CORONATION AT DELHI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 987, 4 May 1911, Page 4

CORONATION AT DELHI.

ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS. That a million sterling is to be spent on the Coronation Durbar in India gives an idea of the magnificent character of the ceremonies that are being arranged and the gorgeousness of the scenes in which the King and Queen will he the central figures in Delhi. Everything is to be done on a scale of unexampled splendour, as befits the first visit of a KingEmperor and his Consort to the vast territory over which they reign.

Although the date of the Durbar is not yet officially announced, there is no doubt that it will be on December 12th this year. The first intention was to have it in January next, but that was abandoned because of the night climate in Delhi in that month and the possibility of rain. The date of December 12th has the advantage of falling before the commencement of the great Mahommedan fast of Mohurrum. It was also intended at first that the ceremony should take place in the fort at Delhi, but that proposal was quickly abandoned, his Majesty deciding that the same site should be used as iu 1877 and 1903.

A gigantic arapitheatre will be constructed for the ceremony. The decorations will be on a lavish scale, and the actual service will include the placing of their crowns on their own heads by the King and Queen. Nothing of the kind has been seen since Napoleon the Great placed upon his head the Iron Crown of Lombardy. A considerable portion of the Royal regalia will be conveyed to India including both crowns. Their Majesties are selecting a large suite to accompany them, and they will travel in a liner specially chartered for the occasion, with a powerful escort of war vessels. They will proceed to Bombay, and from there direct to Delhi. Lord Hardinge, who has received many addresses from all the Indian racesexpressing joy at the prospect of the visit of the King, goes to Delhi next month to discuss the final arrangements for the Durbar. He will meet there the committee appointed by His Majesty, of which the president is Sir John Hewett. The location of the camps is to be again between the famous ridge and the canal. There is ample space available there, and the selection of the ground is due to the desire to make the royal camp for the King and Queen one of unparalled magnificence. Close to it will be the camps of the ruling chiefs and that of the Government of India. Apart from the actual Durbar

there will be other imposing ceremonies. These include the arrival and passage of the King and Queen and their departure. There will be processions through the city, for which the route is not yet settled, but to facilitate move* ment and inter-communication a circular railway is to be built. Four divisions of infantry and two divisions of cavalry, with a quota of Imperial Service troops, are to be mobilised for the Durbar, and there will be encamped close to Delhi between 80,000 and 90,000 men. The Maharajah of Gwalior has sent his company of sappers and miners and his transport corps to assist in making the necessary camp works. Calcutta has voted Rs. 25,000 (,£1,666) for a casket for the King. An invitation to his Majesty from the Maharajah of Nepaul to shoot big game has been given.