The Coronation Festivities.

Manawatu Herald, 12 August 1902, Page 2

The Coronation Festivities.

On Saturday the inhabitants right royally celebrated the crowning of our King, and however better display larger towns might make, none could exceed in the earnest .desire shown to celebrate such an important event in a fitting manner. The morning broke very badly, there being heavy showers of rain which cleared away however at eight o’clock, and with the exception of a ten minutes shower about one o’clock, kept fine until half-past seven in the evening when a heavy thunderstorm and gale broke over the district spoiling all attempts at illuminations. The proceedings of the day commenced at 9.15 by the Volunteers and Cadets marching to the Triangle, headed by the Brass band under Bandmaster Eanis, and there firing a feu-de-joie, and giving hearty cheers at the call of Captain Walsh, for the King. The Volunteers numbered 54, with returned Troopers Sergt.-Major Jonson, Privates T. Cook, R. Perreau and F. Withers, also Veteran Norton.

Lieut. Baker commanded the Cadets, who, numbered 48. After the ceremony was over the Volunteers breakfasted with Mr Thynne in the large room of Mr B. Osborne’s new residence, kindly lent for the purpose. The catering was placed in the hands of Mr Mark Perreau, who carried out his contract in a very satisfactory manner. Mr Thynne, during the course of the meal, called upon the company to drink the King’s health, which was promptly responded to with the addition of three hearty cheers. Captain Walsh proposed the health of Mr Thynne, and spoke of the company’s appreciation of his thoughtful act. The toast was cordially drank with the addition of cheers. Mr Thynne, in replying, stated he was exceedingly pleased to see such a muster present, as the occasion was one of the most important they could take part in. He owned to having a strong fellow-feeling with Volunteers as in the, very early sixties he joined the Queen’s Westminster Volunteers on the occasion when the volunteer movement was revived by the scare of a probable French invasion. As a member of the Coronation Committee he knew they had called upon the Volunteers to do a great deal, and he thought all men worked better when not hungry. A spell was taken after breakfast, the band playing a spirited piece till the order to fall in for Church was sounded.

The church, which was appropri* ately dressed with red, white and blue drapery and flags, the work of Messrs E. Osborne and Thynne, was packed, and the service was that approved of, and ordered by, the King. Mr Wilson preached a. sermon on the event about to be observed at Westminster Abbey, pointing out that in all things the approval of the Almighty was necessary to be obtained. Mr England presided'at the organ. PRESENTATION OF SCHOOL BANNER. The proceedings in the afternoon were many and interesting. A little after 1 o’clock people commenced to assemble in the school grounds, where the presentation of a banner to the scholars attending the State School was to be made by Mr Robert Noonan. The banner, which »was mounted on "poles, was much admired by the large number present. The scholars wore lined up by their teachers, the volunteers and school cadets, headed by the Town Band, coming into the" ground and

taking Up positions in closeJ»c» ‘ I imity. Several members alWha School Committee were also pre- ; sent. -f« Mr Westwood, the Chairman of the School Committee, came forward and said that that par: of the day had been set apart for the School, but as there was not much time allotted, what had to be done must ha done quickly. He called upon Mr Noonan to make a presentation of a banner, which that gentleman had presented to the school. Mr Noonan then asked the Chairman to accept. the banner, saying it' gave him great pleasure in being enabled to present the banner to the children of Foxton. He hoped they would grow up and be a credit to the town, and their teachers and parents especially, and become loyal and true subjects of His Majesty, King Edward VII. He was not pnly actuated by the bright and happy looks o f the children, but the fact that he had the honor to proclaim, himself a grandfather to a little child bom in Foxton, and although he was not - here in the flesh, be was in the spirit, and should he ever come to Foxton, be hoped the Foxton children would give him a hearty welcome. He could see him now standing in front amongst those smiling • faces, and in conclusion he would like to add a few words to the parents. If parents desired their children to become good and loyal subjects, everything depended on home influence, and there was nothing like bending the twig in the right and proper form that it way atovr up a credit to its teachers. ° The chairman then thanked Mr Noonan on behalf of the scholars, the committee, and the parents for the very beautiful present Mr Noonan would be remembered by the children for many, many years to come. He hoped the children would prize it, arid as opportunities came it would head their processions at all times. It only needed to be looked at to see that Mr Noonan must, have spent a great amount, erf time and patience to have produced such a superior article, and that for himself he was proud that such, a piece of artistic work had been produced in the district. In concluding, ire would call upon the children to give three hearty cheers to Mr Noonan. The cheers were lustily given, and - a procession was then formed, and under the leading of the band, marched from the School ground down the Main street to the Post Office, returning to the The Band, Volunteers and Oadatar were followed by the Mayor and Borough Councillors, who were followed by the School children, under the charge of Mr W. 8. Stewart, and then by the general public. The new banner being a conspicuous object in front of the children, borne on the stalwart shoulders of Messrs Westwood and Jenks, supported by four big girls holding the stay ropes. THE HOISTING OF FLAGS. At the Triangle the Maiyor (Mr P. Hennesay), mounted the staging, and said—Ladies and Gentlemen—We are assembled here to-day for a twofold object, first, the crowning of His Most Gracious Majesty, King Edward the VII, and secondly, to re-

