AN EMPIRE'S REJOICINGS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1162, 24 June 1911, Page 5

AN EMPIRE'S REJOICINGS.

« UNIVERSAL FESTIVITIES. BEACON FIRES BLAZE THROUGH THREE KINGDOMS. CROWDS AT THE PALACE.

By Telegraph—Press Association-OoDJ'fiftht (Rec. June 23, 8.30 p.m.) - London, June 23.

It is announced that neither the King nor the Queen suffered any undue fatigue after yesterday's ceremonies. Their Majesties spent tho afternoon quietly at home, and dined with the Royal guests who were staying at Buckingham Palace.

When the King pressed the button in connection with laying of the foundation stone of the Fishermen's and Sailors' Home in Newfoundland, the fusion of a wire lowered the stone into position.

The King sent a message of high appreciation of the work of Dr. Grenfell, the famous Labrador medical missionary, and referred to the arduous lives of the Newfoundland fishermen. At Sandringham. Queen Alexandra and the Dowager-Em-press Marie of Russia attended a special Coronation- service at Sandringham Church. Fourteen hundred adults and children on'the Sandringham Estate were entertained by King George's and Queen, Mary's order at dinner and tea, and at a sports gathering, when gifts were made. During the dinner, Queen Alexandra, the Dowager-Empress Marie, and Princess Victoria visited and conversed with many of those present. Queen Alexandra afterwards permitted tho guests to visit the gardens and grounds adjoining Sandringham House. The Illuminations. Unprecedentedly large, and enthusiastic, and orderly throngs, stretching through the city to tho West End, witucssed the illuminations, which were the most brilliant on record. There were many fresh, ingenious adaptations of electricity, and all the principal buildings over a large part of London, were a blaze of light. The thoroughfares were almost impassable for hours on end. Royal Progress In The City. Thousands took up their positions. at midnight -to await to-day's procession through the city, while thousands are thronging tho approaches to Buckingham Palace. Yesterday evening the Prince of Wales, in naval uniform, repeatedly waved his,hand from an upper window in response to cheers, tho crowd singing "Rule Britannia" and "God Savo tho-King." Three People Killed. Captain Cowan, who was thrown from his horse in yesterday's procession, fractured his skull. The casualties among the military and the general public were the smallest on record. During a procession in the main street of Bankstaple, a triumphal arch of timj'ber, wreathed with evergreen and flags, fell, killing a woman. Several other persons were pinned beneath' tho wreckage, and grievously injured. ......-• A horse drawing a van bolted and plunged into a children's procession at Cowes.' One girl was' killed. During a fancy-dress parade at Carnarvon, tho driver of. a decorated car fell, and was run over and killed. United Church Servicesi In many instances, in the English provinces, Anglicans and Nonconformists joined in united services in the Parish churches, but at Worcester friction with the Cathedral Chapter led to the Mayor and Corporation attending the Wesleyan Church instead of the Cathedral. THE BEACON FIRES. (Rec.June 23, 8.30 p.m.? London, June 23. A slight shower fell at' 8 o'clock yesterday evening in London. •Mr. Asquith's little son Anthony at ton o'clock telephoned to the Festival of Empire at the Crystal Palace giving the word for tho signal for the Home Countries' bonfires. His message said that ho hoped tho rocket fired" at the Festival of Empire, besides lighting tho Coronation beacons throughout tho land, would kindle in all hearts fresh fires of love and devotion to the King and Empire. It is estimated that three thousand bonfires blazed out like miniature volcanoes from Johu-o'-Groat's to Land's End. Hundreds of the Irish hills were also ablaze. London was surrounded by fires, and G8 in Cornwall, and from Devonshire a chain of light extended through Dorset, Hants, Wilts, and Gloucestershire to the Malvern Hills. Tho whole of the country's salient features were similarly outlined, and fires everywhere fringed the coast. There were eighty-six beacons in Cavan County alone. HOLIDAY IN JAPAN. LANTERN PROCESSION IN TOKIO. (Rcc. June 23, 10.5 p.m.) Tokio, June 23. The Coronation of King George was observed hero as a general holiday. A lantern procession several miles long traversed the city to the British Embassy, singing a specially-composed song of congratulation. All the newspapers expressed fervent hope that the alliance with Great Britain will be continued as one of the, strongest guarantees of peace. THE ABBEY SERVICE. PRINCES IN HIGHLAND DRESS. Tho Princo of Wales, in -his robes of tho Garter, led the procession of British Royalties into the Abbey. His brothers wero in Highland costume, and Princess Mary wore a dress with a long velvet train, and on her head was a small coronet.

