THE CORONATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 309, 24 May 1911, Page 5

THE CORONATION.

THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT. By cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received 23, 10.45 p.m. London, .May 23. The New Zealand contingent will cooperate in street duty in connection with the ambulance stations during the Coronation procession. A GIFI /ROM TURKEY. Constantinople, May 22. The Oecumenical Patriach of Constantinople is presenting King George, on the occasion of his coronation, with a beautiful copy of the ancient icon of St. George which was discovered in the old Byzantine church of Salonica. CONTINGENT FROM SOUTH AFRICA. Capetown, May 22. Three hundred and fifty Coronation troops, including 48 from Rhodesia, have sailed. £11,000,000 1N JEWELS. It is understood that King George will adopt as his iState crown the crown of the late King practically without modification, except having it maue to fit his head. The historic crown of St. Edward—the official crown of England—with which the King will be crowned in June must not be confused with this State crown. The crown of St. Edward is only used at the coronation of a Sovereign and for no other purpose, and has never been altered since the present copy was made in 'IOBO. It is made to fit the head of the King for the time being by changing its internal stuffing and pads. The State crown is, however, personal to the reigning sovereign, and is—or may be—designed to suit the taste of each successive Sovereign. The Queen Consort has no definite design of crown pertaining to her, and Queen Alexandra had a very elaborate diadem, with eight semi-arches, or hoops. In it the Kohi-noor figured. Queen Mary has chosen an exquisitely beautifful, chaste design, carried out entirely in diamonds set in platinum in such fashion that no metal work will be visible.

The total value of the regalia was estimated at no less than £3,000,000 sterling at the commencement of the last reign. It then ranked as second only in money's worth to that of the Czar of all the Russias. Since that time the Cullman stones and several gems of lesser note have been added. The actual market value of the famous South African stones is probably to-day not short of £12,000,000 sterling, so that the total price that would have to be paid for the regalia to-day if it were bought in the ordinary way of business would without doubt exceed a total of £5,000,000.

Taking into account the value of the robes, coronets, jewels, and uniforms of the whole resplendent throng in the Abbey the following estimate would be a reasonable one:—Royal regalia. £5,000.000; peeresses' jewels, £4,000,000; peers' and peeresses' robes and coronets. £95,000; Roval persons' jewellery, dresses and robes. £1,000,000; "uniforms," £215,000; ladv spectators' jewels and dresses, £soo,ooo—total, £10,810,000.