OPENED BY THE KING.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2790, 15 May 1911, Page 2

OPENED BY THE KING.

A BRIIyWANT CEREMONY

NEW ZEAI.ANDERS PARTICI-

PATE

[By Electric Telegraph.]

London, May 12.

The Festival of Empire was opened by His Majesty the King to-day in fine

weather,

The King and Queen, the Prince of Wales, and Princess Mary drove to the CrysLal Palace, 100,000 school children and boy scouts lining the route.

Their Majesties had an enthusiastic reception. They stopped en route to listen to 20,000 children at Southwaik sing the National Anthem.

Many triumphal arches were erected, and several Mayors of Borough Councils presented addresses.

'I he Duke and Duchess of Fife, the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, and the Duke and Duchess ot Teck joined Their Majesties at the Crystal Palace, where Earl Plymouth (President ot the Festival) received them.

A concert followed, Madame Clara Butt and Harriss being the soloists, supported by a choir of 4500 voices. Patriotic songs were sung, including Kipling's " Recessional " hymns. Afterwards the Royal party reviewed the pageant performers in costume. These included a number of Australians and New Zealanders, including Miss Ward (as a Maori princess), Miss Rubi beddon and Mrs Hislop (wife of the Premiers private secretary) in Maori dress.

Their Majesties inspected the model Imperial Parliament Houses and went over the " All Red Tour," including Canada's exhibit, which cost ,£70,000, and the fair of fashion. Over 100,000 were present in the Palace grounds. The King and Queen afterwards attended the dominions' reception, at which 3000 were present, including Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Sir George and Lady Reid, Sir William and Lady HallJones, and the wives of the AgentsGeneral, Lord and Lady Roberts, the Ambassadors and, several Cabinet Ministers, and many members of the House

of Commons,