The Jubilee Celebrations.

Hastings Standard, Issue 354, 23 June 1897, Page 2

The Jubilee Celebrations.

IN HASTINGS

The morning broke delightfully bright yesterday and at an early hour preparations were in full swing for the local celebration of the Record Reign. At 9 o'clock the procession began to form up, and shortly after 9.30 a start was made down Heretaunga road to the Queen's Square in the following order :

Town Band Hastings Rifle Volunteers School children Hibernians Foresters Oddfellows Fire Brigade, with two engine Fire Police Drag containing Mayor and Councillors Salvation Army Citizens

The procession was a long one. The Fire Brigade made a most creditable display, the steamer being dressed in a most attractive manner and manned by several of the most stalwart members of the Brigade. Arrived at the Square the Volunteers, under Captain Lewis, fired a feu tic joie and the Imperial flag was hoisted amid cheers. Captain Russell then addressed the assemblage, which was unusually large, eulogising Her Majesty the Queen and adding the congratulations of the colonists on her Record Reign. His Empire sentiments was particularly pleasing and was greeted with applause. The oak which was then about to be planted was a symbol of the British Empire of which they were all so proud, and it would stand long after those present had passed away, as a monument of the occasion. His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. A. Fitzßoy) then planted the oak, announcing at the same time that the park would in future be known as Victoria Square. He referred to the generosity of Sir Thomas Tanner and the Riverslea Syndicate, who had placed the ground at the disposal of the citizens. No doubt the Borough Council would make improvements in the ground and make it what it was intended to be—a place of recreation and a pleasure ground for the people of Hastings. Hearty cheers were then given for Mr Tanner and the syndicate, for Captain Russell, Mrs Russell and the Mayor. The school children then sang the National Anthem with band accompaniment, and the assemblage dispersed.

The Jubilee Ball

At the Princess Theatre last evening there was perhaps the gayest assemblage ever seen in Hawke's Bay. The management of the Hastings Bowling Club had gone to no end of expense in arranging everything on a scale befitting the occasion, and they are to be congratulated on the great success of their efforts. Thejhall was a perfect picture, being decorated with the greatest good taste. The stage was arranged as a drawing-room, and at the opposite end of the hall were the orchestra, surrounded by flags, &c. Valuable pictures of her Majesty and of the most important events of her reign were arranged in , prominent positions throughout the room, and over the stage were the Imperial flags and the words " God Save the Queen " in gold lettering. Flowers and ferns adorned various brackets, and art muslin drapery graced the windows. The attendance was very great, about 150 couples being present. The majority of the dresses of the ladies wer6 lavishly rich, and some very expensive costumes were greatly admired. At least 20 ladies are mentioned as the belle. The floor was in firstclass order, and the music was all that could be desired. Miss Nellie Caulton officiated at the piano, and Messrs Marbrook (violin), Barrett (piccolo), Fowler (cornet) and Popplewell (bass). The supper was in charge of Mr R. Winsley, and was in keeping with the successful carrying-out of everything connected with the ball. Shortly before supper Captain Russell, who was atttired in his Imperial uniform, made some very appropriate remarks on the Record Reign. The Hon. J. Carroll also spoke in a similar strain. The National Anthem was, sung by a double quartette comprising Misses N. Caulton, Roach, Percy and Mrs Price and Messrs Ridgway, Morgan, Wright and Thornton, under the baton of Mr H. H. Hunt, and the audience joined in heartily in the concluding verses. Three hearty cheers were then given for Her Majesty. Dancing was kept until an early hour this morning, the large number remaining till the conclusion of the ball testifying to the universal enjoyment of those present.

