PROCLAIMING THE KING.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 29 January 1901, Page 3

PROCLAIMING THE KING.

(per press association.) Wellington, This Day. Ministers took the oath of allegiance to the King at the Government House this morning and at noon the proclamation of His Majesty’s accession was made by the Governor in the presence of a large assemblage in front of the Parliamentary Buildings, the National Anthem was played by the Garrison Band. The troops present presented arms and a salute of 21 guns were fired by the local batteiies and by H.M.S. Mildura, cheers being given for the King by both tho official assemblage and spectators. The bells of the Post Office tower rang out a long peal. Wellington, January 28. Telegrams from all parts of the colony state that the reading of the proclamation of the King was received by large crowds with cheers for the King. The proclamation was read by the Mayor m front of the Cathedial steps at half-past twelve, followed by three cheers for the King and the National Anthem.

At 12 o’clock the “H” Battery paraded and fired a Royal Salute in Trafalgar Street. Although drizzling rain was falling, there was a large attendance at the rcatling of the proclamation.

The Governor has received the following cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies:—

“His Majesty the King and Royal Family are very grateful for the very numerous manifestations of sympathy which have been received from the colony of New Zealand.” The Agent-General cables to the Government intimating that the Queen’s funeral takes place on Saturday, and stating that the Duke of York takes the title of the Duke of Cornwall. The Hon. J. G. Ward has received acknowledgments from the Mayors throughout the colony in regard to his request for the reading of the proclamation of the King. All of the Mayors have replied stating that the ceremonies were carried out as directed, and were attended by large gatherings of the public. The reading of the proclamation has been everywhere received with great enthusiasm, cheers being given for His Majesty. In numbers of places the Maoris attended in force and took great interest in the proceedings, the chiefs delivering loyal speeches. It is the intention of the ActingPremier to declare Saturday next, the day of tho Royal funeral, a Government holiday in all parts of the colony. At tho various post and telegraph offices Sunday hours will be observed, and all the banks, mercantile houses, and places of business are to be asked to suspend business during the whole clay out of respect to the memory of Her Majesty. The Hon. J. G. Ward fears that it will be impossible to interfere with the railway traffic beyond the previous announcement, which enjoins the complete suspension of traffic for half an hour in mid-day on the day of the funeral, Christchurch, January 28. The reading of the proclamation of the King in the city and suburban throughout was received with enthusiastic cheering. There was a largo crowd present despite the wet weather ; flags were flown mast high and bells rang out joyous peals.