GREAT SUCCESS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 28

GREAT SUCCESS

CORONATION TELEVISED

HANDICAPPED BY RAIN

(From "The Post's1' Representative.) . . . LONDON, May 15.

Television -was given an important test on Coronation Day, and it came through with flying colours. Some 30,000 people saw the scene at Hyde Park, they were far from the Royal route, seated in drawing-rooms, shops, offices, and cinemas. The 8.8.C. announced that the procession was seen by television as far away as Brighton and Ipswich. 'Both sound and vision were received perfectly. From Fleet (Hants) and Rochester (Kent) also came reports of good reception.

Reception was good, despite the rain, but it would have been much better in sunshine. The downpour continued during the whole hour's transmission, making the worst possible conditions, short of fog. The 8.8.C. team, having waited from 4 a.m., were greatly disappointed. The weather's perversity was emphasised when immediately after the transmission the light improved considerably.

■ Such details, as the emu feathers in the Australians' slouch hats and thp plumes in the Guards' bearskins showed plainly on the. screen. As the procession passed in review, bands, playing, cavalry and infantry marching to a steady roll of cheers, the glambur of the occasion was captured .by radio.in a manner never possible before. Owing to the rain; the Empire Premiers, and Mr. Baldwin were not seen,, but the angle- of- vision into the coaches improved later and; a glimpse:was given of the Duchess of Kent. Queen Mary could be seen through the glass panels distinctly," though the two ..Princesses were not visible.' ■:•■ ■ :

The brilliant uniforms of the. Indian Army and horses prancing .momentarily sideways to the'camera heralded the climax. A few minutes later the State coach, drawn by the Windsor greys, was in sight.. Then for.just a brief moment the King was seen wearing his crown. Finally came .-'a last view of the procession from the rear, passing; towards the Wellington Arch. A commentary was given throughout.

The pictures were transmitted by | the Marcohi-E.M.I. system, whose Emitron cameras were used. •'. Drill and concert halls and many other buildings were temporarily- employed' as demonstration theatres by television manufacturers. •At Ranelagh polo ground a set was''installed in-i-J-a marquee, • One wireless dealer organised a special demonstration- for crippled children unable to attend the L.C.C. parade. The patients and staff of the Brentwood' Hospital also saw the whole' of the procession with'a-set installed tor them.