THE CORONATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 336, 24 June 1911, Page 5

THE CORONATION.

KING AND QUEEN NOT FAiIGUED. THEIR DOINGS AFTER THE EVENT. By Cable —Pr*s<" Assocint.ion— -Opyrighl. Received 23, 8.30 p.m. London, June 23. It is announced that neither the King nor the Queen suffered any undue fatigue from the day's ceremonies. They spent the afternoon quietly at home, and dined with the Royal guests staying at Buckingham Palace. Queen, Alexandra and her sister attended the special Coronation service at Sandringham Church. Fourteen hundred adults and children of the Sandringham estate were entertained by King George and Queen Mary's order at dinner, tea and sports. Gifts were made during the dinner. Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Princess Victoria visited the scene, and conversed with many of them. Queen ■Alexandra afterwards permitted them to visit the gardens and grounds adjoining Sandringham House.

ILLUMINATIONS AT NIGHT. MOST BRILLIANT ON RECORD. An unprecedentedly large, enthusiastic and orderly throng, stretching from the City to the West End, witnessed the illuminations, which were the most bril liant on record. There were many fresh and ingenious adaptations of electricity. All the principal buildings over a large part of London were a blaze of light. The thoroughfares were almost impassable for hours. Thousands took up positions at midnight to await to-day's procession, while thousands thronged the approaches to Buckingham Palace. In the evening the Prince of Wales, in naval uniform, repeatedly waved his hand from an upper window in response to the cheers of the crowd and the singing of "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the King."

THE CASUALTIES. LOWEST ON RECORD. Captain Mac Cowan fractured his skull. The casualties among the military and general public were the smallest on record. During the procession through the main street at Branstable a triumphal arch of timber, wreathed with evergreens and flags, fell and killed a woman. Several were pinned under the wreckage and grievously injured. A horse drawing a van bolted, and plunged into the children's procession at Cowes, a girl being killed. During a fancy dress parade a driver of a decorated car fell and was run over.

THE CHURCHES. ANGLICANS AND NON-CONFORMISTS UNITE. There were many instances in the English provinces where Anglican, and non-conformists joined in united services at the parish churches, but at Worcester friction with the Cathedral Chapter led the Mayor and members of the corporation to attend the Wesleyan Church instead of the Cathedral.

LIGHTING OP BONFIRES. THE WHOLE COUNTRY ENCIRCLED. A slight shower of rain fell at eight o'clock in London. Mr. Asquith's little son Anthony, at ten o'clock, telephoned to the Festival of Empire, giving the signal for the lighting of bonfires in the counties. His message said: "I hope the rocket fired at the Festival of Empire, besides lighting the Coronation beacons throughout the land, will kindle all hearts with fresli fires of love and devotion to the King and Empire." It is estimated that there were 3000 onfircs, which were like miniature volcanoes, covering the land from John o' Groats to Lands End. Hundreds of Irish hills were ablaze. London was surrounded by fires. There were 08 in Cornwall. From Devonshire a chain of light extended through Dorset, Hants, Wilts and Gloucestershire to the Malvern Hills. The whole country's salient features were outlined. , Fires everywhere fringed the coasts. There were 8(5 beacons in Oavan Count}'.

GENERAL HOLIDAY IN JAPAN. JAPAN'S FERVENT HOPE. Received 23, f) p.m. Tokio, June 23. A general holiday was observed here in connection with the Coronation of King George. A lantern procession, several miles long, travelled to the British Embassy, singing a specially composed song of congratulation. All the newspapers fervently hope for a continuous alliance with Britain, as the strongest guarantee of peace.

MAIN CHARACTERISTIC FEATURE. I PART PLAYED V.Y COLONIES. Received 23, 9 p.m. London. .Tune 23. A contributor in the Paris Temps r"marks tli.it those remembering King E ; ward's coronation were bound to observe I that tbe main cbaraeteristie feature of yesterday's ceremony was tbe part given to the overseas Dominions, their flags waving besides tbe United Kingdom's. The order of banners constitutes one of the most remarkable symbols, in every respect such as one might anticipate on the coronation of a sailor king. Britain possessed in tiie colonies undying resources, the young Powers assuring her of perpetual greatness. INCIDENTS OF A GREAT DAY. ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATIONS. London, June 22. Sightseers began to congregate at midnight. Many were discovered at dawn peacefully sleeping on the kerb-

