The Coronation Ceremony

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 July 1915, Page 2

The Coronation Ceremony

A UIULLIA.VX SC'KYE. •Seldom indeed dues anticipation air.i realization meet on the same plane. Anticipation generally soars to such high levels that it i.s not often that realization conies near to it. Sometimes the opposite takes place. The actual happening is so far ahead of people's preconceived ideas and hopes ccreerning it. that as each act is opened they 'are lost in wonder. Something of the sort occurred vcs'.erday when the coronation ceremony was staged at the Century JJall. Those w ho had not seen it in Wellington sa'.v a performance that exceeded expect,; tions. and from the appearance cf the royal trumpeter, in white silk stocking, breeches mid vest, and red and orange velvet jacket, at the side Uoo" to herald the approaching royal procession to ~ the appearance of the last train-hearer, those present had nothing "but admiration for the whole show. The main features of the procession "were an exact replica of the royal procession in Westminster Abbey at coronation time. All the chief officials Tver© represented, the macebearer, the master of ceremonies, the lord high chamberlain, tbe bearer of the orb and sceptre ,tho sword hearers, the royal canopy, pages and "h-ain-bcarers. cEc.,\a<U in court costume

The long handsome trains of tlie queens were of regal magnificence and as the procession made the circuit of the hall and slowly ascended to the throne to the stately music ol' the organ it made a brilliant scene. The crowning 'of the queen, Miss Kitty Doughty, was performed by ,Mr W. Eccleton, lord high chancellor. Her majesty then was given the oro and sceptre and promised to govern according to the huvs ol the caruiva 1 The other queens ivere presented, many honors bestowed and the ceremony was over. Besides Miss Doughty nine of the other queen candidates were present and took part in the procession, and as each was presented before the throne b.v Mrs J. Hannah, mistress of tlu robes they received a round of lieartv applause. Their names were: Miss .Senior (Mutt and Petone), Mrs '. McVicar (Highland Societies); Miss K. E Roseingrave (Trades and Labour Council), Miss McCorniack (Treutliani Hoys), Nurse Everett (Combined •Sports), Miss Lewis (Young Boys' So-, eiety). Mists Melvegg (Manawatu), JVlisis Low (Drapers) and Mrs tjiuitli fOverseas Club). Sword-bearers, canopybearers and trumpeter came up from Wellington to several queens bi'ought their paar«s with the in from Wellington. The chief officers were: Masi : ;r <1 ceremonies, Professor Lardston; lo>* I high chamberlain, Mr Meredith; lord high chancellor, Mr W. Eccleton. The performance was repeat-id at. night when there was a large number present and further honours bestowed . At the performances musical items wore given by Miss Vida Waters (' Your King ami Country "Want You," and "Land of Hope and Glory"); Mr \\ Hughes ("The Young .Brigade"); Hazel Harwich (toe dancing "nocturne"), encored; Miss Zita Chapman,, recitations "Prince Arthur." and "'Tin; Hay,"); Miss Thyrza Rogers. Russian exercises). Miss Chapman's recitation ol "Prince Arthur" was splendid and she had to give an encore. Mis;] Quill, ol Otaki, played the accompaniments and Mr J. Hayfield, at the oigan, played excellent music. At thi' clo.se of the .ceremony Mr W. Hughes, chairman of the Levin Carnival Committee and Mr B. R. Gardener secretary, returned thanks ou behalf of the people of Levin, to the queens and other performers from Wellington for the splendid and unique entertainment they had iriveit. Professor Cardston replied 011 behalf ol tlie queens, and thanked the people 101 the reception they had given them He paid a high tribute to Miss MeKcgg, the Manawatu queen.. During her Ntay in Wellington in council ion with the carnival she had endeared Tierto all. The list of honours will appear 'n our second edition.