IN NAPIER,

The Napier illuminations, though not on a grand scale, were most effective. The houses of most of the residents on the hills were brightly illuminated, and Chinese lanterns were seen everywhere. The military sports during the day attracted a very large crowd to the Recreation Ground, and it is estimated that at one time there were close upon 4000 spectators. The Battery fired a royal salute of GO guns, and the Rifles fired the usual feu il-joie. "A lengthy programme included some very interesting events. Mrs J. Miller was awarded the prize for the best florally-decorated go-cart. The first prize in the trade display in the procession went to Mr"Martin, the second to Cook and Graham, an 4 the third to Blythe and Co. For the most original display Mr Martin was first, Mr Poynton second, and Cook and Graham third. In Physical Drill the Navals No 1 team and ilie F Battery tied for first place, Hastings Rifles being fourth. In the bayonet competition the Napier Navals were awarded the honor." with the Hapier Rifles second. Ths bicycling and pedestrian events were all interesting, and there were some excellent finishes. The Garrison Band dis-

coursed good music during the day. A large number of Hastings residents ■were present.

Jubilee dinners were provided for a large number of poor people and the inmates of the Hospital and Refuge.

THE CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE

[By Telegraph.]

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, This day. The Ac ting-Governor tbp following message to the " People of New Zealaud offer thfir heartiest congratulations to their beloved Queen." The Acting-Premier sent the following : " On behalf of Her Majesty's, subjects in New Zealand I*" beg to tender our most hearty congratulations to Her Majesty on the completion of the sixtieth year of her reign. This Record Reign is being celebrated in New Zealand by Her Majesty's subjects to-day." The following message was received : —" The Governor of New Zealand— From my heart I thank my beloved people. May God bless you (Signed) Victoria, London." At 11.30 last night it was announced that the sending of the Anthem signal had been officially disapproved. A large concourse of people who had congregated in front of the Post office then sang a verse of the National Anthem and cheer after cheer was given for the Queen.

Rain began to fall almost immediately and shortly after midnight the streets were deserted. The weather to-day is beautifully fine.

Waipawa, This Day

There was glorious weather and a large attendance at the Commemoration Sports yesterday. An illuminated bicycle parade in the evening attracted a large crowd. The festivites wound up with a dramatic performance, at which there was a record attendance. Several buildings were illuminated. At 11.30 the band played the National Anthem, the crowd singing. Auckland, This day.

The scene at the Queen soreet wharf at 11.30 last night when the National Anthem was sung, was one of the wildest enthusiasm. From eight to ten thousand people were present. The choir assembled under the triumphal arch, and when the signal gun was fired they led the National Anthem, which was conducted by Mr A. Towsey. This was followed by the Doxology. Then the immense crowd marched homeward up Queen street, singing Rule Britannia.

HONORS TO OUR PREMIER

MR SEDDON A PRIVY COUNCILLOR.

Punedin, This day,

The Aetincr-Premier has received a cablegram announcing that Mr Seddon has been made a member of the Privy Council.

THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE

Wakapuaka, This day

The Queen's message to the Governor was despatched from Buckingham Palace at 11.10 a.m. yesterday, and reached Wakapuaka at 11.8 p.m., having taken fifteen minutes in transmission from London to New Zealand. AH the telegraph lines had been cleared for the message and the time occupied in transmission was particularly smart, especially considering the fact that a large number of similar messages were on the wires to other British dependencies. In the Wakapuaka office the message was taken off the cable tape in sheets containing two words at a time which were sent immediately through the window to the Government office and sent on similarly to Wellington. Sir James P render gas t's reply left Wakapuaka at 11.20 p.m. After the reply had been despatched the combined Government and cable staffs, numbering about twenty, assembled at the cable office and sang the National Anthem, concluding with Rule Britannia and cheers for the Queen. Later. Complete arrangements had been made by the Telegraph-ic companies governing the lines between England and the Australian colonies for the despatch of the signal to the various colonies as soon as the gathering at St. Paul's, London, started to smg the Anthem on Tuesday morning. Allowing for the difference of time between London and New Zealand the signal would have reached W r akapuaka about 11.30 last night, and acting under instructions from headquarters all arrangements had been made for clearing the cable and telegraph lines for the receipt of the signal, which it had been arranged should be sent in one letter—" J." However, shortly after 8 o'clock last night Mr Browning, Superintendent of the Cable Company here, was advised by the General Manager of the Company for Australasia, who is stationed at Melbourne, that the Anthem signal had been officially disapproved and the idea had therefore been abandoned. The Government telegraph office had also made every arrangement for the immediate transmission of the signal throughout New Zealand.