NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 335, 23 June 1911, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATIONS.

AT WELLINGTON. "'j i ,i----r .f-y By Telegraph—Preßs Association. Wellington, Last Night. 5 The Coronation celebrations took ' i place in splendid weather, though rate set in this evening. The Governor attended a State service at St. Paul's pro- , Cathedral, conducted by the Bishop of Wellington. At 10 a.m. a procession of the military force (about 3000), friendly societies, etc., marched to Newtown Park, where a military review took place. The ' . attendance of the public numbered 26,00# te 30,000. Speeches were made by the *' Governor, the Acting-Premier (Sir James ' Carroll), and the Acting-Mayor (Coun- ■;' i cillor Smith). Four thousand children were entertained at a free picture show ' in the Town Hall this afternoon. To- ' night there is a big crowd at a publis 1 v concert in the Town Hall, and the public * buildings are illuminated. I AT DUNEDIN. ' Dunedin, Last Night. <„ •' The Coronation celebrations here werS enthusiastic, but the weather was wretched. Largely attended evening services , were held In several churches. A proeefr | eion was formed at the Octagon, and proceeded to the Oval in the presence of a large crowd. A salute was fired by the military. In the evening the street* .< were crowded with people viewing the illuminations on a large number of the public buildings and business premises* ' h ;'t A patriotic concert was held in the Gar* rison. Hall. r'j CHRIS TCHI'RiCH. • Christchurch, Last Night. ' ;■ ! Signs were n<jt wanting to show that Christchurch to-day was celebrating worthily the great Imperial event of ■ the Coronation of the King. Flags flut- ' tered from all the staffs ot business pre- ' ■ misea and private houses, which were * also arrayed in gay decorations of patri- ;> otic design and coloring. The sound of 101 guns of the Royal Salute boomed through the city, and on ail hands were , ', to be found evidences of a great festival. The school children, on their way to parade, marched through the city, proud in the possession of Coronation medals n and small flags. Many of the adults bore testimony to their patriotism by a display of Coronation ribbons and favors. Even taxi-cabs were made partici- ~ pators in the day's rejoicings, these ap- ti pearing flying Royal Standards, Union ;j Jacks and other national emblems. ' Smaller functions, such as laying of * foundation stones, planting of Coronation oaks, and turning of the first sod of - Coronation baths, took place in various suburbs in the morning, while later on : were held in the main city churches united services of rejoicing and thanks- - giving. At noon the A Battery at Hagley Park fired a Royal Salute of 101 guns, and later,in the day various processions fanned up and marched to Bagley Park, where short speeches were given. From ominous weather indications, the day broke fine, and it appeared that the prime essential for the success of tne great outdoor function, a sunny 4 day, was to be granted. This, however, was not to be. Almost simultaneously with the booming of the first gun a percing wind from the frigid sou'-west struck the city. Black cloud banks massed up and drifted overhead, and the scene of sunshine was quickly transformed into one of gloom. The rain poured over the city, and did its work. The Coronation procession, shorn of „ much of its glory, made its dismal pro--" gress through the city, spectators along the line of route witnessing the pageant in gloom and silence. The only animated j feature of the day was the automobile parade, some hundreds of decorated cars taking part, lucre was a large turnout of Territorials, but the military , display lwd to be abandoned on'account of the rain. For this reason also the proposed speeches were cut down to short remarks, the daylight celebrations closing very early in the afternoon. In the evening a torchlight procession was held, and a display by the Fire Brigade in Victoria Square. Many buildings in the city were brilliantly illumii nated, there being striking displays at the Post Office and the Gas Company's building.

Celebrations were nl.so held in the smaller towns of the district

• Later. On account of the wet weather the torchlight process inn and water display were abandoned. Ttw streets were thronged with people puddling about in the rain and slush. Perhaps the finest effort in the way of decorative illuminations was carried out by the Tramway Board's staff in respect of one of the breakdown waggons. This was brilliantly illnminated with myriads of colored lights arranged beautifully to represent the crown and other Royal devices. - " * IN OTHER PLACES. Timaru, Last Night. The Coronation celebrations were spoilt by heavy continuous rain till 3 p.m. A religious service was held iti Olympia Hall, which was crowded, and the speakers were Mr. J. Craigie (M.P. and Mayor) and Archdeacon Harper, who gave an admirable address. The procession was postponed till .to-morrow, and a half-holiday declared for the purpose. Many country people carno to town in spite of the rain, and were disappointed. A large number of scnool children werr regaled nt the Mftin School. The sho decorations were sadly marred by the downpour washing the dye out of tl textile fabrics. Tho evening was fine, though dull, and crowds were out to see the iUuminaAions. The Post Office was very well done in strings of electric lights, and the frontages of other buildings were illuminated. At Temuka the programme was carried out, except the trades procession, which was postponed -till to-morrow morning. The Mayor turned the first sod of the Memorial Baths, and the Depntv-Mayor for the Memorial Gates. The Maoris went through their programme of roasting a bullotfk and poi and haka dancing.

Hawera, Last Night. There was much enthusiasm locally. Business -places o'ld the Post Office were decorated with bunting. Ipjhe morning there was a procession of the military, scouts, citizens, school children., arid Maoris to King Edwurd the foundation stones tf.re laid lor a tea kiosk, band rotunda, lake and fonntain, funds for which had hoen subscribed by the public. Patriotic speeches were delivered by the Mayor n'nd prominent citizens. A torchlight procession and pyrotechnical display took placo at night. There was a largo assemblage at Manaia, including a: representative gathering of natives, who roasted a bullock whole near the site of the old Manaia redoubt, Waitaira, Last Night; To-day at the school Coronation festivities were held. The Territorials fired a "feu de joie," and Mr. W. T. Jennings gave an address. The Union Jack was unfurled. The Mayoress planted two trees in the school ground to commemorate the occasion.