CORONATION DAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 99, 13 May 1937, Page 3

CORONATION DAY

Our- Own Correspondent.

IMPRESSIVE GATHERING AT WAIROA

From

WAIROA, Jhis Day. After a night of heavy rain, and a high wind, Coronation Day brbke overcast, but at 10 a.m. the sun came through to grace a great occasidn. Trafac was early astir, but all was well controlled by the police and traffio inspeetors. , The town presented to the early visitors from the country a pleasingj appearance, there heing a good exhibition of hnnting on publio buildings, while the shops were well decorated with the Empire colours and patriotio motifs. Shorfcly after 10 o'clock led by the Wairoa Band under the baton of Mr K. G. L. Smith, the procession moved off from the Dairy Faqfcyv corner. Following the band came good musters of the Girl Guides, Fire Brigade inembers, South African veterans, Maori War veterans, returned soldiers, Boy Scouts, local body representatives, Maori contingents, friendly societies, and basketball girls. The schools of the district. were well represented, and all marched jauntily with the be-medalled ex-servicemen to Coronation Square. The processionists were greeted with hakas *of welcome by a strong Maori party on the band rotunda, and duringi the marshalling of the large crowd, estimated at between 1500 and 2000, thq band played several marches. On the dais, in front of the Borough Council chambers were assembled His Worship the Mayor, who presided, with the Rev. Hemi Huata and Rev. Tamihana representing the Maori people, with the interpreter, Mr Epinina Mitchell, the Rev. C. Hyde, Anglican), the Rev. N. H. Finch (Presbyterian) and Rev. Mr Woolford (Methodist), Mr J. M. Askburn, chairman of the Coronation commattee, Mr A. G. Nolan, county chairman, Mr J. Corkill, chairman of the Harboiir Board, Mr P. J. Brewster, chairman of the Hospital Board, Mr C. V. Chamberlain, chairman of the Power Board, and the Town Clerk. A stalwaxt body of Maoris in native costume was introduced by Mr E- Mitchell, who prefaced his remarks with the words, "God Save the King," and then went on to explain the Maori ceremonial Gheers for the King were given at the end of Mr Mitchell' s epeech, and after the performance of the second trpupe of Maoris, the band played the march, "Tonalla," and the religious service opened with the singing of the Old Hundredth, led by the band. ,■ The chairman said it was a pleasure to see such a large and representative gathering of town and country people on that great and auspicious occasion — the Coronation of their : Kiqg and Queen. \ First to Pay Tribute. The Rev. Mr Hyde said New Zealand was the first to pay tribute and praise God for their King and Queen. The Rey. Mr Finch read the scripture for the day. The Rev. Mr Woolford offered prayer for King George and his Queen, and the Royal family, that he. might live fong and reign happily over the Great Empire which he was called to govem. The Rev. Hemi Huata whose speech was interpreted by Mr E. Mitchell, refer^ed to the Treaty of Waitangi, when tbe Moaris ceded to the Throne all their lands and liberties, since when they had been loyal to the Throne.. He recalled the memories they had of tte King and Queen as Duke and Duchess of York, who had taken a great interest in the Maori people, and it was a source of great joy to them that they shouid be crowned that day. The Rev. Tamihana gave greetings to all, and fuliy endorsed all that the Rev. Mr Huata had said regarding the Maoris part in that day's ceremony. Momontous Ocoasion. The Mayor, Mr H. L- Harker, said that at the same hour citizens were assembling 12,000 hilles away at a service that was a most momentous one for tlie history of the Empire, and in the life of George VI. and his consort. Representatives from all parts of the earth were in London .on that day to bear honour to the King and Queen and witness their Coronation* as monarchs over tbe greatest Empire the world had ever known. Some there were who recalled four coronations, perhapg hve, and they could rejoice in the present great^ day also, and it would help the children to keep it in mind for many years. He hoped they would be long spared to rule over them. Concluding, Mr Harker said that at the close of the present ceremony any who wished could visit Alexandra Park, where a tree would be pianted "near that pianted for King Edward, ahd another would be pianted later for the Scottish people in^honour oi their Scottish Queen Elizabeth, a rowan tree being suggestedMr J. J. Millai4, secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association, said that this was a day of opportunity to express loyalty to the King and the Empire. The Rev. Mr Hyde pronounced the Benediction, and the Mayor called for three cheers for the King, which were heartily given, and thq assemblage sang "God Save the King." The children then marched off to the district school in stroqg force, estimated at 800, headed by the band, where they were the guests of the comtnittee at luncheon, the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides aeting as waitere, The , official party pianted a tree in Alexandra Park in honour of the King. In the evening the town was brilJiantly hghted and crowded to the extreme. The children were treated to an exhibition of fireworks, while a bonfire blazed on Te Uhi hill, and the band rendered a programme of music.