The Coronation ..OF.. the King.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 241, 12 August 1902, Page 2

The Coronation ..OF.. the King.

Londok, August 9. The Regalia for the ceremony was taken to Westminster Abbey yesterday, where it was guarded by the Beefeaters. The weather was fine but cloudy, with occasional bursts of sunshine. The dawn of Coronation Day was inaugurated by the booming of cannon in Hyde Park and from the Tower, The route was occupied by six o'clock by 12,000 police and 3Q.QOQ sojdws, including the colonials and Indians, whe lined Whitehall. Some of the Indian cavalry were included in the escort. The route to and from the Abbey was as originally arranged. Millions of spectators lined it, and flags, festoons, and Venetian masts, though not so numerous as in Jun«, still made a bi are show, especially in St James street. The colonial stands were in Parliament street and the Parliamentary stands in Parliament Square and facing Westminster Hall. These were great features, and the centres of crowds of spectators. The King’s nuoe* and medical men were among the early arrivals at the Abbey. The Ambulance Corps, of male and female nurses were in the retiring rooms and other precincts. Noblemen in the u«ual state coaches contributed to the splendour, the line of equipage* stretch, ing from the Abbey to Victoria station, four deep. The official Royalties and distiqgnisheii foreign representatives used the Whitehall route. The crowds loudly sqc'aimed many of the leading personages in tbs pageant, such as Viscount Eitcheasr, Lord Woleeley, Bari Roberts, the Indian Princes, Ras Makanaeo (the Abyssinian rnler). The meeting of Yieconot Kitchener and Harl Roberts in front of Buckingham Palace led to immense cheering, also the coming of Mr Chamber* lain and the Premiers, particularly Sis Wilf id Launer and Mr Seddon. The last named with his wife, was among the earliest arrivals. The Abbey presented an appearance of great magnificence. The galleries were bo arranged as to avoid hiding the leading architectural features and contour of the building. The na' o, the choir, and the galleries behind them were lined wi h Mayors, repinentttives of wo king men, Nonconformist delegates (past and present}, Imperial Ministers

jnd wive*, ofll.er* and wives, iho AgsnU-Utner-il and th ir wives—all in uniform, court er levee dresses. It was I jeene of brilliant colour, in wh ch the magnificent gala drssies of the Indian Mjabs we e conspicuously splendid A new carpet had been laid from the west door of the Abbey to the d-is or platferffl, which was raised three steps at the intersection of the choir transepts , n d chancel. This made a magnifi ent groundwork for a rich parterre of colours, which ran like a ribbon along each * The dais wa* covered with a magnificenv Indian carpet, and sccommodaterl two large enthronisation cl airs. A oarpet of dv-kfi r hue was spread over the re t y spatw ! o the altar steps, PX 'e *tin/ a the ancient Coronation chair st <> d. The two »m*ile ch*ir» which wi re previously »rr*tig»‘i to Hl-nd at the f >ot of the d*i«, before the ei.throni-a ion cltohs, we.e not ui?d, and w re imt seen. The north and south trans' pts wore oirupied by slightly sloping ga lo ie*. 1 the south wo c ihe Peers in ih ir scarle rohs* or mantles «i h fur tipprd cap# carrying their coro et*. The troni chai s fac ng Ihe dais w r o-.cupisd by t c Prince of Wales, h Duke of Connaught, and the Duke id Cambridge. In the north transept wee the peeresses in their Court drfu«*s »'Hi irarlet inins, their coro* ets, and s ch a wealth i f diamonds as had never beK ie been s fin. Aliiv the portions occupied by the Peer* *nd Pe«ress « the galleries to th* wheel windows of the outer walls • er • tended, these galler.es ac ominod&uog the commoners and t .eir wives, a few in mourning, but mostly in Court or lev-« costumes. Some wore bnllian uniforms. »nd many of the ladies ostrich f alh ra nr coronets.

The specUcle nl the two transept* was the most brilliant piece of co our in ths whole pageant. The fl.sh ol diamonds in th« Peeresses’ galkry, specially on the trains and skirts of the ladi'S in w iling, when they arrived »t t ho foot of the pUtform, was like a ripple of ann*hino on rough water or the icin i:Ution of dewdropa in the morning sunlight.

