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Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 708, 2 January 1903, Page 2

THE GREAT DURBAR. Yesterday, at Delhi, there was celebrated the festival, or durbar, in honor of the proclamation of King Edward as Emperor of India. As our cables show, the pageant was a magnificent one. the ceremony being carried out, upon a scale of Oriental splendour that may be almost described as unique in the annals of India. To Britishers generally, it might seem that such a costly ceremony was 100 extravagant altogether for the country that lias recently been afflicted by a terrible famine, but fortunately the drought has broken up, and happier conditions prevail. To the people of India, the ceremony is of great significance, and any argument as to extravagance is cut away by the fact that the able Viceroy, Lord Curzon, has been conducting the affair on commercial principles, each department being made practically to clear itself of expense, and the rich princes of India have given of their wealth in munificent style. From a practical as well as a sentimental point of view, the gathering should be of great value. People from all parts of Indi. are taking part in the rejoicings, and it naturally follow’s that the historic site of Delhi is the scene of one of the most picturesque gatherings the world has ever seen. The pity seems to be that His Majesty himself was not well able to he present, but it must have been cheering to the loyal people of India to know that he has recovered his health. A sad incident since the Coronation has been the death of the revered Archbishop of Canterbury, and during these Oriental festivities there will naturally lie a deep touch of sympathy for" the relatives of the deceased prelate.