stones. The crowd Anally was, however, not as large as was anticipated, owing to police precautions and the high price of seats sending many Londoners to the country for the week-end. Buckingham Palace was the Mecca of the crowds, owing to the possibility of watching the arrival of foreign princes and envoys at the Palace. The scene was most brilliant when the troops, with new uniforms, and the colonials took their positions. Princess Mary and one of her brothers watched from the window of the Palace. The New Zealandcrs, who were in dark uniform, the South Africans in khaki, the Imperial Light Horse, Natal Mounted' Rifles, kilted Capetown Highlanders, and GOO Canadians, representing 13(1 units, were particularly noticeable in the guards of honor which were mounted in the quadrangle at nine o'clock, the Duke of Connatight being the central figure. Brilliantly uniformed officers were superintending the formation of processions, and ft numlber of gorgeously clad and bejewelled Indian princesses were seated in the quadrangle. The rain and clouds cleared, and a, burst of sunshine greeted His Majesty as he stepped into the State coach, The Australian cadet* and New Zealanders presented arms until the coach pa-ssed. The-Life Guardsmen were drawn up at the Palace gates leading into the Mall, where the King was welcomed by the shouts of the populace, led by the boys of the Duke of York's School and the Greenwich Naval School and pensioners, who were seated on the circular terrace surrounding the Victoria memorial. An exciting incident occurred as the procession was leaving the Palace. The restive horse of an officer of the Indian contingent, riding just ahead of the King, toppled backwards over the rider, crushing his helmet. The crowd believed him killed, but the. officer rose and insisted on remounting, the crowd cheering. Australians began to gather at the Stafford stand at four o'clock, and it was crowded by eight. They greeted their Majesties' children and the colonial contingent with "cooees." There were thousands of gaily clad sightseers on stands about the Memorial Arch at the end of the Mall, where the gates swung open for their Majesties, who used them for the first time. Thirty thousand gathered on the stands and' pavements in Parliament Square, including 2500 at Westminster Hospital, where from £lO to £25 apiece was paid for seats. Ten thousand Boy Scouts assisted the ambulance corps jn supplying the crowd with water. The return journey was accomplished without incident at 2.50. Their Majesties later appeared for sever-' minutes at the Palace, and bowed to V • hecring populace. The troops caugK tlm nnthusiasm, and, without orders, joined the demonstrations, the officers drawing their swords and waving them aloft.

REJOICINGS OUTSIDE LONDON. ELABORATE PREPARATION'S. London, June 22. There were rejoicings in every town and village in Britain and Ireland, and nil were beflagged, and in most places the mayors and corporations attended services at the cathedrals and parish churches. Many oaks were planted i n parks. The school children were entertained at teas and sports, and aged pensioners were feasted, the festivities concluding with fireworks and bonfires. Forty-seven Crimean and mutiny veterans were banquetted at Birmingham, and 100,000 children received medals. The children at Bournemouth and other places: organised Empire pageants, including representatives of every colon}'. Groceriesi were distributed to 14,000 of the Bristol aged poor. There was a Lady Godiva procession at Coventry. At Liverpool 544,000 Georgian half-pennies were distributed among the children, and at Newcastle 50,000 beakers were given to the children. The celebrations in Scotland and Ireland were less elaborate, as thej are awaiting their Majesties' coming in July. Highland sports were general throughout Scotland. The Protestant churches in Ireland used a special Coronation service and anthems. The fleet and foreign warships at Spithead were dressed in flags, The vessels and garrison batteries fired Royal salutes at mid-day. Messrs. McGowen and Murray, Sir William Lyne, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and Lewis, Sir John and Lady Forrest, and other oversea Parliamentarians were in the gallery at the corner of the northern transept, and had an excellent view of the ceremony. Madame Melba was included in the King's box. The Duke of Norfolk specially invited Mr. Wicks, a nonagenarian, who was a chorister at the funeral of George IV. and present at the coronations of King William, Queen Victoria, and King 'reward.

THE PRINCE OF WALES. A TOUCHIXG SCENE. London, June 22. The Prince of Wales, in the robes of the Garter, led the procession of British Royalties in the Abbey. His brothers were in Highland costumes. Princess .V' >ry had a long velvet train and a small cornu'd. The Prince of Wales was seated in front "f the Peers, and as each Prinei ■■; passed ho bowed, acknowledging their obeisanc". After the Prince of Wales h:'d recit' ! the homage he kissed the King and retivd. bowing profoundly. His father drew the Prince towards him, warmly kissing him end placing his hand beneath the boy's chin. With a further obeisance the Prince retired.

TIME OF THE CIiOWXTNT!. London. .Tune 22. The, ceremony of crowning look place at 12.37. An official from the Abbey announced the news in the streets. It spread quickly, and was received with loud cheering everywhere, the crowds singing the National Anthem. fiuns

fired salute* at the Tower and in Hyde Park.