Tho Prince of Wales was seated in front of tho Peers. As each Princess passed ho bowed in acknowledgment of their obeisances. The Sermon, The Coronation sermon was preached by the Archbishop of York (Dr. Cosmo Laug), who took as his text Luke, chapter xxii, verso 27:—"1 am among you as he that scrveth." Dr. Lang said:— "The King is sent to be the leader of tho peoplo in the service of God and man. From God's Altar he receives his rule. We pray that strong trust in God will keep him faithful to God's groat trust in him. lie is King among the peoples of tho Homeland, tho multitudes in India, end tho strong young nations overseas, but raised above private and local interests to uulti) all in ono fellowship sf common memories, ideals, and sacrifice,"

stopped into the State Coach. The Australian Cadets-ami the New Zcalandcrs presented arms until the coach passed.

After the Prince of Wales had recited the homage, he kissed the King, and then retired, bowing profoundly. The father drew the Prince towards him, warmly kissing him, and placing a hand beneath the boy's chin. With a further obeisance the Prince retired. The Moment of Crowning. The ceremony of crowning took place at 12.37. An official from the Abbey announced tho news to the people in the streets. It spread quickly, and was received with loud cheering, everywhere crowds singing the National Anthem. Guns fired salutes from the Tower and Hyde Park. Tho return journey was commenced in sunshine and amid most intense enthusiasm, The King and Queen wore their crowns.> Tho return journey was accomplished without incident, tho Palace being reached at 2.50. Their Majesties, crowned, appeared for several minutes on the balcony of the Palace. They bowed to the cheering populace. '■ The troops caught the enthusiasm, and, without orders, joined in the demonstration. The officers drew their swords and waved them aloft. King's First Public Act. ■' King George's first public act after leaving the Abbey and reaching Buckingham Palace was the touching of an electric button in connection with the laying of (.he corner-stone of the Fishermen and Sailor's Hamo in Newfoundland. The King intends presenting tho various Governments of the overseas Dominions with a copy of the State portrait of himself and the Queen. New Zealanders Present. The following New Zealanders were allotted seats'in the Abbey:—Tho Primate (Dr. Nevill) and Mrs. Nevill, Messrs. Turnbull, C. P. Skeirett, K.C., Sir Charles Bowen and party, Mr. R. JJ. Rhodes'.? party, Sir James Mills- and party, Mr. Smith and party, Mr. A. W. Rutherford and party, Mr. Kirker and party, Mr.' Mow Davies and party, Sir William Hall-Jones and party, Lady Stout, Mrs. Seddnn, Mrs. Collins, ' Mrs. Perry, and Mis. Rhodes, sen. Accommodation was also provided for a largo number nf representative visiting Australians. Mr. M'Gowen (Premier of New South, Wales). Mr. Murrav (Premier of Victoria), Sir E. Lewis (Premier of Tasmania! and party. Mr. F. Wilson (Premier of Western Australia) and r/arty, Sir W. J. Lync (ps-Fedoral; Minister). Sir John Forrest (ex-Federal Minister), and other oversea Parliamentarians wore in a pa'lery in n corner r»f the nave in tho uirHiern fr.inserit. They had an exoel'nnt view of the ceremony. Mvi.vno Melba was amongst those in the IC'nrr'c lv*W Tli" TinV-e of XnrWl: sivoinlly invited AtV. Wiol-s, n nrmnTenaH.in. who n-nc « chorister fit the funeral nf o»nr<»/> IV,'. nnd was nros»«t at Hie Cnrnnntinn' nf .William IV.. and Edward VII.