The Clergy went in precession from the choir, carrying tie Spurs of Edward the Confessor, the Staff, the Orb, tha Chalice, the Paten, and King Edward’s Crown, and handed them to the Officers of State, who had been selected ts carry them. THE QDKSS’S PROCESSION,

Her Majesty the Queen and her supporters and Officer* of state wore the first to come up the nave and the choir in procession, after tha return of the Clergy. The Queen’s magnificent robe and train wars carried by eight pages in leaflet, the Mistress of the Robes sup porting the terminal of the train, hers

in turn being supported by pages in blue. Tha Queen passed across the chancel to the fald stool facing the line of Bi-hops, who were grouped under the northern wall of the chancel and immediately undar a box containing ths Princess of Wales and her children. Her immediate supporters were the Bishops of Oxford and Norwich ; and an the extreme right ak the south end of the altar stood the Abbey Clergy, seven or eight wearing msgnificant terracotta capes. THB KING’S PROCESSION. His Majesty ths King’s procession followed, the Officers of Hlate carrying the insignia as arranged. The King, with the Bishops of Bath and Durham as immediate aupporters, knelt at the faldstool adjoining that of the Queen. THE CEREMONIAL. The Archbishop of Canterbury in a Joud voice proceeded with the Recognition, which took place at the fald stool instead of at the dais, the King being presented to the West only. The people ehouted “ God Save King Idward ! " The Litany was omitted and Communion Service commenced with the Introit " 0 harken Thou unto the voice of my calling, snv King, and my Gnd ; for unto Thee will 1 make my prayer. ’ In the third prayer, which commences “ 0 God, whoprovidest,'’ the Archbishop of Canterbury introduced the words “ for whose recovery we give Thef hearty thanks.” „ . , The Rilhop of Ely read the Epistle, and the Bishop of Winchester the Gospel, The Choir sang the Nicene Creed to Wesley’s sotting. The sermon was omitted. The Archbishop of Canterbury administered the Oath to which the King replied in a voiee that could be heard half way down the Abbey. His Majesty’s four responses ehowed a firmness of tone that would have become a strong and healthy man. His Majesty then kissed the Great Bible which waa presented to him by the Archbishop. , , , The Anointing of the King proceeded pnder the canopy as proscribed. The King having mor«d to the Coronation chair, the Archbishop presented the golden spurs. The sword was laid by the side of the King, not girded on. The King having assumed the Armilla, the Lord Great Chamberlain clasped its girdle. Afterwards the Rings, the two Sceptres, the Glove, were presented by the Lord of the Manor of Worksop, Having been touched with the Rod of Equity, the King was invrsted with the Imperial Mantle and Pallium. One of the Bishops, instead of De*n Bradley, handed the Crown to the Archbishop, who placed it upon the King’s head, the latter holding a sceptre in each hand.

At this instant the electric light was turned on, and the congregation in the Abbey cheered, bells clanged, guns from the Towey heard qqomiug in {he distance, This section of th« service end-d with the choir Binging the words, " Be strong and play the man : Keep the Commandments of the Lord thy God and walk in Hie ways.” Jh# prftHDtftiion of the Bible followed, then oame two prayers, the Benediction, and the Archbishop’s address to the people, after which the o remony of Bnthronisation commenced, the To Deam being postponed and sung daring the reoeee. „ The King, leaving the Coronation Chair, ascended the dais with a firm step, and without assistance, though wearing the Crown and Pallium and carrying the two Sceptres, the officiating clergy surrounding him. The Arohbishop of Canterbury with great difficulty ascend*d the dais, requiring assistance and nearly falling owing to physical infirmity, though his voice w»s powerful. He is so blind that in all his msremente he was led by the Bishop, an attendant was placed before him at every long prayer, With a scroll four feef long apd two feet Wide, on which the prayer was printed tn Urge type, and held by a Bishop. The Archbishop of Canterbury made many mistakes in reading, though he read exceedingly slowly* The Bnthronisation or Lifting of the King into the Throne consisted of the Arohbishop of Canterbury slightly raising the King’s bands in his while the King is in the act of sitting down. After the ceremony of Exaltation, the Archbishop of Canterbury did homage to the King. He knelt with much difficulty. The King and two Bishops helped him to rise. He then kissed the King on both cheaks. The Archbishop of Canterbury nearly collapsed when descending the dais ; two Bishops aud an attendant were required to aa-ist him and supp rt him towards the chair at the north end of the altar, where the Archbishop of Wales th»n doffed his coronet and did homage to the King,

warmly kissing and s aking his band*. Afterwards selected Peers paid homage, touching the Crown and kissing he King’s cheek, the choir meanwhile b ngmg the anthem "Kings shall S e and Arise.”