THE CORONATION SERMON. London, June 22. The text of the sermon was taken from Luke xxii., 27: "I am among them as he that serveth." Dr. Lang, Archbishop of York, said: "The King is sent to be the leader oJ his people in the service of God, and as a man, from God's altar he receives his rule. We pray that a strong trust in God will keep him faithful to God's great trust in him. Tlie King is among the people of the Homeland, the multitudes in India, and the strong young nations overseas, but is raised above all in one fellowship of common memories, ideals, and sacrifices." THE RETURN JOURNEY. London, June 22. The return journey from the Abbey commenced in sunshine and amid the most intense enthusiasm. The King and Queen wore their crowns. CANADIAN OFFICER INJURED. London, June 22. It transpires that it was Captain MacCowan, commanding the Canadian Mounted Rifles, who were escorting the King to Westminster Abbey, who was thrown from his horse and suffered severe injuries to the body. He was conveyed to the hospital. Owing to the rain to-night the fleet illuminations at Portsmouth have been postponed. Charles Radford, a prominent townsman of Lyme Regis, was firing a salute, when the cannon exploded, killing kim. ' ROYAL PORTRAITS. The King is presenting the various Governments of the overseas dominions with copies of the State portrait of himself and the Queen. NEW ZEALAXDERS AT THE ABBEY. The following New Zealanders were, allotted seats in the Abbey:—The Primate and Mrs. Nevill, Messrs. Turnbull and S. Verret, Sir C. and Lady Bowen, Rhodes, Mills, Smith, Rutherford, Kirkcr, 'and Moss-Davis, Sir William and Lady Hall-Jones, Lady Stout, Mesdames Seddon, Collins, Perry, and Rhodes, sen. There were also a large number of representative visiting Australians. THE KING'S FIRST PUBLIC ACT. King George's first public act after lcaying the Abbey and reaching Buckingham Palace was to touch an electric button, laying the corner stone of the Fishermen's and SailoTs' Home at St. John's, Newfoundland. Received 23, 8.30. When the button was pressed a fusion wire lowered the foundation stone into position in Newfoundland. The King sent a message of high appreciation of Dr. Grenfell's missionary work in Labrador and Newfoundland, and referred to the arduous lives of the Newfoundland fishermen.

THE CONTINENT'S GOODWILL. French, German, Austrian and Russian newspapers are warm in expressions of goodwill to King George and the nation. AUSTRALIAN CELEB tt/.YIONS. "Melbourne, June 23. The Slate Government provided four thousand poor with a Coronation dinner., xiie ollieial Commonwealth dinner was a brilliant function. Lord Dudley, who was the only speaker, said 'ho was convinced that no sovereign ever ascended the British throne more determined to do his best in honest, simple, siraighttorward fashion than King George. Sydney, June 23. The Coronation ball in the Town Hall was a brilliant function. At H) o'clock, corresponding to; 1 , the Coronation hour, the National Anthem was played amid great enthusiasm. Cardinal Morau, in the course of his sermon at St. Mary's Cathedral, sai..: • ; We Catholics join in the festivities more, readily because the Coronation marks an epoch in religious tolerance." A feature of the rejoicings was that at a given signal a line of immense bonfires was lit along the peaks of the Blue Mountains. Yesterday's tram traffic put up a record, surpassing even that at the time 01 the visit of the American .fleet. For some hours during the evening street traffic was practically blocked by the immense, crowds viewing the illuminations. The Primate, in the course of his sermon, said: "From God and God alone comes the Empire. Neither fleets, armies, diplomatic or legal acumen can maintain the throne if God forbids. The King is the 'embodiment of our right to claim as our own all that is greatest and best in the past history of our race. King '(.forge is a king who knows us as none of his predecessors did or could. ITc has been amongst us, and carried to England the truths he learned in the Empire." Received 23. !) p.m. Sydney, June 23. The city again bore a holiday appearance to-day. Business was slack, owing to the closing of Government ollices. The picnic resorts were well attended. The illuminations are showing to-night. Enormous crowds are in the streets. Hobart, June 23. The weather was fine for the Coronation celebrations. The general decorations and illuminations were not elaborate. Tne leading business people gave donations to charities instead. Perth, June 23. Tne weather was fine, and the city handsomely decorated and illuminated. There were enthusiastic celebrations throughout the. State. FESTIVITIES IN OTHER PLACES. Capetown, June 22. Every town and village in South Africa arranged patriotic festivities, the Indians and natives sending congratulations. Malta, June 22. The festivities opened with a general holiday. Twenty-two civic bands participated in the triumphal march. General Sir Leslie Bundle, the Governor, and all the authorities attended a thanksgiving service in the Cathedra.], and a salute of twenty-one guns was fired at noon.

NEW ZJSALAND CONGRATULATIONS. Ky Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. The following cable was sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies through the Governor: —"Thi>t the Government and people of New Zealand desire to tender their respectful congratulations to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his coronation. They pray that by the blessing of Almighty God 11 is Majesty may long be spared to reign over his people." The Governor gavo a State dinner last night. Rotorua, Yesterday. The Arawa tribe passed a resolution las* night congratulating the King and Queen and renewing their allegiance and confirming the sentiments of loyalty given during their Majesties' visit to New Zealand in Jflfll. Timaru, Last Night. The postponed military and trades procession took place to-day. The procession was said to be the best and the crowd the largest known here. There were some clever and interesting devices among the trade displays. The illuminations were repeated. A torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks on the sand took place.