THE GREAT ORANGE PROCESSION AT TIMARU.

Ashburton Guardian, 5 November 1880, Page 2

THE GREAT ORANGE PROCESSION AT TIMARU.

(By Telegraph, from our cnvn Oorres- ■ pondent .) ■ : Timaru, To-day. The grandest' Orange ‘ procession ever known ih this district was held in Timaru to-day, and the town presented an appearance of the most gay and lively description. The procession numbered about 1000 men,, and was made up of strong contingents from Southland, Otago (who arrived by steamer), and from all the places north to Christchurch. The Christchurch contingent, which was a very strong one, arrived by special train early in the day, :ahd when the great mass of Orangemen had been fairly marshalled they paraded the town dressed in their brilliantly - coloured Orange regalia, and carrying flags and banners. Three bauds of music accompanied the procession, playing “protestant” airs as they marched, including “ Old Jdhn Brown.” The streets were densely thronged by spectators, but good order was preserved. The only show of defiance was made at the Shamrock Hotel, from the upper windows of which green ribbons were hung put, an,d, vigorously dangled in the faces of the processionists as they passed. Fortunately, the Orangemen treated the insulting exhibition with contempt. The party assembled in a paddock near the town, where they had a capital luncheon, and spent the afternoon in athletic and other sports.