MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 396, 30 July 1918, Page 4

MANUREWA.

CORONATION OF CARNIVAL

QUEEN.

Those who anticipated an interesting ceremony in connection with the coronation of Miss A. Coxhead as the Manurewa Carnival Queen were not disappointed on Saturday last, when that auspicious event took place in the Public Hall, Manurewa, in the presence of a large and representative gathering. The weather was gloriously fine and enabled many visitors to travel with comfort from a distance, motor cars bringing full loads from Auckland, Otahuhu, Papakura, etc., thus testifying to the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs G. Coxhead, the parents of the Queen and the host and hostess for the afternoon, are held by a wide circle of friends. The opening function was timed to take place at 2.30 p.m., and before that hour the hall was well filled, Mr and Mrs G. Coxhead receiving the guests as they arrived at the hall.

Prior to the coronation ceremony, a well arranged vocal and instrumental programme was submitted. The Vicar (the Bev. P. S. Smallfield) proved a capable chairman and the hearty singing of the National Anthem gave a loyal and patriotic air to the function, thus reminding the public that the coronation festivities were associated with the Bed Cross work in connection with our brave " boys " at the Front. Miss Butler delighted all with her solo " A'shore " and she also sang effectively ''The Smile." During the interval the Chairman gave an interesting account of a Maori legend and was attentively listened to. Mrs Btevens amused all by her recitation " Beggie" and gained great applause. " An Old Fashioned Town " was well sung as a solo by Miss Lsnd. Master McCallum recited " Little Breeches " in a scholarly manner, whilst Irs Hillyer's solo " Fat Lil' Fellow with Mummie's Eyes '' delighted everyone and in response to an encore she sang " When You Come Home "

At this stage the Chairman suggested that before the crowning of the Queen took place it would be fitting to give three hearty cheers for " the boys at the Front " and for those who had returned. This being done with much heartiness the royal party entered the hall headed by the Herald (Mr John Coxhead), who was becomingly dressed in a purple jacket with ■ gold lacing and was wearing white stockings and court shoes Then followed the Maids of Honour (the Misses Munro, Davidge, M. Bmith, E. Eccles, Mrs T. J. Corin and Mrs McLarnon) Next came " The Queen " (Miss Annie Coxhead). who was attired in white silk, her train-bearers being Misses Hay thorn (2), Hilda Coxhead, Bertha Wylie, Masters lan and Kenneth Conn. Next in order were the Crown Bearer (Mr Raymond Bond); the Lord Chancellor, in official court dress and wig (Mr T. J. Corin); the Lord Chamberlain (Mr H. A. J. Bandrup) ; who were followed by representatives of the following allied countries namely France (Miss Lila Thompson) ; Italy (Miss Jessie Wilson) ; America (Miss M. Palmer) and Belgium (Miss Myrtle Yardley) all of whom were becomingly attired, the various colours of their costumes imparting a brightness to the surroundings. The party having passed round the hall ascended the platform where the Queen took her seat on the throne with a dignity and graciousness that became her exalted station.

The coronation then took place, the Lord Chancellor (Mr Corin) declaring " by the rights of my office I place this crown upon your blow and name you Queen of this Carnival." Following on this he read an address of loyalty and the Lord Chamberlain (Mr Randrup) similarly paid homage to Her Majesty. The company then sang " The Land of Hope and Glory," after which the Lord Chancellor declared that the Queen would pass through " Westminster Abbey " so that she might mingle with her subjects. The ceremony was brought to a conclusion with the Queen intermingling with the gathering. An excellent tea was provided, the whole afternoon's arrangements having been carried out faultlessly. The coronation was repeated in the evening and was followed by a dance.

"HARD-UP" SOCIAL The "Hard-up" Social held in the interests of the Red Cross Fund in the Public Hall on Friday evening, July 19th, was a brilliant success, thanks to the efficient arrangements made by Mrs. 0. R. Bailey, who organised the gathering. The main feature of the evening's proceedings was a mock coronation of the Carnival Queen (Miss Annie Coxhead). carried out under the direction of Mr. T. J. Corin and Miss M. Smith. Miss Coxhead assumed her role with becoming dicrnitv and with typical regal grace. The royal procession was headed by two Trumpeters (Messrs. Thompson and Coxhead), followed by the Maids of Honour (Misses M. Smith and D. Warlisk). Then came the Queen, with her train-bearers ("Miss W. Coxhead and Mr. R. Rond), and next the Lord Hieh Chamberlain (Mi. Chandler), the Lord High Chancellor (Mr. T. J. Corin), and the Court'.- .hMei i'Mr. \V. Moodv, of Alfriston').

After the crowning of tin- Qui en by the Lord Chancellor, her Majesty graciously conferred honours us follow.-. Mr. C. H T.upton, Carnival Bishop of Manuiewa; Mr. C. Hawthorn.), Knight Commander of the Sausage, Mr. Paton, the Grand Cross of Manurcwa, as gratitude and welcome home; Mr. W Moody, Carnival King of Alfriston; Mr. T. J. Corin, Lord High Everything and of All Places; Messrs. A. Muir and G. Coxhead. Grand Lords of the Cattle Drive.

A merry baud of Apaches, headed by Mr. and Mrs. Moody, came over from Alfriston. the red and while

handkerchiefs Woi-u by them being most picturesque in effect Mr W Moody, jnn , in a <mit oi crazy work mn/i n red wig, was a conspicuous •• as a jester Miss Molly Juckes wita dainty N.-apolilan Flower Girl, carrying a tray of violets, which flowers she sold to advantage. Mr Whillingham's. scrim costume, with rush trimming, was a work of art. A paiiy r f "Hnrd-ups" were present from 0. ; ■'•.uoga, headed by Mr. Tom Richards, whilst Mr. Fred Andrew: brought two car loads from Otahuhu Noticeable costumes were those of Miss Dorothy Warlisk, as "Phyllis"; Miss E. Munro as "Old Curtains"; Miss Eecles, of Auckland, in a fascinating garb of scrim, trimmed with red and white; and Miss M. Smith as a brown paper parcel. Mr. Corin's robe as Lord Chancellor was an ele--2 ant "hard-up" conglomeration, trimmed with lace Another really fine make-up was that of Mr. F. Andrews (Ofahuhu). as an old English farmer. Many others wore in " odds and ends " of " hard-up " Carnival attire, original costumes being also worn by mysterious visitors, whn preserved their incognito. All made merry to the excellent music provided by friends from Tamaki and Otahuhu, viz., Messrs. White (violinist). Murphy (pianist), and Tidmarsh (cornetl, whn kindly gave their services free. Mr. Sutherland (Onehunga) sang two sonsrs, Mr. W. Kimber was responsible for the comic element, Miss Doreen Brady danced an Irish jig, and a very young artiste—Miss Betty Walker sang "We All Like Trentham in the Morning." The waltzing competition was won by Miss Field and Mr. S. Thompson, the trophy being presented by Mrs. Laurence.

At the close Mrs. C. R. Bailey called for three cheers for our Soldier Heroes and three for the Navy (the heroic watch-does of the sea), which were given with a right good will.

Valuable assistance was rendered by Mr. Coiin and by Mr. S. Thompson, the latter proving an efficient. M.C. Dancing was kept up until the small hours of the morning.