joioe at the termination of the war in South Africa. The great pageant that is taking place to-day in London is one that we should all like to be present at. The ceremony in the Abbey, the building renowned in history as the crowning place of our Kings and Queens for centuries past, will be something we should all like to see, but though we cannot be there in person for many reasons such as distance, expense and time at our disposal, we ace there at heart, and - when the band strikes up to-day ‘ God Save our King' every one here present will pray that he may be long spared to rule over us. As to the end of the war we are glad to know that our fellow-colonists of to-day, who were but yesterday our enemies, have laid down their arms in South Africa and sworn allegiance to opr King. To them we can now stretch forth the hand of friendship, and welcome them as part of our great nation. When wrhoist the flag today we do so rejoicing that we have sprung from that small spot in the North Atlantic, and which has spread to the far south of the South Pacific, the fair land rtf New Zealand, the most democratic and progressive spot on the face of the earth. *He called upon his eldest daughter, Miss Henneasy, to hoist the New Zealand flag to the masthead, and the Misses Fraser and Jenks to hoist the Union Jack and the red Ensign to the yard arm. On the flags being hoisted the band played “ God Save the King,” and the Volunteers fired three vollies. There was to have been a procession of decorated vehicles, but the matter was not taken up by the public and only one decorated cart and bicycle putting in an appearance. The prize for the one horse dray was therefore awarded to Messrs Hickson & Reeve, and though the only competitor they thoroughly deserved their success, as the cart was very tastefully decorated with artificial flowers,, and would'have been hard to beat. Mr Thomas Dunokley of the local Post Office had his bicycle very nattily done up in coloured ribbons. An adjournment was then made to the paddock by tho Public Hal], ■■ ... ■ •::■■■ .-.{M/m 'df-

(\ . Wmmmm^rn*******' ■ ’ kindly lent by Mr Haywood, were r iha and exhibitions of physical '' ■ given. The Volunteers obligingly; with the Cadets, kept ground, thus all were able to see what went on with ease. The Hakas were contested for by a team from Motuiti and a team from the pah over the river.- Each team gave two exhibitions and at the end, Mr G. Nys being judge (assisted. by the committee), the nrst prize was given to Motuiti team, and a second prize to the other team. The poi dance was not competed for, only two native girls to avoid any disappointment, gave a sample of the quaint song and movement. Nino men fell out of the ranks for physical drill, under command of Lieut, Baker, and all they did was good clean work, but the effect was marred by the few participants. The Cadets to a man (or a boy) entered the ring for this drill, and their work was highly commended, each one being in perfect time. This item was received with very much pleasure. A rest was then taken till after tea when the fireworks and illuminations attracted the attention o i the public, until the heavy rain sot in, when the promenade concert at the Hall attracted attention. Here the band showed the public that they were good instrumentalists, as they supplied the music for a whole hour. After “ God Save the King” was played an effort was made'to get one verse sung, but this not taking on Mr Thynne called on the audience to give three cheers for the King, which was most heartily done, and then in the body of the hall three cheers were | given fee Mr Thynne. The appearance of the Maoris in tho afternoon added very much to the success of the day, and Mr Alf. Fraser very thoughtfully entertained the competing teams at dinner, Mr Mark Perreau providing the same. After dinner the Maoris gave a small haka to intimate their appreciation of their host's hospitality. Mr Thynne was Marshall for the day, and though very busy, matters had been so arranged that everything worked like clockwork. To those who looked to him for directions be desires to thank for their prompt and cheerful compliance with his wishes. When the Volunteers ware breakfasting after the feu defoie the Cadets were as liberally entertained by Lieut. Baker at his residence, and everything to satisfy youngsters in substantial and sweets was in abundance. At the conclusion three cheers Were given for the ladies who waited "Wpon them. DECORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS. The business people made every effort to make a brave show and their efforts were very pleasing. Starting at the Ferry hill, Mr Hillary decorated his cottage prettily with greenery and had erected a flag staff from which much bunting was displayed. In the evening he hoisted coloured lanterns on the staff. Mr Laing, of the Foxton Family hotel, had the small verandah decorated with ribbons and flags but we noticed no attempt at illumation. The Post Office had bunting flying and the glass of the windows covered with the N.Z. Flag, but when illuminated they appear too thick for the power of light behind them. Owing to the gale only a few Chinese lanterns at the porch were able to be displayed. Mr Haywood, of Whytes’ hotel had very pretty decorations of draping on the verandahs and a number of small flags, besides three wwaignf flying from the three street street comers of the building. The wind utterly precluded any chance illuminating for which preparations had been made. Mr Bullard decerated very well, having pretty drapery on his verandah posts and at night, had the show been on a larger scale it must have swept the prize, as he went tatha trouble to ereot acetylene iampe on the verandah with reflectors, besides the same on the verandah posts, and the light given- wss very clear and bright. Mr Osborne made a fine show of light from his plate glass windows, and displayed a large number of Chinese lantera. Messrs Westwood and Co. went in earnestly both in decorations and illuminations as did their neighbour Mr G. Stiles. The windows of Mr Stiles were left with their pretty goods opened for inspection, though tho face of the building was draped in red, white and blue festoons. Messrs Westwood filled the windows with transparences. At the top of tho building this firm ran a light to tho top of the staff, and had illuminated devices on the parapet, one, a very pretty star. Mr Stiles had two transparences on the verandah and the top of the shop illuminated. These two buildings at nighty ran each other very hard, Mr Stiles being best illuminated at the top, and Messrs Westwood’s -in the window. We hope to announce the Jesuit with this issue. ■ ' Mr Alf. Fraser preferred small flags of Silk for decoration but the rain spoilt their effect. His transparences though well executed k ,1. .! i.’in.'i j, j