The Life Guards were drawn up at the Palace gates leading into the Hall.

As the head of the procession appeared it was greeted by welcoming shouts from the populace, led by the boys.of the Duke of York's School, boys of Iho Greenwich Naval School, and Chelsea Hospital pensioners, who were seated on a circular terrace surrounding tho Victoria memorial,

REJOICINGS IN BRITAI.N. CELEBRATIONS IN EVERY TOWN. There liave been Coronation rejoicings in every town and r'Unsce in Britain and Trelan'd. All are beflaggod. Most of the Mayors and corpora tinns attended services in the Cathedrals and parish churches. Many oaks were planted in the narks. The school children were entertained at teas' and sports, and aged pensioners feasted, the festivities concludiu* with fireworks and bonfires. Forty-seven Crimean and Mutiny vet-' erans were banqueted at Birmingham. One hundred thousand children received .medals. Tho children at Bournemouth and other places organised Empire pageants, including representatives of every colony. Groceries v;ero distributed to fourteen thousand of the aged poor of Bristol. There were Lady Godiva processions in Coventry. No fewer than 5(4,000 Georgian halfpennies were distributed to Liverpool children, and fifty thousand beakers to tho Newcastle children. The celebrations in Scotland and Irelaud were less elaborate, as both countries are expecting to seo their Majesties in July next. Highland sports were general. In the Protestant churches in Ireland special Coronation services were held and special anthems sung. The lieet of foreign warships at Spithead was dressed with hags. Tho garrison batteries fired Koyal salutes at midday. SCENES OF GREAT POMP. SIGHTSEERS WAITING FKOM MIDNIGHT. London, June 22. The Coronation ceremonies were carried out with great pomp. Never belore, perhaps, has London witnessed such brilliant scenes. Sightseers began to congregate at midnight. Many wero discovered at dawn peacefully sleeping on the, kerbstones. The crowd in tho end was less large than had been anticipated, owing to police precautions and the high price of seats sending many Londoners into the country for the week-end. Buckingham Palace was the Mecca of tho crowds, owing to the possibility of watching tho arrival there of the foreign Princes and envoys.. The Colonial Troops, At tho Palace -tho scene was most brilliant when the. troops, in new uniforms, and colonial military took up their positions, Princess Mary and one of her 1 brothers watched the sceno from a window. The New Zealandcrs (in dark uniforms), the South Africans (in khaki), tho Imperial Light Horse, the Natal Mounted Rifles, the kilted Cape Town Highlanders, and 000 Canadians, representing 130 units, were particularly noticeable. Guards of honour wcro mounted in tho Quadrangle at 9 o'clock. Field-Marshal tho Duko of Connaught was tho central figure of a group of brilliantly uniformed officers superintending the formation of tho different parts of the procession. A number of gorgeously-clad and bejewelled Indian Princesses wcro seated in the Palace- Quadrangle. A Burst of Sunshine, The weather had been unpropitious, but the vniu clouds clcaml, and a burst of sunshine graetcd. their Majesties m theyj

