A GATHERING OF NOTABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1915, Page 7

A GATHERING OF NOTABLES.

The enterprise of a few enthusiasts has accomplished the bringing together of a uniquely varied company of the illustrious. They will be assembled in Wliiteley Hall to-day and to-morrow, and it is anticipated that most New Plymouth folk will make an effort to get into their company. Thero will be seen Queen Anne, by no means as dead as the current proverb suggests, and King Alfred, evidently recovered from the smack whose echoes resound still in histories of the juvenile sort. Even the great White Queen of our own age will grace the gathering, attended by Princess Ida, while the popular King of the Netherlands will be royally welcomed. Monarchs more feared than favored with also attend—the Emperor with his Coronet, the Empress, and here and thero a majestic Autoer.lt. The Crown Prince has been scoured at last, and wi'l be found not far from Lucifer. To still the trepidations of the timid, these will be accompanied l,y Lord Roberts and Admiral Togo, and a few Cardinals will spread a sense of blefsed peace. In serviceable attendance will be the Marquis of Lome, the Duke of Bedford, the Duke of Bucclueuch, the "blooming" Duke of Westminster (of Lord Charles Beresford'a early escapade), and courtly Sir Watkin. To gladden the literary, Chaucer (our earliest garden poet will be there, and Dante, with his suggestions of Paradise. Although Spenser may not be seen, his Faerie Queen will appropriately represent him. Of modern poets, Longfellow has been prevailed upon to appear, attended (as is fitting for Hiawatha's singer) by many a Red Chief, including a Mohican—by no means the last. Of fabled majesties, great Diana will be admired as of yore, and beauteous Ariadne, escaped from the labyrinth, will herself be beheld, as well as the Constellation that was her wedding crown. From the Armageddon across the sens Magog lias come, with ail outpost and 'a watchfire; but his biblical associate abides there in strife, so Kitchener, once a pronußaiit'fi£u»e at the annual levee, may thfs year be absent. Mrs. Lanptry, not now the Jersey Lily, and Grace Darlin», akin to a Water-witch in the regard of some folk, will add interest to the assemblage. A few chastle Bridesmaids, with their Glitter of White Pearl and an occasional Scarlet Gem, will grace the throng, and even that rarity, a White Slave, will find a place. Buttercups and Golden Bells will bedeck the fmiction, and the bright plumage of the Flamingo and the i spreading wing?, of the Albatross will lend gay decoration. Amidst these aesthetic attractions, there will be found much also to satisfy (he cravings of a practical taste, for (besides the choice goods 011 the stalls) there will be bountiful provision of Eggs-and-Bacon, Bntter-and-Egg, and that strange dish —Codlins-and-Cream. The show committee has an Ideal bright and pure, and the appreciation of a grateful New Plymouth host should fill them with Elation. To-day and Friday. both liefcre and after Sunset.