The Diamond Jubilee.

Manawatu Herald, 29 May 1897, Page 3

The Diamond Jubilee.

The Court of Comnon Council and London Vestries have drawn up a plan for the decorations of the streets on the 22nd June, and the leading idea is to illustrate the features that have made the Empire what it is under Queen Viotoria. In this, of course, a leading place would be assigned to the Services, and at Apsley House, where the decorations would begin, they would partake of a military character. All along Piccadilly would run masts and pennants, as well as elee'ric lights, and at the top of St. James's-sfc, the Indian Empire would be symbolised under a huge Durbar canopy enriched with Oriental hangings and devices. In Pall Mall the Union flag and all sorts of small arms would be the leading points about a " United Service " arch, and onward to Trafalgar-pq. there would bo a line of decorated pillars, with shields, on which the names of those of the reign whose heroic deeds are written in history would be inscribed. Similar standards in the vicinity of the Law Courts wonld celebrate legal names ; in Fleet-st. they would be literary ; and famous preachers and divines would find place round St. Paul's. Canada would be represented by an immense arch filling the whole Strand before St. Mary- le- Strand Church, Tall fir masts would be tipped with glass for ice, and snow, too, would be pourtrayed. Hanging between them would be golden nets, embodying the harvests of her seas, which would be brilliantly illumined at night, and below corn, maple, and fruit would form great trophies.

At the entrance of the City, where the Queen would halt to receive the " Pearl Sword " of Queen Elizabeth at the hands of the Lord Mayor, a stately oanopy of crimson and gold damasb would be spread. A simihr oanopy would also be erected high above the steps of St. Paul's. Exaotly over the Queen's carriage the awning would be of purest cloth of gold. At night the suggestion is to throw the strongest electric lights, by means of projectors, on to the Cathedral, thus bathing in a flood of softest-coloured changing lights.