Canadian Officer Thrown, There was an exciting incident when the procession was leaving- the Palace. A restive horse, ridden by Captain Cowan, commanding tho Canadian Mounted troops, was just ahead of the King's carriage, when it piayed up, throwing the procession into confusion. Tho horse toppled backwards over the rider, who enmo down so heavily that his helmet was crushed. Tho crowd believed tho officer had been killed, but ho roso anil insisted on remounting, tho crowd cheering. Captain Cowan was, however, injured about tho body, and had afterwards to be taken to a hospital. Tho Australian visitors began to gather at tho Stafford Housp stand at I o'clock, and the stand was crowded by 8 o'clock. The visitors heartily greeted tho appearance of the King and Queen and the colonial contingents with "Coo-ees." There were thousands of gaily-clad sightseers on tho stands about tho memorial and arch end when tho Mall gates were swung open, their Majesties using them for the first time. 30,000 Persons in Parliament Square. Thirty thousand persons had gathered on.tho stands and pavements in Parliament Square, including 2500 at Westminster Hospital, where from ,£lO to ,£25 apiece was paid for seats. Ten thousand Boy Scouts assisted the Ambulance Corps in supplying the crowd with water. Owing to tho rain to-night, the fleet illuminations at Portsmouth were postponed. FRENCH COMMENT. CEREMONY'S CHARACTERISTIC FEATURE. (Rec. June 23, 10.5 p.m.) Paris, June 23. A contributor to tho "Temps" remarks that those remembering King Edward's Coronation were bound to observe that the main characteristic feature of yesterday's ceremony was tho part given to the oversea Dominions, their flags waving in the procession beside those of the United Kingdom. . OVERSEAS CELEBRATIONS. FOREIGN COMMENT. London, June 22. At St. John's, Newfoundland, there were celebrations. The French, German, Austrian, and Russian-newspapers, are warm in, their expressions of 'goodwill towards King George and tho British nation. SERVICE IN MALTA. Malta, June 22. The festivities have opened. There .is a general holiday. Twenty-two civic •bands' participated in : a triumphal march. General Sir Lesiio Rundle, the Governor, and all tho authorities attended a thanksgiving service in the Cathedral. Twe'nty-ono guns were fired at noon. IN SOUTH AFRICA. ■ Cape Town, June 22. Every town and village in South Africa has arranged for patriotic festivities. Indians and natives are sending, congratulations. SYDNEY GAY WITH COLOUR. IMPRESSIVE SERVICES. Sydney, June 22. Sydney was favoured with fine weather for the Coronation festivities. Tho city presented ■ a -brilliant appearance. The streets and buildings everywhere were gay with bunting and decked with greenery. The harbour.was a fine sight, the shipping being lavishly dressed; All business was at a standstill. In tho morning Coronation services were held, churches of all denominations participating, and there were crowded congregations. At St. Andrew's Cathedral, where fEo Lieutenant-Governor, tho heads of the naval and military forces, and tho representatives of tho Government officially attended, there was a most impressive service, on the samo lines as that held in Westminster Abbey. The Anglican Primate, in the course of a sermon, said: "From God, and God alone, comes Empire. Neither fleets nor armies, nor diplomatic or legal acumen, can maintain a Throne if God forbids. The King is the embodiment of our right to claim as our own all the greatest and best in the past history of our race. George is a King who knows us as none of his predecessors did or could, for ho has been amongst us, and carried to England truths lie learned in tho Empire." At St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral the service was of a military character. Cardinal Moran, in his sermon, referred to tho beneficence of tho late King Edward, arid said: "We Catholics join in the festivities more readily because tho Coronation marks an epoch in religious tolerance." Ono of tho great events of the day was tho children's demonstration on tho agricultural ground. Over 23,000 children participated in an effective programme, including tho singing of appropriate songs. Members of tho naval and military forces provided a sports display for tho entertainment of tho children and the immense crowd. ■ Each child was presented with a Coronation medal.

Country reports" show that tho day was everywhere loyally and enthusiastically observed.

Enormous crowds paraded the streets in tho evening viewing the illuminations, which wero on a lavish scale.

Sydney, Juno 23. Tho Coronation ball in tho Town Hall was a brilliant function. At 10 o'clock, corresponding to the Coronation hour, tho National Anthem was played amid great enthusiasm.

Tho Sydney Highland Society has initiated a movement to erect a statue to King Edward in Sydney.

vices in tho churches wero numerously attended. The principal event of tho day was a military march through tho cily. Enormous crowds lined the route.

