INVERCARGILL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 17 July 1902, Page 19

INVERCARGILL.

(From our own correspondent.) July 15. A big thing is going on in the Bluff at present — nothing less than a Coronation Demonstration, which, if it does not equal, will at least imitate the ceremony in London, England. Yesterday I saw a railway carriage full of mothers coming to town to buy silks, satins, and ermine for the dukes, duchesses, marquesses, marchionesses, knights and ladies who are to take part in the function. It is proposed by those in charge to surround this • Grand Coronation Festival ' with royal amusements, in the way of comedies and comediettea, tableaux and processional marches. I learn by the cablegrams that the second civic procession is to be omitted in the London pageant, but not an item will be left out in this — not even one fairy dance. A strong orchestra will enliven the show. We all have ' an eye to business,' as Dunedin people know so well, even in our loyal and warlike demonstrations. With that view busy hands have been at work for the past three months, so that a variety, large indeed for the Bluff, of many goods — screens, panels, pictures, placques, chairs, lounges, fender-stools, fancy curtains — are already on exhibition. The proceeds will go to St. Teresa's new convent ; hence all the Dominican convents round about and many ex-pupils of the Dominican nuns have been generous in their gifts. The business portion of the ' Grand Coronation Festival ' will be in the hands of Mesdames St. George, Tulloch, Rose, Sullivan, McGrath, McEntyre, and Preston, presided over by Mrs Tipping, who has achieved many a success in the governmental department of similar undertakings. The Bluff ' Grand Coronation Festival ' will take place on July 30, 31, and August 1, 2. Mr Listor, who has a family taste for the drama, supervises the dramatio performances. The Invercargill Literary Society intends to give a ' literary evening 'to the congregation. Several members with literary tastes are engaged upon papers.

The plans for new St. Mary's are now reaiy. and the call for tenders will goon be out.