seventy members, which was tbe highest number of representatives of any single friendly society in the procession.

After the procession the members returned to their rooms, when refreshments were handed round and votes of thanks were passed to all who helped in making the celebration a success, special votes being passed to Miss Annie Dillon (Erin) and Mr W. Greene and G. Venney (artists), Messrs B. J. and M. McKennah, M. Flanagan, and P. Sullivan. Speeches were given by the president, Mr Leary, the Brothers Shea, Fitzgerald, Kane, and Donnely. Special mention, however, should be maae of Misses McKenna and Mara, who with a bevy of assistants made all the costumes, also Messrs P. and J. Mara, P. Kane, A. Collins, J. Connor, J. Leary, and J. Sulliven, on whom fell the lion's share of the preparations, and Mr T. Harney, who went to much trouble in supplying evergreens. Father Tubman acted as chairman of committee : P. Kane, treasurer ; and M. H. Dennehy, secretary.

The election of officers of the local branch of the Hibernian Sooiety for the ensuing quarter resulted as follows : — President, Bro. J. Leary ; V.P., Bro. Thos. Donovan ; treasurer, Bro. J. Sullivan (re-elected) ; secretary. Bro. J. Fitzgerald (re-elected) ; warden, Bro. Doyle ; guardian, Bro. Cox ; sick visitora, Bros. Flannagan and O'Conner.