GREAT STATE BANQUET.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1919, Page 5

GREAT STATE BANQUET.

MR. WILSON 2T LONDON. \ BKILLIAN? GATHERING. 1 iondon, Dec. 29. The most regal setting ever arranged' at Buckingham Palace greeted President and Mrs. Wilson when they were escorted into the banquet liall for th.; state dinner wheih broke all precedent. Every Royal formality which had attended special occasions at the Palace for the last 300 years was carried out, both before and during the banquet, but President Wilson, with Queen Mary, the President thus taking precedence, of the King, led the procession into the dining hall. Ho was preceded by the officials of the Palace, Splendidly costumed and bearing wands, and walking backwards, making obeisance. Behind the President and the Queen came the King and Mrs. Wilson, followed by members of the Royal family. The scene was one of great splendour. The dining saloon contained a great collection of solid gold plate and huge gold ornaments, valued at £3,000,000, brought from the vaults for the occasion.

Tho buffets contained pieces or plate too large and cumbersome for use, including one piece of great size froui the wreck of the Spanish Armada.

The decorative motif was \/hito and gold, with crimson carpet and upholstery to match. The crimson effect vas heightened by the exclusive use of noiiisettias for the floral decoratior.B. 'i'he attendants were in full state diiess, heavy with gold lace, and a military aychestra played. 'Tha banquet waa attended by the flower of English, public life, and the Overseas guests included General Botha and General Smuts (South Africa), Sir Robert Borden (Premier of Canada), Mr. Hughes, and the Maharajah of Bikanir