CORONATION DAY IN MOTUEKA.

Motueka Star, Volume III, Issue 105, 15 August 1902, Page 5

CORONATION DAY IN MOTUEKA.

The following precis of the impressive sermon delivered by the Rev. T. Johnston on Coronation Day, which was listened to with deep attention by the large assemblage : Mr Johnston c mnaencerl his address by stating the twofold object for which they had assembled, the first and principal being, because this was . the day of the coronation of Plis Gracious Majesty, Edward YII, and our beloved Queen Alexandra. He read the Proclamation issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury by the Ring’s command. He referred to the King’s sickness and recovery and the account of the coronation ceremony published in the Mjtueka Star, which he advised all to read. He remarked also that probably we in New Zealtnd —the most distant of England’s Colonies —were the first to begin the festivities which would continue for t ;e next twenty four hours in some one part or another of His Majesty’s dominions. The second object for which they had assembled was to ex press their thankfulness to Almighty Cod that peace is established in South Africa. The God of Peace hath made peace within our borders/for this we taatik and bless His Holy Name, for nigh three years South Africa s itfered from the horrors of war. All pirtis of the Empire had suffered; sorrow and mourning had taken hold of the heart of the nation, and crushed ic in its cold rough hands till it t irob >ed wita pxin aud wailed with agonyr He referred to the scenes in tle War Office aud the memorial service in St. Pauls’, and also to-the remarks of the wir correspondent of an Australian paper who longed to write across the expanse of Heaven the prayer “ Give peace in our time, O h >rd.” He sp >ke of the Bible as the secret of'Britain’s success, the cause of her greatness, and earnestly exhorted all wao heard him t > live up to its holy teach ng, to do their part in making the nation holy ancU happy, for then o dy could they expect God’s blessing. Of this we might be sure God would never cast us off, or suffer a foreign foe to triumph over u| until we cast oft' God:

Of the thousand medals ordered by the Celebrations committee, 637 were d stri bated to the children who attended the denaonsti ation. and the balance,

363, was speedily sold by Mr Jame R Greensill at threepence each. The wisdom of ordering such a large number was questioned, but a bitter cx*y is now raised by children of larger growth because they have been unable to secure one as a memento of a memorable occasion. The dance held in the.Motueka Institute on the eve of Coronation Day was a most enjoyable one although the attendance was not so good as was anticipated. The floor was in excellent order and the music supplied by the String Baud was all that could be desired. The duties of M.C., devolved upon Mr Thorp, who carried them out in an efficient manner.

The sum of d>ls 16s was paid for admission to Mr Staples’ paddock on Coronation Day. It is estimated that, including children, there were fully two thousand persons present. The flags presented to the children by Mr A. Mauoy, and used on Con nation will bo doubt be treasured by the rising generation for future festivities. As the King’s Birthday is the next holiday, it is just possible his natal - day will be celebrated throughout the Empire by similar demonstrations to that hell on the 9th of August. It is over 65 years ago since British subjects observed’ holrday for their previous King, William IV. The prize for the best decorated bicycle was won by Mr James Greensill, and for the best trap by Mr A. Webb, of Ngatimoti.