QUEEN CROWNING

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1929, Page 3

QUEEN CROWNING

A SUCCESSFUL CEREMONY. Not since the Belgian Queen Carnival—now many years gone by—was such brilliant pagentry witnessed as that in the Princess-Theatre last evening when Miss Valerie Nightingale, School Queen candidate at the recent St. Alary’s Queen Carnival, was crowned Queen of Hokitika. A packed audience was present and throughout great interest and enthusiasm was displayed. The proceedings opened with a bright chorus by the Convent girls entitled “The South Road” and “Trees.” The first number was sung in unison and the second in parts. Each effort was thoroughly enjoyed, hut especially tho second one when the fine blending of tho voices • was brought out by the part singing. Then ifollowed the crowning ceremony, the whole display, being effectively carried out under the capable direction of Miss Anne Duff. The order of procedure was as follows Entrance of Guard of Honour, to the accompaniment of bright music played by the Rand. Enter the Queen’s Herald, Master Pat M.cGavin, who announced the ap proach of the Queen, and stated thn‘ Her Most Gracious Majesty had hade him to call upon Mr W. Jeffries an-' create him a Lord High Chancellor for the purpose of the Coronation, and Mr J. Burns as Master of Ceremonies. Each gentleman in turn returned thanks for the honour conferred and swore homage in Her Majesty's service. Then entered the following with pages and train-bearers: —Princess Josephine, of Kokatahi; Princess Gladys, of the Fire Brigade, and Princess Moira of Sports. Each were received by the Lord High Chancellor who congratulated them on behalf n Her Majesty for the part they played in the recent Carnival contest, and then crowned them Princesses of their various spheres. Buglers next announced the entrance of Her Majesty which was done to the accompaniment of loud applause. The Queen was led to her throne and installed in her chair of state. Then followed, by the Lord High Chancellor, the enrobing with the Royal Mantle, the crowning and presentation of the sword, sceptre and orb. The Master of Ceremonies next made uic presentation of a casket con taining Treasury. The Court Hciald on behalf of Her Majesty, received with joy the tribute and prayed it might prove a blesbing to all. The presentation of the three Prin < -, osses was then carried out.

The Court Herald, commanded by Her Majesty, created Master erf Ceremonies Mr J. Burps, Knight Commander of the Royal Household and the Lord High Chancellor, Mr Jeffries Earl of Hokitika. The Lord High Chancellor then said being the custom at the time of a Coronation to invest certain subjects, who had shown dilgence in Her Majesty’s service, he wished to confer the following honours: — Miss M. McGirr, Mistress of Robes— Duchess of Westland. Mrs F. Fane— Duchess of North Revel I Street. Lieut. Bleach—Colonel-in-Chief of the Railway Army. Mr T. Hatch—Doctor of Literature. Miss Ann Duff—Companion of the 0.8. E. Mr C. Ross —Doctor of Music. Mr C. J. Sanders— Knight Grand Commander of the Ancient Oidei oFroth Blowers. This concluded the crowning ceremonv and tho first part of the pro

gramme. The second part of the entertainment consisted of a fine concert programme staged in the presence off th Queen, Princesses, and their atten dants. Prominent on the programme were the items of Mr and Mrs Arnold Perry. These artists, whose renown on the concert platform is well known, pleased their listeners with their delightful renderings and merited the hearty applause. The other artists in turn did exceedingly well and receive 1 nianv plaudits from the appreciative audience. A pretty little scene, which must not go without mention wn« when Miss Duff was performing. At the conclusion of her item tno Ladies-in-Waitmg throw their bouquets to her, which showed their appreciation of Miss Duff’s services to them. The accompanists during the concert wore Misses A. Daly, M. Giese and G .Jacobs. Prior to the last item, Mr W. •Jeffries, Chairman of the St. Mary’s Bazaar Committee, returned thanks on their behalf. He wished to thank sincerely all those who had contributed to the success of the function, namely: To Miss Duff for her untiring zeal in staging the coronation ceremony, to Miss A. Daly, who organised the splendid concert programme, to-the Bristol 'Piano Coy, in lending a piano, to the Band for their kind services, to Lieut. Bleach and his company for providin': a guard of honour for Tier Majesty and lastly the audience for their splendid patronage. He commented on the excellent talent displayed in the concert programme, and added seeing there was so much talent in Hokitika an amateur operatic company should be formed. He concluded by again expressing thanks and stated the parish ioners of St. Mary’s would he indebted to them for the manner in which they had helped to liquidate the debt off St. Mary’s Church. THE BANQUET. Subsequent to the entertainment the organisers and tlieir friends, numbering in all about 150, were the guests of Mrs Nightingale, of the Dominion Hotel, at supper. A very fine spread was provided and a pleasant social hour was spent.

The following was the toast list I oast “ The King.” Song—-Miss A. Duff. Toast “ Queen Valerie,” Mr •Jeffries; responder Mr T. O’Neill. Uecitation—Master Pat McGavin. Toast “ The Princesses,” Mr A. Lawn ; responder, Mr J. L. Turner. Song— Mr T. Stopfforth. -oast “The Stallholders,” -Mr McCallum; responder, .Mr J. Lynch. Recitation —Mr .1. Stopfortli. Toast “The Ladies,” Mr E. Griffin; responder Mr J*. Bourke. Song—Miss M. Bald. Toast “The Hostess,” Mr Jeffries; responder. Mr A. Lawn. Song—Miss M. McGirr. Each toast was heartily honoured and drunk with musical honours. The various items were capably given and received with rounds of applause. Jest before the dispersal of the happy gathering, Air Jeffries on heliall of those present, extended to Mrs Nightingale their heartfelt appreciation for the pleasant hour spent, and to the hostess and her daughter. Queen Valerie, he wished health and prosperity. The gathering finally dispersed with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” and “ God Save the King.”