SWIMMING BATHS CARNIVAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3574, 11 December 1926, Page 2

SWIMMING BATHS CARNIVAL.

CORONATION- CEREMONY,

'flic final act in connection with the carnival to raise funds for the construction of public swimming baths took place in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, before a large and keenly interested audience. The stage bad been appropriately decorated for the enthronement by Mr D. Christie, assisted by Mrs Pearson, and the subsequent grouping of the “Royal” assemblage thereon presented a pleasing and spectacular effect. The proceedings opened with an orchestral selection by Mr Osborne’s orchestra, which, at intervals, provided incidental music. The Director of Ceremonies (Mr Hornblow) accompanied by the Court Trumpeter (Mr B. Walls) then announced the entry of the Lord High Chancellor (Mr F. Mason)-, Lord High Chamberlain (Mr G. Smith), Lord High Mayor (Mr M. E. Perreau), who preceded by the Lord High Constable (Mr Barron), proceeded up (he hall with becoming dignity and on to the stage. The Mayor referred to the carnival effort and thanked all who had assisted to make it a success and hoped that the baths would be an accomplished fact before long, even if a small rate had to be struck for the purpose. The Lord High Chancellor then read the warrant from the High Court of Carnival, authorising the enthronement and crowning of Mona (Miss Stevenson) as Queen of the Carnival. He instructed the Director of Ceremonies to escort the royal party to the enthronement. A flourish of trumpets announced the processional, which proceeded up the hall in the following order: Lord High Constable, two pages (Masters A. Saville and A. Martin) bearing the crown and emblems; maids of honour (Misses N. Spring and E. Moore) accompanied by their train heavers (Misses Rona Wishart, Mary Martin, Olga Saville and Peace Martin), two little flower girls (Joan Barron and Daphine Stevenson) preceded the Queen and strewed flower petals in her path, then followed the queen accompanied by her train hearers "(Ada Roore and Audry Barron) and the Lady in Waiting (Miss B. Gower). The procession presented a brilliant spectacle, and when all were grouped the National Anthem was sung. The Lord High Chancellor then read the following address: “Your Royal Highness, Ministers of the Realm, Citizens of the splendid Realm of Manawatu: By virtue of our High Rights of Carni-

val, wo are here assembled to honour in joy and gladness the High Lady of our choice. The voices and votes of our people have been heard and counted and with acclaim we hail the Lady who shall be crowned as our noble Queen of the Realm. As representative of beautiful womanhood, her right to sovereign sway will be recognised by all her loyal and worthy subjects To-day we pledge our hearts and bands to assist our noble Queen in fulfilling the object which she desires. The self-sacrificing efforts of our citizens to provide public swimming baths has called forth not only your sympathy but practical support. Your noble example has been an inspiration to all throughout the Realm. No longer shall it be said of us that we suffer by comparison with other towns which have provided swimming baths for !he public!

“(Ye, your Ministers and Royal Councillors, await your Royal Command to remove this grave reflection upon this glorious Realm, which we desire shall hereafter he noted for its public conveniences to promote the health and happiness of all your loving subjects. “We look forward with confidence to your reign to be not the culmination hut the continuance of splendid service. Under favour of our Queen’s glad smile, we shall rejoice to serve for the high rights and privileges of citizenship. “Most gracious Lady, by the rights of my high office, I take from you the pledge of fealty to your loving''subjects and charge that you keep the only law we know, the law of Carnival. Do you ibis favour grant? “As representing all in this fair Realm, I have now pleasure, Lady, in calling upon the Lord High Mayor to place this crown upon thy brow and name thee Queen of this our Carnival.”

The Lord High Mayor then placed the crown upon the Queen’s head with the words “Fair Lady, by the power with which I am invested by Die High Court of Carnival, I crown thee Queen. I place in your hands the emblems of power and authority.” 'fhe trumpet sounded and the chorus went rp: “All Hail the Queen.” The Court dignitaries I lien knelt, were honoured and made obeisance. The Queen then commanded the Lord High Chamberlain to read the Reply from the Throne which was done with good dramatic effect as follows: —

“My Lord High Chancellor, Lord High Mayor, Ministers of State and most worthy and loving subjects: T am moved with deep thankfulness and gratitude by reason of the great honour and high trust that you, my dear people, have placed in me. “We are assembled, O my people, to perform the last and highest offices of our Carnival, and while T am with you all, filled with the joy ot the Carnival and gladness of the moment, 1 command you to remember that while this occasion marks the culminating point of your recent splendid achievements, this humble ceremonial will become history in our land, and your children’s children will bless you for

your noble efforts to Swimming Baths wherein they will be (aught to learn the natatorial art, where they will cultivate self-confi-dence and physical fitness.

“Our aritient river has taken toll of many valuable lives and tragedies may have been avoided did wc but possess public baths. “My Lord High Chancellor, and My Lord High Mayor, I deeply appreciate the kind expressions and references to my efforts which are shared equally by my Maidsjjf Honour who, with their committees, have given their services willingly and ungrudgingly in a deserving cause. To all I convey my Royal Thanks.

“My Lord Chancellor you await my Royal Command. It is this: Instruct my Lord Mayor and His Councillors to construct, without further delay, suitable swimming baths in Easton Park. Let all unite to consummate the splendid efforts of the Carnival. Let no discord come upon my loyal subjects as to other sites. As we have un ited in this great effort, so let us continue lo serve in all good works for the promotion of the health and prosperity of our Realm. "Thus do I accept the high honour of this great occasion.”

The Maids of Honour were then presented by the Lady in "Waiting, and the Lord High Mayor made the following presentations: a gold signet ring to the Queen and bangles to the Maids of Honour. This was followed by the presentation to each of beautiful bouquets. Then followed the bestowal of honours and Royal recognition to those who had assisted in the earniva effort. The ceremony was interspersed with items by Mrs. Corn, Messrs Barron, F. Mason, G. Smith, Taylor and the orchestra. The list of honours had to he curtailed owing to the strain put upon those taking part, but general acknowledgment was made. The front of the stage was filled with bouquets, which had been forwarded by admirers of the royal party. At the conclusion of the ceremony a dance was held which was well attended and at which the Mayor made presentations to Mrs Fuller and Miss Moore on behalf of those associated with the Fibre Commit-