Coronation Celebrations.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 210, 31 May 1902, Page 3

Coronation Celebrations.

A public meeting was held last evening in the County Council Chambers, His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. Manchester) presiding over a good attendance. An apology was received from Mr Douglas. The Rev. McKenzie Gibson wrote, apologising for absence. So far as the religious recognition of the Coronation was concerned, he had instructions from the Bishop to have an order of service, printed by command of the King, said in the church. If during the afternoon or evening he could promote the secular rejoicings of the day he would be happy to do so. Mr Morgan was appointed secretary to the meeting and committee. The first of the committee’s resolutions submitted was “ That all ministers, and the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, bo asked to join in holding a religious service in the drillshed on Coronation Day, the friendly

sociti.i volu.de- rs; lm» brigade, Choral Society, Ye., to b■j uskc d to attend and assist.” The Kev. Regnault thought it r! ht

to have a religious service to show gratitude to Almighty God fur liberty under the British constitution. When they saw everywhere the revolutionary element trying to destroy existing- institutions they ought to be thankful to dwell in a country where freedom of thought and action was allowed. So far as the united service was concerned he could not take part in it, and had to use his influence with the Catholic members to induce them not to take part in it. This had always been a rule of the Catholic Church. He regretted it in this instance as it might bo construed as bigotry, but it was not. It was not in his power no in that of any Bishop or Arch-bishop to alter it. It was not want of loyalty, for Catholic loyalty had been provtd on every battlefield in which the British had taken part. (Applause.) They would have a special service of their own but he thought if all the ministers and their congregations were to unite at some special hour there would be more .spirituality than in tin; excitement of a public mooting. Yet tlley could join the secular meeting and sing with heiutnlt feeling -‘Cod Save the King.” II; moved “That the religious services be left to the various denominations to erny out." Mr A. Colvillo seconded the motion.

Mr Clement thought tho id a of a united religious service was fut ; ! ■ from the start—tho experience of Wcihugtoii and previous experience in Waim Uo should have shown that.

The chairman sugge.slrd that although some stood out, still the remainder might unite. The Rev. A. S, Morrison thought it pre-eminently an occasion for some semblance of unity among the religious bodies. It was not impossible, and had been done- elsewhere.

Mr W. M. Hamilton thought it desirable to promote harmony, but for this he would support the motion, so as not to put a large part of the community in the position of refusing to take part in the programme.

Some discussion ensued on both sides of the question, and finally

Mr G. Manchester moved as an amendment—'• That the recommendation of the committee in regard to religious services be adopted.”

Dr Barclay, in seconding the motion, strongly urged the desirability of a united service. He understood the position of the Revs. Gibson and Regnault, still it seemed to him a question whether they could not forget the differences of religion and unite heartily in thanksgiving to God. The amendment was lost by 10 to l‘J, and the motion carried. The chairman said it was now competent for the religious bodies to move in the matter. Mr I’. Akhurst : Not officially ? The chairman : With all the officialism they can summon. The question of a public religious service is in the hands of the religious bodies. That is my ruling. (There was considerable astonishment at this, most of those present thinking the service quashed save in separate churches or by private arrangements.) In discussion of finance Mr F. Akhurst -said that the Peace Committee had CIO, and if the Coronation Committee raised a similar amount they would bo willing to put in it. Mr C. Akhurst suggested that any surplus could go to a troopers’ memorial fund.

Mr ('oilman thought it a pity to make this condition ; they would make a special effort later on, and this would kill it.

Dr Barclay said the memorial would he an inexpensive one, and the time for collection was appropriate. It was decided that shilling subscription lists be circulated in town and country, and a collection taken at the park gates. On t lie motion of Mr G. V. Cochrane it was decided to give £5 of any surplus to the Ladies’ Benevolent Society to buy coals for the needy in and close around Waimate, and Mr Akhurst’s suggestion was thou to be acted on.

Mr C. Akhurst moved that there be a bonfire in the evening and fireworks if possible. ’ Mr Scott seconded the motion, which was carried.

The last business was the appointment of an executive committee to arrange about sports and other details, and the following were elected : —Revs. Rognault, Carlisle, Morrison and Tinsley', and Messrs Twomey', Colville, Sinclair, Freeman, Scott, and Morgan, the Mayor to be convener. During the discussion on the lass item Mr C. Akhurst moved a number of names. Mr Coltman said this was meant to cut out every Protestant minister in town.

Mr Inkster said it was a deliberate insult. Talk about peace ; there was not a bit of peace at the meeting. Mr Akhurst pointed out that his motion included three Protestant ministers.