MAGNIFICENT SCENE.

Manawatu Herald, 6 January 1903, Page 2

MAGNIFICENT SCENE.

In the course of his speech, Lord Curzon eulogised the loyalty and self-sacrifice shown by the feudatories; Ele announced that interest on fahluif! IdafiS would be remitted for three years, and he hoped shortly to alleviate taxation. Everything indicated a prosperous future, While the supremacy of the paramount Bower was unchallenged. ... The amphitheatre was a Scene of incomparable splendour, representing all eminent Indian society, native and European, with visitors from all parts of the world, A hundred great feudatories and highest British official were grauped on the right and _ left of the dais, where Lord and Lady 0 arson and the Duke and Duchess of Connaught sat on golden thrones. Behind the dais, and hidden by a framework of lattices, sat the Maharanees, including the mother of she infant ruler of Bharampur, who was in her arms. When six hundred survivors of the Mutiny—Europeans, Eurasians and natives (one of them a centen-arian)-=-marched in, the bands playing “ See the Conquering Hero Comes” and “Auld Lang Syne,’’ the whole assemblage rose and saluted, and gave ovations to Lord Kitchener and the Duke of Connaught. Lady Curzon and the Duchess of Connaught were seated slightly behind their husbands. When the herald announced King Edward’s Coronation, the Royal standard was hoisted and a hundred and one guns fired, NATIVE HOMAGE TO THE VICEROY. Thunders of applause followed Lord Curzon’s speech after the proclamation of King Edward as Emperor of India. The great feudatory chiefs then paid individual homage, the Nizam of Hyderbad beginning, each sending congratulations to the Emperor. The richness of the dresses and the splendour of the jewels worn by the native rulers and their retinue were marvellous and unrivalled. The Begum of Bhopal was the only ruling Princess present. Screened by a veil, and wearing a crown, she knelt and laid a gold casket containing her congratulations at Lord Ourzon’s feet. The stateliness and gorgeous beauty of the spectacle impressed all.

«INDIA IN ITSELF AN EM-

PIRE.”

Lord Curzon, speaking to the toast of the King at a State banquet, said the durbar must have convinced everyone present that India was no deadweight tied to the heels of the Empire, but in itself was an empire, self-confident of bis own strength, and aglow with abundant potentialities. India had left a deeper mark op the history, philosophy and religion of mankind than any other territorial unit of the universe.

• Lord Curzon gave a garden party to minor chiefs and native gentlemen, Lord Curzon and the Duke of Connaught shaking hands with hundreds of the guests who were presented to them.