When the paying of homage had ended, the people shouted amidst the beating of drum* and blaring of trumpets, " God Save King Edward,” “ Long Live King Edward,” “ Mty the King Live for Ever.” Up till now the Queen had remained at the fald 01. She now advance! and knell on the ci-dnon on the steps of the alUr, whore the Archbishop of York conducted her Coronation a« prescribed. The Queen was anointed under the oui-py, which was held by four Duchesses. Th- Archbishop of York ,r stnftd her with the Sorptre* and Ring, a now crown rep .uing the circlet she had worn till now.

The c-l-hritinn of tha Holy 0 mmumon f-dlowed, the pow r of the Aiehhishop cf Cante bury’s voice at this p rtion of the sei vie s showing that ho had recovered f m emotion and physical strain.

Tne King and Queen having made the prescribed obligati )- sat the al'ar, the Archbishop < f Canterbury administered the Baer»raoii! to h m-telf and Dean Cradley before the King and Q teen, as prescribed I It* Aichbishop of Canterbury was so it ind hat, in walking along the front of th" alt r wnhout a Bishop’* guidunc -, he groped his way by feeling along the edge of the table, holding the Paten so mu< h a-kew that the Holy Element* nevly »lipped on the floor. Dean B.adl y i» also so exceedingly infirm that when carrying the Communion Cup from the Q een to the table his kno.s gave wa}, and two Bi»hop» run to his assist.nee. Apart from i hi* phy.-ical “ coutr. tumps,” the entire setvi;« wnt moat smoothly. There wis no omfu i m in ton procession or anything els-*. Stainer’s ** Gloria ” was msg i ticen ly rendered. The whi/D of the Coronation office ha<ing bee. p iformed, the King an! Queen retit tcl in o St. Edward s Chapel, w here the> par o >k of slight refreshment.

During the reoe.-s the Ta Dsum was sung. T..e Ki g changed the Pallium for an ermine .i.d purple Velvet pallium, the mantle of State, and the Royal Crown for a n-w crown of greater brilliancy. The Queen’* procession was the first to leav» the Abbey, Her Majesty wearing a new crown containing the famous Kohinoor diamond, carrying tw i sceptres. The King’s procession followed, Hia Majesty carrying the Orb. These insignia were hando 1 to the State officers in the annexe and the Sovereigns rode wearing their crowns through the streets to the Palace. The King and Queen were rec ivei with immense acclamation within and without the Abbey. The King appeared to have borne the ceremony well. His Majesty wore his Cap of State from entering the Abbey until the crowning ceremony. CELEBRATIONS IN WAIMATE.

Saturday morning broke bitterly cold. However, ae there was neither rain nor wind this interfered but little with the ceremonies. The first gather* ing, preparatory to hoisting the flag and planting the oak, was at the drillshed. Here the Waimate Rifles, under Captain Barclay, Studholme Mounted Rifles, under Captain Gar* land, and returned troopers, under Sergt.-Major L, Glendining, formed up and, headed by the Waimate Brass Band, marched through Queen street to the space between the two Council Chambers, drawing up in one line facing east. The school children front the to;vn and country schools were massed on Queen street and behind these were the Friendly Societies and Fire Brigade, and a large crowd ol people was gathered all along the Queen street and Victoria Terrace sides of the square. At 10.15, after a few

