THE CORONATION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 33, 14 August 1902, Page 20

THE CORONATION.

The Coronation ceremony, which was postponed from June 26 in consequence of the illness of the King, took place in Wentminfeter Abbey on Saturday and was a most brilliant spectacle. Millions of spectators lined the route from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey. Among the guests who came in for enthusiastic recognition by the crowds were the Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon.

Westminster Abbey presented a scene of great magnificence. The galleries were bo arranged as to avoid hiding the leading architectural features and contour of the building. The nave, choir, and the galleries behind were lined with Mayors, representative working men, Nonconformist delegates, past and present Imperial Ministers and their wives, officers and their wives, and all the Agents-General and their wives, all in uniform, court, or levee dresses. The Abbey was brilliant with color, the magnificent gala dresses of the Indian rajahs being conspicuously splendid. The Queen and her supporters and ofiioeiß of the State were the first to take up their positions, after whiob the King's pr iccssion followed. After the prescribed service the Archbirhop of Canterbury performed the ceremony of anointing and crowning the King, the Archbishop of York crowning the Queen.

As their Majesties proceeded from the Abbey to the palace they were received with acclamatio&s by the people.

Besides a large number of distinguished visitors from the Commonwealth, the following New Zeaianders were invited : — The Hon. A. J. Cadman, Dr. and Mra. Hocken (Dunedin), Revs. 8. Aneon and R. Wood, Mrs R. Heaton Rhodes, Mr T. 0. "A il lianas, Mr Cecil Laecelles, Dr. and Mra Findlay, Lady DougUn, Mr and Mra Thorpe Greyßon, Mrs Oliver, Major and Mre Grey, Mr and Mm Frank Dyer.

The King looked the picture of health, and was apparently not over fatigued by the ceremony. In response to the sustained demonstrations outside the palace, his Majesty, robed and crowned, appeared on the balcony, He received an immense reception, which was renewed when he invited Queen Alexandra to join him. He remained bowing to the crowd ior some minutes.

In all the Commonwealth States, as well as in the other British possessions, the event was celebrated with great eclat, the proceedings including processions and religious services.

la every centre in New Zealand the Coronation celebrations were observed on Saturday with great enthusiasm. In Dunedin there was a procession, presentation of medals to returned troopers, and fireworks in the evening.