TRAFALGAR DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1921, Page 4

TRAFALGAR DAY.

NEW ZEALAND'S TEIBKTH. LONDON. Oct. 25

Nelson’s famous column was decorated with evergreens and emblems on the lltith anniversary of Trafalgar Day, which was celebrated last week. Not least among the many wreaths laid at the Imso of the column were those from branches of the Navy Leagues of New Zealand, and what seemed a centre of attraction was the beautiful wreath (Incased in a- block of ieo which arrived from Wellington only four days previously.

The great column was not decorated to its summit, but thick ropes of laurels depended from above the panels.- to lie caught ill the mouths of Landseer’s bronze lions a decoration both simple and dignified. It was the general comment that, so tine a tribute of (lowers had net been seen since before tlie war. Many brought reminders of recent less. One'wreath of yellow chrysanthemums was: “Tn memory of Midshipman Johnston. killed in H..YI. Vanguard, Julv 1917.” Another bore the simple inscription. “In memory of Submarine E|(i.” Long ago as Trafalgar was fought, there are still links that close the gap of years. It was startling to read of one tribute: “Krom the son and daughters of Admiral Ratoris. wlm was present at tile Rattle of Trafalgar on hoard the Tennant.” And then, upon a second. “Krom Miss Leigh Browne and Lady Loekver. granddaughters of Lieut. George Brmvne and John Oarslako. who served on the Victory at Trafalgar.” “Tho Government and people of New Zealand pay respectful homage to the name of Nelson and to those who, following his snlendid ex.'fcnple. nobly served tlie Empire and gave their lives in the cause of freedom. 1914-18. ’ This was the inscription attached to a very line wreath which helped to decorate the base of the column. Tlie trophy, prominently placed, was of apricot-hned chrysanthemums set in a border of smilax. Attached to it was a giant bouquet of large white incurved chrysanthemums, mingled with golden dahlias and “Olnire (le Dijon” roses tlie soft asnaragus fern, and two large crossed palms. Tt was mainly a harmony of golden tints, and was much admired.

Not far from it was placed a wreath which attracted considerable notice on account of its graceful and delicate colouring rale pink, carnations and soft lavender scabias. lightened with sprays of smilax. This was placed in a prominent position, and it bore a card with tho inscription, “Thou famous man, the greatest sailor since the world began.” It, came from the Canterbury branch of the Navy League. Close by were the sheaf of crimson dahlias and bronze chrysanthemums, with ferns, given by tho Hawke’s Bay branch, and a wreath of laurel finished with sprays of purple and white heather, the. gift, of the Gisborne branch.

Among trophies standing on the plinth were two that were visible in the far distance, and they stood out with prominence on account of their design and elevation. They were Imth in the form of large lanterns, one coining from Wanganui Collegiate School and tho other from the British members of the Japan branch. The former was of chrysanthemums of bronze and gold ; tlie latter was of yellow and white. Side lid side were the trophies from Otago and Auckland, the one being a generous wreath of autumn-tinted "ak leaves find crimson autumn berries; tlie other a heart-shaped wreath of pink chrysanthemums, with pink carnations, purple heather, and smilax. Picked in July, the flowers and foliage which went) to the making of th l tribute from Wcllingt. n. could lie plainly seen in all their beauty through the transparent block of ice. Chrysanthemums, roses, pansies freesias still preserve their fresh appearance.