CORONATION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 498, 11 August 1902, Page 2

CORONATION DAY.

CROWNING OF KING EDWARD VII,

GREAT REJOICING,

There was great rejoicing throughout the Empire on Saturday, when the Coronation of King Edward VII. took place. The ceremony was attended with groat manifestations of joy, and the religious portions of the ceremony in England were remarkably impressive. Full details of the great ceremony were placed on the cable yesterday morning for the Times and other morning journals throughout New Zealand, but the first message announcing that the crowning of His Majesty had taken place and giving details of the same had not been completed when the telegraph wire which connects Gisborne with the outside world suddenly snapped, as a result of damago caused by the gale, and all efforts to restore communication had not been successful up to the hour of our going to press at 5 o’clock this morning. As soon as the line is repairod the details will be dashed through.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS.

GLORIOUS WEATHER FOR THE CEREMONIES,

Tho public of Gisborne wore singularly fortunate in getting such glorious weather as prevailed on Saturday for tho local Coronation celobrations, and tho Committee are to ho congratulated upon the display which was made. The decorations, thanks to the efforts of Mr G. Darton and his noble band of assistants, were of an ornamental and artistic character, and everything else in connection with tho ceremonios was in keeping. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. As befitted such an occasion the ceremonies of the day were commenced with a united religious sorvice, which, was held at the Holy Trinity Church. Thero was a good attendance, and tho service was most impressive. It was opened by the Rev. Herbert Williams. Tho Rev. 13. F. Rothwoll read the first lesson, and tho Rov. J. G. Paterson the second lesson. The Rev. Mr Cfiatterton gave the Litany, and the Rov. W. Welsh read tho proclamation. Tho concluding prayers wore given by tho Rov. Canon Foif, the Rov. W. Welsh pronouncing tho Benediction. The service was a most impressive one, specially appropriate to tho great historic occasion. Tho collection, amounting to £Q 10s, is to bo given to tho fund for tho Voterans’ Home.

THE PROCESSION. The procession was timed to start from the Post Ollico at 11 o’clock, but long before that hour tbo streets were crowded with spectators, all of whom wero bent on a day of enjoyment and rejoicing. Some little time was taken in getting tho various bodies into order, but everything was in readiness at a quarter past 11, when the procession moved away from the Kaiti bridge, and proceeded by way of Disraeli street to tho Domain. Tho order of tho procession was as follows: —East Coast Mounted Rifles (under Major Winter and Captain Colebourno), Returned Troopers- and Veterans (under Captain Ferris), City Band, school - children (girls), “ Sons of the Sea,” school children (boys), carriage containing Hon. James Carroll, Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.H.R,, His Honor Judge Batham, and Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., members of Borough Council, County Council, Harbor Board, etc., Trade and other emblems, Gisborne Rifles and Rifles Band, Friendly Societies in the following order—Rechabites, Hibernian S:ciet3’, Druids, Foresters, Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, American Order of Oddfellows, and other Societies, members of Fire Brigade. A charming tableau representative of Zealatidia' was giYen by Miss Emily Jones, who rpdo in a buggy beautifully decorated, Master Robb also taking part in the tableau. THE MILITARY BISPBAY. Tho military display, which took place in the Victoria Domain, was very creditable. There was an of some of the returned troopers, which was to be regretted, hut in other respects this portion of the day’s programme called for.unqualifiea praise. The cadets especially boro themselves remarkably well, their marching and feu do joie, in the opinion of many, being given with even better effect than tho older volunteers, which is saying a great deal. The military display altogether was of a most attractive character, and everything In' connection with it passed off without the slightest hitch, THE SPEECHES.