Yesterday's tram traffic was a record, surpassing even that on the occasion of tho visit of the American fleet. For somo hours during the evening tho street traffie. was practically blocked. Immense crowds viewed the illuminations. (Roc. June 23, 10.5 p.m.) Sydney, Juno 23. The city again presented a holiday appearance to-day, and business was slack owing to the closing of tho Government offices. The picnic resorts wero well attended. Tho illuminations are being shown tonight, and there aro enormous crowds in tho streets. ELSEWHERE IN AUSTRALIA. DULL DAY IN MELBOURNE. Molbourne, Juno 22. Tho 'weather was dull for the celebrations of the Coronation. The special eer-

The- decorations and illuminations of tho city were on a lavish scale.

Intermittent rain in tho forenoon interfered with the Commonwealth Coronation dinner. Melbourne, June 23. The State Government lias provided four thousand pounds for tho Coronation dinner for the poor. Adelaide, Juno 22. The weather was bitterly cold to-day, Special services were held in all tho churches, and the crowds in tho streets were loyally demonstrative. A big fireworks display took place at the Cricket Oval tonight. The decorations and illuminations of the streets wero very fine.

Brisbane, Juno 22. Tho weather was fino but cold. A State levee was held at tho Parliament House. A monster procession marched to Bowen Park, where a religious service was held. To-night there was n display of fireworks. The decorations and illuminations wero not very elaborate.

Hobart, June 23. The weather was fine for tho Coronation celebrations. Tho general decorations and illuminations were not elaborate. Leading business people gave donations to charities instead. Perth, June 23. The weather was fino and the city, handsomely decorated and .illuminated. There were enthusiastic celebrations throughout the State. GRENFELL OF LABRADOR. Dr Grenfell, of Labrador (referred to in tho above cablegram) has becomo world famous as a medical missionary. Ho intends to visit England in tho autumn, and to do some lecturing in the larger provincial cities. The Royal Geographical Society has decided to present the Murchison Bequest for the year to Dr. Grenfell'in recognition' ot Ins work in Labrador. He began his medical woik there with one hospital ship. Ho has now three vessels, and four hospitals on land as well. They are all in communication by wireless with his owjr ship, which ho commands himself by virtue, of a master's certificate. Tho suffering they relieve aud prevent is not to be told of in words. Yet-this medical work-is but one side of Grenfell's activity. Ho soon saw that the only way to do any lasting good was to look upon each, patient as a Bymptom of some evil deeper down. No use to patch up tho tuberculosis child and send it back to the samo conditions which produced the tubercle. Seek out tho conditions and remedy them. That was the plan he worked by. Therefore tho people of Labrador are far better off to-day than when ho went there eighteen years ago. Never is he likely to forget tho experience ho had when ho sleighed by mistake on to some "porridge" ice and got adrift on a small ice-floe in a very bumpy sea. Ho had' luckily all the eight dogs with him. To save his lifo nnd some of theirs ho managed to kill three of them. In their skins ho wrapped himself. Their flesh ho gave to the rest. Thoir thighbones ho lashed together and made into a. flagstaff, to which ho tied his shirt! By great good fortune this was seen, and he was rescued far out at sea after as narrow an escape from death as over man had. -

THE WORCESTER DISPUTE. It appears that the Bishop of Worcester was; in favour of a united Coronation service,""to which," he said, "our Nonconformist brothers should be invited, and at which tho ministers might well bo asked to read the lessons." The' Cathedral Chapter, however, refused to countenance the Bishop's proposal on tho ground that s;ich a> course was contrary to',the'"Cathedral.' statutes and' because 'it" might create a'difficulty in tho future. The Mayor of Worcester, who is a AVesleyan, wrote to tho Dean and Chapter suggesting that his chaplain should read ono of the lessons. The Chanter however rofused to agree, and the Mayor decided -.0 take no official cognisance of tho cathedral service.