Presentation of Medals.

Manawatu Herald, 19 August 1897, Page 2

Presentation of Medals.

One of the most .interesting ceremonies connected with the Jubilee, and certainly, one of the most satisfactory to those -principally concerned, was the presentation on Saturday afternoon, July Brd, of commemorative medals to the whole of the officers and men of the Colonial troops then in London. The presentation took place on the lawn leading up to the terrace on the W. front of Buckingham Palace, and was made by the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Dake of Saxe-Coburg, Duke of Connaughfc, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of York, Prince Charles of Denmark, Viscount Wolseley, Lord Roberts, Lord Methuen, and the officers of the headquarters staff. Among the spectators were the Princess of Wales, Duchess of Coburg, Princess Victoria of Wales, and Duchess of York, who were seated under the trees by the saluting point, where the medals were presented, while on the terrace, where a large number of ladies had assembled, were the Duchess of Connaught, Princess Christian, and Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein. All the Colonial Prime Ministers and their wives were also present. ..The troops formed three sides of a square on the lawn, the Royal party making up the fourth. To the left of the Prince were the Imperial Indian officers, the Colonial non-executive 'officers,' officers of Indian. Native States, Cape Mounted Rifles, Canadian and Cyprus Police, and Canadian Cavalry in squadron column. Facing the saluting point were posted cavalry and field artillery in squadron column. Garrison Artillery and Engineers in line formation, and detachments of West India and Hong Kong Imperial Regiments, while the right hand side was occupied by infantry in line. When the Royal party appeared on the ground the troops gave a Royal salute, and the band of the Grenadier Guards posted in the rear played the national anthem. The Prince of Wales then •passed down the lines, accompanied by the headquarters-staff and Mr J. Chamberlain, who wore levee dress. At the conclusion of the 'inspection the Prince took up his position by the aide of a table filled with large chests containing the medals, and the whole force then passed in single file, each man saluting as- he approached H.R.H., from whose bands he received his medal. Lord Roberts, who headed the troop 3, was, the first to receive the token. Before commencing his arduous task the Prince of Wales spoke to Mr Chamberlain, who immediately brought the Colonial Premiers and their wives to the Royal group, and while the Prince distributed the decorations the Princtfss of Wales held an informal reception of the di 3* tinguished visitors.. The whole scene was pretty and effective, the striking uniforms of th% headquarter staff, the varied dress of the Colonial contingents, and the bright oostumes of the ladies forming a picture full of colour, backed by the spreading trees of the Palace grounds, and set off by the brilliant green of the lawn. The officers received silver and the men bronze medalsL On one side is the bust of Her Majesty, .and on the other the words "In commemoration of the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria, 20th June, 1897." These words are surrounded by a wreath of laurel surmounted by the Royal Crown. At the conclusion of the distribution, which occupied /about two hours, the square was I reformed, and the Frineo ©f Wales

called for " Three «heer3 for Her Majesty the Queen^llmpress.' 1 This was heartily responded to by the assembled troops and guests. Finally, the Colonial and Indian forces marched past the prince, the cavalry (dismounted) in fours, and the artillery and infantry in eeofcions.