THE KING'S CORONATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10258, 9 June 1911, Page 5

THE KING'S CORONATION.

PUBLIC MEETING IN MASTERTON.

CELEBRATION TO BE HELD !

A very representative gathering of townspeople assembled in the Borough Council Chamber Inst evening, to make arrangements for the celebration of Coronation Day at Masterton. The chair was occupied by His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M. Coradine). Apologies were received from a number of leading citizens. The Mayor stated that Maisterton had made a very satisfactory demonstration on the occasion of the Coronation of King Edward VII., and there was a genera] feeling in the town, that a similar celebration should be made on the present occasion. There was only a fortnight in wirich'to make preparations, and they would require to get to work ait once. Personally he had not taken part in the last celebration, but .there were others (present who had, and he looked to them for suggestions. He did not see where there would be any great expense in. the matter, and the finances should be easily arranged. On the .last occasion the whole expense .seemed to have been borne outside the Borough Council. The Council had not, so far, voted anything towards the expense of tie celebrations. SergeantMajor McChristell, though not present, ibad .promised to do 'everything in his power to assist.

Mr W. H. Jackson stated thait it would be a great ipifty to a>Mow the occasion to pass without suitable recognition. Apart from the loyal aspect of .this question, there was the consideration of the effect that a demonstration would have upon the mindis of the yoiuxg. He would like, therefore, to see a good, heartty celebration, of the Coronation. If there was not going to be an enthusiastic celebration:, then it would have., to resolve itself into a school function. He suggested a combined .service, with a procession to the old showgrounds. The question of expense should: not be considered. He moved "That i this representative gathering form itself into a committee to celebrate the Coronation of King George V."

Mr D. Caselberg seconded tlie resolution, which was carried unanimousIn answer to a question by Mr A. Dtonald, it was stated by Lieut. Haslam that no directions had been given to the military in the matter. -{The cadets,-.however, had been instructed to join in the celebrations. The Mayor stated that he had been' waiting to see if anv movementwas made by .the military. It seemed to him that the town would require to make its own arrangements.

Mo- Hogg, M.P., suggested 'that they adhere as much as possible to tihe programme of the previous occasion. He moved in this direc- ; tion. Mr Eton seconded the resoln- | tion. The Rev. Raine stated that a service would be iheld in St. Matthew's Church on the morning of the day. Mr Ewington supported the motion, and isuggested that a dance be i held in the evening. I Mr J. Pryor agreed with the day I programme,' but did not think they j should hold a concert in the evening, as there were railway excursions as well as a Caledonian "Ingle- , side." i The .motion, of Mr Hogg was carried unanimously.

On the motion of Mr Jackson, Sergt.-Major McChristell was appointed Chief Marshal, with power to appoint sub-ana rshals. The Town Clerk (Mr Archer) agreed to act as secretary. After some discussion, it was. decided that the following sub-com-mittee be appointed, to arrange a prograimme for the aftern'W.i :—- Superintendent Jenkins, Captain Dixon, Messrs J. C. Ewington, W. H. Jackson, D. Threadweil, A. Donald, and R- J. Young. The Mayor promised to provide a flag and flag-polo for the occasion. Authority was given the sub-com-mlittee to arrange for advertising, printing, etc. Mr R. J. Young was appointed conductor of the choir. It.-was decided that there be no collection at the gates, as on a previous occasion. On the motion of Mr Robinson, it •was decided that a torchlight procession and lie held in the evening.—Mr J. C. Ewington, Superintendent Jenkins and Captain Dixon were appointed a committee to arrange for the concert. It was decided that, in the event of Coronation Day being Wet, the. day function be held in the Town Hall. , . A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.