At the conclusion of the military display several speeches were delivered. His Worship the Mayor made an excellent speech, thoroughly appropriate to the occasion. He expressed We satisfaction and pleasure he felt in seeing such a large and representative gathering, and also that everything should have passed off so successfully. The Hon. Jas. Carroll said that the purpose for which they had assembled would bo appreciated by everyone, especially as it showed that the King had recovered from his serious illness, which had rendered the celebrations of the Coronation impossible on a previous occasion. This recovery, apart from the Coronation, was a' s.ubject for national rejoicing. Coronation meant' a feagueentered into between tho Monarch and thd Nation, and, as it should be, it was carried out with all impressiveness and pomp. Those who read history knew it was different in formc-r times when the possession of the Crown was tantamount to vesting direct power in the person of the Sovereign, and so it became necessary that he should be strictly bound down ifl,a public manner with all religious sanctions in order to secure good faith being kept so as to safe guard the privileges and rights of the people. Owing to the' advancement of civilization and the altered relations which now existed between the Sovereign and his subjects, Coronation to-day was ratified with obligations mtdified in their nature. The Sovereign power re-

sided in three bodies—the King, the Lords, and the Commons, That was the British conception of the Constitution. The Commons as representing the people had really gathered to themselves the reins of power, and so the Coronation of the King meant not so much to the Sovereignty of his person as to the Sovereignty of the Nation. (Applause.) This system was the outcome of the ex. perienee of the British Nation who associated with it the security of the people's

rights, and the cohesion of State. The King stood out as the representative of the

institutions of the Empire, and in his

Coronation his people were demonstrating their appreciation of those institutions and

:hat they desired their undisturbed coninuance j so in reality they were crown

iug themselves. The qu stion of kingship was removed from the arena of politics, and it was well that it was, because it allowed political parties to devote themselves to the work of the nation without the feeling that the person of tho King was involved. He was the symbolic head seated on tho summit of the structure of society of which National pyramid the people formed the base. Our King drew to him the sentimental attachment of his subjects, and if the position were not hereditary and he had to be elected wo ail knew that he would have the unanimous support of all his people. He was undoubtedly the most popular man in tiic Empire. His urbanity, his tact, and shrewdness, and the common sense which he had displayed in every official act he had performed hud stamped him as a tine King, working for and desirous of the good of his subjects. Tho Archbishop of Canterbury in crowning him to day would place on his head that which was the emblem of power, but the British people would crown him with a greater thing—with their love and devotion, and with their good wishes that bo might be spared for many years to reign over the Empire and people happily and prosperously. In all his possessions there were nono who

would join moro heartily in those good wishes than the loyal people of New Zealand. The scene before them was ono which would gladden the heart of any King. There were the representatives of different generations, tho old veterans who had fought and bled for the country, and in times of danger and trial they were in the foremost rank. In this connection 110 would remind his hearers of the movement which was going on in different parts of the colony to do honor to thorn, and there was also another movement to commemorato tho discovery of these Islands by tho groat navigator Capt. Cook. These efforts deserve tho sympathy and support of all, and proved that the national pulso was heating strongly. Thero was no time to dwell at length on tho desirability of somo national memorial, hut some further opportunities would occur. They had Micro not only tho veterans as representing tho past hut thero were present our returned contingcnters, who had fought the battles of tho Empire, and performed doughty deeds for which they had received credit from the highost authorities, These, together with our future soldiers, the cadets, formed as it were a pathotic national poem. Mr A. L. D. Fraser’s remarks were highly eulogistic of the district. He suggested that members of the House should make themselves better acquainted with the East Coast. Messrs 0. A. DcLautour and W. L. Rees made appropriate speeches. The presentation of medals to returned troopers then took place, but very feiv.’of those whose names were called out appeared for the trophies.

The afternoon programme included a military display, including physical drill by the Gisborne Cadets, a sham fight by the Gisborne Rifles, and football and hockey matches. The City and Gisborne Rifles Band discoursed sweet music during the afternoon. The arrangements in regard to catering were splendidly carried out by Mrs Erskine.

PROCEEDINGS AT NIGHT.

