"ROCHESTER WEEK"

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 84, 6 October 1931, Page 11

"ROCHESTER WEEK"

NEW ZEALANDER TRAVELS

Some very interesting notes como from the diary of a New Zealand girl, Miss M'Cormick, of Picton, who is travelling abroad, on a holiday tour, and taking a keen and intelligent view of all the places and events as she "passes by." Among other beautiful spots visited in England was Rochester. She was there in "Rochester Week," and writes as follows: — "There was a wonderful pageant at Eochcster which I was keen to see, though I did not imagine it would be anything very exciting. However, I was wrong there, becauso never have I enjoyed anything more. The idea of the pageant was to depict or recall incidents in the history of the city during the past ages. The proceedings took place in the castle grounds, which were an ideal setting. TWO THOUSAND PERFORMERS. "The castle is partly in ruins, but the enclosure is perfect. We wore in the best seats in a grand stand near where tho Prince had sat the previous day. There were thousands of onlookers, and I am suro there were about two thousand performers as well as the choir. The first item was symbolic, showing the 'Spirit of Rochester' and all the attendants, music, colours, rainbow, etc. —all wonderful. These were shown by bands of girls who came in dancing from the two old gateways at the side of the castle. The colours and costumes were beautiful. It was such a thrill to see the great gate of the castle slowly open, and 'the spirit,' a beautiful girl, emerge, all in grey (the part was taken by Sybil Thorndyke when she was in Rochester). The music was lovely, and so were tho speeches; we could hear all from where we were. Then followed tho 'Caesar's meoting with the British settlers,' interesting acts, and all beautiful. Tho costumes were said to be as correct as possible, and cost thousands. The part I liked best, if one could choose, was where 'Elizabeth' came to stay at Rochester with all her train. Sho was preceded by beautifuJ girls in exquisitely coloured frocks of silk velvet, bright greens, orange- and blues. They had on leash the loveliest dogs, large ones, and some had falcons —huge birds. Falconry has just been revived in England. They threw bait up into the air, and the birds pounced upon it in the air. Lady Darnlcy was 'Queen Elizabeth,' and Lord Darnley was tho 'Earl of Leicester.' The 'marriage of the Medway and Thames' was part of the show, with 'Queen Elizabeth' performing the ceremony. The 'lust spasm' of all was 'Dickens and somo of his characters,' this place being very near his home, and this part was just ripping. At the end everyone sang '0 God, Our Help in Ages Past,' and it seemed so appropriate to say 'A thousand ages in Thy sight aro liko an evening gone.' I sat perfectly thrilled." OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS. Miss M'Cormick went to see the beginning of the New Zealand Test match, and was immensely interested, but sho feared not altogether popular, when she could not conceal her joy when there were any British reverses! The King was there to watch the play, and was loudly cheered, especially when he went forward and shook hands with the umpires. Ascot was another appreciated day. Miss M'Cormick 'put on a pound' hero

and there with varying luck, but was 100 much interested in watching things generally to worry with 'backing horses. " That day there was a Royal procession, and they had a good position to see tho State carriages drive up. Tho King had grey horses, ant the others bay, whilo the King _ _li:<<l win-let outriders, also beautifully mounted. Tho Queen wore one ot tier usual round toques and an Oriental coat. The Duchess of York was charming in blue, but Princess Mary's hat was too largo in the brim for her, and her costume was boigo colour. 1 art of the joy of Ascot was tho drive there past Runnymede and Virginia \\ ater.