words by His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Manchester) the Union Jack was unfurled by Mrs Studholme, the flag being saluted with cheers. The band struck up “ God Save the King " and at each verse a feu de joio was fired by the Waimate Rifles, the other troops saluting. At the conclusion of this ceremony the troops and people shifted position to the corner of John street and Victoria Terrace, where the Coronation oak was in readinets, It was then planted by the Mayoress, the band again playing u God Save the King,” all those present joining in. The Mayor in a short speech said »hat at last the great event of the Coronation was at hand and although the King was not yet actually crowned the ceremony was at hand. They m New Zealand, the furthest cast, were the first to hail Edward VII. King of the British Empire. They had cheated the gipsy who had prophecied that he would never be crowned. And he wished them to understand that the British Empire was now a much greater one than it was a few years ago (embracing one-fifth of the earth s surface), for the South African colonies had been won fairly and honestly for the Crown. In the absence of Mr J. F. Douglas, County chairman, Mr E. C. Studholme, on behalf of the County, said a few words. The Rev. McKenzie Gibson then read an autograph letter, entirely written and conceived by King Edward and directed by him to be circulated “ to my people.” It was as follows: —On the eve of my Coronation, an event I look upon as one of the most solemn and important of my life, I am anxious to express to my people at Home, in the colonies, and in India, my heartfelt appreciation of the deep sympathy they have manifested during the time my life was in such imminent danger. The postponement of the ceremony, owing to my illness, caused, I fear, much inconvenience and trouble to all intending to celebrate it, but the disappointment was borne with admirable patience and temper. The prayers for my recovery were heard, and I now offer up my deep st gratitude to Divine Providence for preserving my life, and giving me strength to fulfil the important dlities devolving upqn me as Sovereign of this great Empire,” This clqsed the morning’s programme. At l.SQp.m. a monster precession started from the Drillshed, ’ The day bad cleared up, a light nor’wester was blowing, and the pleasant warmth enticed out hundreds of people. The Waimate Brass Band led, followed by the returned troopers, Studholme Mounted Rifles and Waimate Rifles in that order, next the Friendly Societies (Hibernians, Foresters and Oddfellows), Fire Brigade (the latter with their reel and manual), and a Waimate made cannon fired salutes at intervals, the band played a quickstep and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. Arriving at the park, medals and elasps were presented to about twenty returned troopers by the Mayoress, each man receiving a round of applause as bo stepped up. After this ceremony was concludfd the troops were dismissed, and a programme of sports was gone through. All the items were entertaining, but none more so than

tha married wouiou'd race, where a pjpular tin near entered to make a contest and was beaten on the post.

In the evening there was a general illumination of premises. Transparencies were cbieHy in vogue, some of the effects being very pretty. The County Council was re decorated and made a brave display, the Post Office, hung over with fairy lamps, festoons of flags and transparencies being also very fine. The Royal Hotel was also splendidly illuminated. That the decorations were not universal was due to the uncertainty that prevailed in regard to the Coronation. The Fire Brigade turned out in force and marched through the town to the accompaniment of coloured fires, rockets, Roman candles and the other fireworks dear to small and great. Arriving at the paddock in front of the school and where a stand is erected, a very fine display of fireworks was given, the only drawback to enjoyment being the cold sou’wester. After the display a huge bonfire was lighted on the adjoining section, and after watching its blaze for an hour, the gathering dispersed homeward. Throughout the day, at the flag hoisting, tree planting, procession, sports and fireworks display, the Waimate Brass Band rendered invaluable aid. SUNDAY’S CHURCH SERVICES,

In several of the churches special mention was made of the great event.

sx. Augustine’s.

Both morning and evening services were crowded. The Vicar (the Rev McKenzie Gibson) officiated. The service was a set one, prescribed to be used in all Anglican churches. It embodied a public Communion service, a large number taking the Sacrament. The Vicar delivered the following official sermon : “ And he brought forth the King’s ton and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony ; and they made him King and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, * God save the King.’ ” —2 Kings, xi., 12.

To-day is the occasion for a ceremony which has never tieen seen in England before during the lifetime of most of us—the Coronation of a King. For some time past our minds have been filled with the pageantry which will surround that ceremony in London and with the thought of the festivities which will take place hero in New Zealand. We know something of the enormous crowds which have been gathering from all parte of the world to witness the act itself or the procession connected with it ; we can to some extent imagine the brilliance of the scene, enriched as it will be with everything that wealth and art, colour and music can supply ; we can picture to ourselves the naval and military displays and the many forms of popular rejoicing* But these, after all, are but the outward show; they are not tha heart of the matter. While we ajre here in church this morning let us try for a few moments to realise the true moaning of the Coronation.

