PELTING RAIN

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 432, 13 May 1937, Page 5

PELTING RAIN

PROCESSION AFTER CORONATION Thunderstorm Did Not Damp Enthusiasm press Association —Copyright. (Received 10.25 a.m.) London, May 12. The departure of the Royalties from the Abbey was the signal for renewed tumultuous acclamation, which lasted throughout the si* miles’ route, over which the procession took ninety minutes to pass. The little Princesses came out of the annexe just ahead of :l»e Queen. Princess Margaret was a little be•rildered, but smiling bravely. Princess Elizabeth was more composed. They sat with their Royal grandmother, smiling at the roar of plaudits and the sea of waving handkerchiefs and hate, as they drove off in the glass cc-ach. Then amid the clang of the Abbey bells rung in “clashes,” the rod of drums and the triumphal chords of the National Artthem, their Majesties appeared, the King wearing the Imperial Crown blazing with pewels, and carrying the orb land sceptre, andi the Queen wearing her Crown and carrying a sceptre, to meet another terrific roar of cheering. Both looked tired, but the Queen visibly showed that she was happy. They again entered the gold coach, and a s they departed, at 2.23 p.m., the

cheering increased to ian almost unbelievable pitch. The first spatter of rain fell when their Majesties’ coach was entering the Emban'kmerft, but: it did not affect the enthusiasm of thousands of children, whose shrill cheers equalled in volume, if not resonance, the reception accorded their Majesties through, out the State drive. The rain became heavier and thousands of spectators covered their heads with newspapers, but others seemingly were oblivious to the downpour, even when a thunderstorm. forced many to run for shelter. The enthusiasm continued on the same high note—cheers interspersed with shouts of ‘‘God Save the King!” “Long Live t’heiir Majesties!” One of the finest welcomes accorded tlheir Majesties amid the 1 pelting rain was by thousands of ex_servicemon, who were given a special position at Hyde Park. Thunderclouds overhead caused' such darkness that, the electric lights in the gold coach were switched on and shone on their Majesties’ smiling faces. Thousands waited with the rain beating on their upturned faces before the Palace, in the hope that the King and would appear, continually shouting in chorus: “We want the King and Queen-, wie 'want the King and Queen J” Then just before 3 p.m. their Majesties, still wearing their