MISS M. O'DONNELL.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1922, Page 3

MISS M. O'DONNELL.

CROWNED QUEEN OF SPORTS. (Wanganui Herald). The splendid effort of the various sports organisations to raise funds' for the benefit of local playing grounds was brought to a finality on Saturday evening, Feb. 28th. when the ceremony of crowning Miss Mary O’Donnell “Queen of Spouts’’ took place at His Majesty’s Theatre.

The ceremony was carried out in the midst of a large number of spectators in a manner fitting the occasion. The bright robes and dresses gave a most harmonising and pleasing effect, and the Queen received her honours with that quiet, unassuming grace that has made her so popular in the community.

An orchestral accompaniment, followed by a trumpet fanfare by Lieut. Buckley, heralded the entrance of the queen and her court for the former to take the oath of allegiance. The proclamation by the Lord High Chamberlain (Mr Leonard C. Carter) was impressively made, and then the actual coronation of Queen Mary was made by the Archbishop of Aramoho, (Mr A. Muller). His Grace placed the sceptre in the hand of the young queen and the crown on her head as the outward and visible sign of authority, and expressed the wish that her reign would be as glorious as her triumph, with good health, a long life, prosperity and happiness ; the endorsement by her subjects—a large audience in the theatre —■ being the singing of “God Save the Queen.” The Lord High Chancellor (Mr T. B. Slipper) made the reply from the throne in an address that had a leaven of humour. Then in turn the lady-in-waiting (Miss Celia. Callaghan) and the maids of honour (Misses Jean Lee, Rosa McKinnon, Ethel Braid and Jean McArtney) were duly presented to her majesty, and had. honors in keeping with the occasion conferred upon them.

By royal command, Mr .T. G. Swan recited “Finnegan’s Goat,” and another item, while vocalists similarly honoured with command appearances were Mrs Sperring, Miss B. McLean, and Messrs T. L. Sperring} arid S. London. One particularly enjoyable item was a court dance admirably carried out by twelve gaily-dressed children under the direction of Mrs Julian.

The singing of the National Anthem then brought a very impressive ceremony to a close. Other officials who took part in the coronation were-. Miss Margaret O’Donnell, mistress of the robes; Mr H. Oakley Browne, master of ceremonies; Mr N. Copeland, court jester; Mr T. Lovegrove, lord mayor; Lieut. G. Buckley, trumpeter; W. L. Mincher, W. R. Taylor, R. H. O’Ohara, L. Cummins, J. C. Berry, courtiers; and the hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr J. 11. Hayhow who wasi a host in himself behind the scenes.