The new King is to be crowned. It is not as an individual that he receives this honour ; he is crowned as representing the people! The British Empire includes one fib h of the whole human race, and the King is the representative of all these millions of his subjects. In the ceremony which is to take place to day the whole Empire—wa in this distant colony as well as those living in the Motherland—will receive an added dignity and (let us hope) an added bltising. For the coronation of a King is an essentially religious act. Take away the pomp and magnificence which surround it, look at it in its bare simplicity, and it will be seen to be entirely religious in its character. Ths coronation of Josiah, that King of Israel of whom our text tells us, the King who was crowned and anointed in the Temple of Jerusalem by the High Priest Jehoiada, was no more sacred than will be the coronation of King Edward by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Let hi try to picture to ourselves this morning the sacred side of the scene which is to take place to day. The place h Wesuninater Abbey, that ancient church which, during the last seven hundred years, has witnessed many

coronations and other great national acts of worship. The service is the oldest Coronation Service in the world. It has been in nee v Ith but little variation for eleven hundred years. It was originally model'ed up an that which is appointed for the consecration of a bishop, lor a King has always been looked upon as hearing a sacred character. The chair in which the King is seated contains the •tons »f Scone, upon which from time immemorial the Scottish Kings were oro vned. Before the actual crowning comes the Lit-ny, sung by two bishop*, and also the first part of the Communion Service, for, like the consecration of a bishop or the ordination of a priest, the coronation of a King forms a part of that most blessed of all the services of the Church, the office of the Holy Euch'rist. Attsr the singing of the hymn, “ Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,” and before the actual crowning, comes the most so'emn and ancient act of all. It is that of the anointing with oil by the Arohbishop af Canterbury. Our text tells us that Jehoiada the priest not only put the crown upon the King’s heal, but anointed him. In Jewish times the anointing with oil was generally an accompaniment of the call of any person to be prophet, priest, or king. In a hot and dry climate the cooling and fragrant oil was taken as a sign of the refreshing influence of the Holy Spirit. So it is that Jesus our Lord was called The Ghritt , which means “ the anointed person," for though no oil was actually poured upon His head, His Church felt that He had been “ anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power" as “ He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed." An English King, then, at the time of his orowning is actually invested with something of a Christliks office, and is afterwards presented by the Arohbishop with a Bible as a sign that hs should endeavour to live a Christlike Ufo and to rule hie kingdom in a Christlike way. The actual orowning is followed by the singing of a joyful Te Deun\, and after the entjironmont and the receiving of homage from the bishops and peers of the kingdom, there follows the Holy Communion itself, the elements of bread and wine being first solemnly offered by the King himself. The Coronation is thus essentially an act of religious devotion 1 It is the nation’s prayer for its Sovereign and for itself. It is the public recognition of the supreme lordship of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It should sanctify the new King's reign, and it should indeed help to make the whole of our nation conscious of its high calling and its tremendous responsibilities. God has in truth blessed our England in the past with exceptional blessing. As we look Oaok over its long and eventful history we cannot fail to recognise that it is a history of Divine favour. That history culminates for us with the glorious reign of oar late Queen, Victoria the Good, and with the proclamation of a peace which has at length brought to a happy close a war which was in many respects the greatest which we have ever waged. But great blessings bring with them great responsibilities. Our power is given us not for empty boasting or set fish aggrandisement, but as a solemn trust which we are called to use for God. Wq

are called to the greit la k of upholding righteousness amongst otrselres, and of olvilinng and Chris ianising the dark places of the earth; Should we unhappily li.rget Him who has made us what we are, we should without doubt soon lose our power and see it given lo some other nation that bad been more faithful.

Here in this distant portion of His Mujesty’s dominions we have our own ta -k to perform in the building up of the great British Empire. Many of our sons have laid down their lives for it in the war, but there is much for us all to do in times of peace Evils worse than foreign foes are amongst us, and tend to corrupt our national life by degrading our national character. We are called to serve our country by trying to make that little spot of it in which we live more honest, more sober, more pure, and more Godly. The desire of our hearts and the efforts of our lives should ever be towards the fulfilment of our Saviour’s prayer, “ Thy kingdom come.” Let us pray for fresh blessing upon our beloved country as upon its monarch, and let us face our national duties with humble recognition of Him whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and whose kingdom endureth from generation to generation.