suffered in effect from being too thick for the power of the light behind them.

Messrs Hennessy’s' decoration was made more for illumination but there was nothing to call for much attention except the good line of light under the parapet, and the effect gained by lighting the upper storey of his building which was thus made to stand out well.

Mr Rickard is to be highly complimented on the pretty design shown in his window, but the neat outside design though very pretty was out of competition for the prize by not adhering to the conditions. Mr Hamer during the evening had flash coloured lights displayed on the roadway in front of his buildings. Mr Levett of the Manawatu hotel was exceedingly successful in his scheme of decoration and in its execution. He appeared to have ? rasped the possibilities of the ccasion and to our mind his was the best decorated building. At seven o’clock a portion of the fireworks purchased, were let oft from the stand in the Triangle by Alf. Fraser assisted by Mr MacDermott, but the heavy rain had the effect of not only nearly drowning the operators. but also of damping the powder, so the display had to be brought to an abrupt conclusion. DECISION OF JUDGES. Best dressed cart.—Messrs Hickson & Reeve. Best dressed bicycle. —Mr Thomas Dunckley. Best Haka.—The Motmti team; second McGregor’s team. Poi dance.—McGregor’s natives. Best decorated building.—Mr J. T. Levett’s Manawatu Hotel. Best illuminated building.—Divided between Messrs Stiles and Westwood. CHILDREN’S BALL. Last evening the Coronation ball for the children took place at the Public Hall, and passed off most successfully. The hall was well filled with children, a large number of adults crowding on the stage. The children were prettily attired, and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. During the evening refreshments of sandwiches, cakes and lemonade, also apples and lollies (Mr M. Perreau being the caterer) were handed round and much appreciated. The sub-com-mittee detailed to look after this function were Messrs Hennessy, Fraser, MacDermott and W. Cook. Mrs Cook played the piano and Mr Ennis the, cornet. TJie dance was brought to a conclusion at xo o’clock by all those present singing “ God Save the King.” LIST OF CHARACTERS. Hilda Barber “ Harvest, ” Flossie Edwards “ 100 Years Ago,” Onny Fraser “ Snow," Pearl Fraser “ Powder and Patches,” Adeline Collins “ Daughter of the Regiment,” Rosie Dudson “ Fairy," Beryl Fraser “ Folly," Maggie Hennessy “ Red Riding Hood,” Elsie Reeves “ Shepherdess,” Mary King “ Red, White and Blue,” Elsie King "Forget-Me-Not” Millie King “ Wattle," Morea Alzdorf “ Twilight,” Amy Jenks “ Kate Greenaway," Ivy Hughes “ Ivy,” Bertha Dudson “ Japanese Lady,” Ivy Small “ Flower Gill,” Belle Small “Flower Girl,” Mabel Hickson “ Shepherdess,” Madge Newth “ Red, White and Blue,” Irene Nye “ Flower Girl,” Hilda Young “ Flower Girl,” Ada Newth “ Daffodil!,” Lizzie Laing and Davey Laing “Old English Girls,” Elsie Kelly “Violet,” Minnie Coley "Schoolgirl,” May Laing “ Romp,” Mabel Hickson “Harvest,” Emma Alzdorf “Sunflower.’’ Fred Collins “ Brigand,” Herbert Robinson “ Sailor Boy,” Bert Shadbolt " Trooper,” Fred Jenks “ Negro,” Garnet Fraser "Turk,” Duncan Laing “ Scotchman,” Harold Hamer “ Little Lord Fauntleroy,” Walter Baker •' Red, White and Blue,” Guy Edwards “Red, White and Blue,” Roy Robinson “ Sailor Boy,” Lionel Burston “ Trooper."