The streets were crowded from early evening. The townspeople had their business premises brilliantly lighted up, Messrs Adair Bros, having a special display of electric light, and the Bank of New Zealand was nicely lighted up. Unfortunately the high westerly wind prevented a full display of the jets forming the various devices and lettering, and after numerous attempts to keep them alight most of them had to be abandoned. The belltower arch looked splendid with its illuminations, including two red lights. The new post office which had been decorated under the supervision of Air Armstrong was a great attraction, but though Mr S. Ledger mounted guard and did his best to keep alight the gas jets forming the crown and letters E.R., he had in time to give up the task as hopeless. There was a torchlight procession to the Point, where a bonfire was lighted, and the bands played, while boats prettily illuminateil plied to'and fro on the river. The Fire Brigade’s boat was towed by the Aotea’s oil launch. Many private houses were finely illuminated. On the Whataupoko Mr W. D. Lysnar took the lead, the lights shining from the flagstaff being conspicuous.

CORONATION DAY IN AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydnoy, Aug. 9. The weather was fine for the holiday. Business was only partially suspended. There was a display of bunting. The squadron especially was gay. Otherwise there was little demonstration. There was a large attendance at the special services.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Aug 9. The Premier cabled Coronation congratulations to tho King. Melbourne, Aug. 9. Jjord Tennyson has cabled to tho King Australia’s congratulations, on his recovery and on'tho Coronation.

NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATIONS.

WELLINGTON ILLUMINATIONS.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, Saturday. Though light rain fell tho illuminations were witnessed by great crowds of people. The scheme of illuminations at Government House, Government Departmental Buildings, and General Post Office was very effective. All the buildings were a blaze of colored electric lights, and viewed from a'distanee looked very fine indeed. Tho towers at the Post-office and Government House presented a striking sight, being quite as fine as when the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the city. The warship Ringarooma was also brilliantly lit up, and the Government printing office, Government Insurance buildings. City Council Chambers, and other buildings were decked with parti-colored lights.

NAPIER’S CELEBRATIONS,

(By telegraph—Press Association. Napier, Saturday. The Coronation of King Edward tho VII. was celebrated here with great rejoicings. Private houses and business premises were gaily decorated with bunting, illuminated devices, paintings, etc., while iu the evening the majority of the business establishments were brilliantly illuminated. Tho streets wore thronged with people all day, there being a large influx of visitors from the country. The proceedings took the iorm of a united religious open-air service on the Marine Parade, sfdutipg- the flag by the children of the various schools, a grand procession, consisting of volunteers, Maori war canoes, and a number of interesting tableaux, etc.’ the procession being nearly a mile in length. In tbe afternoon a large contingent of natives danced hakas and poi dances, and in the evening there was a torchlight procession and fireworks display.

TIMARU’S FESTIVITIES,

’ J B y Telegraph— Press Association, 1 j Timaru, Saturday. The weather was very variable. Tbe I morning broke dull, but calm. At noon, there was bright sunshine ; at 2 p.m., a nor’-wester came along, carrying clouds of dust for the while. People were early astir, and a great many came in by the road. All volunteers paraded at 10.30. There was a large attendance. Cblonel Bailey was in command of the brigade, and Colonel Jowsey of the battalion. They marched to the Post Office, in front o( which a united service was held.

Ministers of the Church of England, Pres byterian, Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and Salvation Army took part in it. Aftei a brief address by the Mayor (Mr James Craigie), who rend an apology from the member for Timaru (the Hon. Mr HallJones), the service was proceeded with, in the course of which Archdeacon Harper delivered a powerful address. At the

close, the National Anthem was sung by a crowd composed of 2000 children, 250 Volunteers, and several thousand of tho general public. At noon, there was an Imperial salute, feu de joie, and a saluto from the garrison guns. At 2 p.m., thero was a grand procession of Volunteers, Friendly Societies, and trades, the display being admitted to he by far tho best seen in Timaru. Several emblematic tableaux by trades, and allegorical ears by Hibernians and Druids, wero unique, and at vantage points on route (where thousands of sightseers wero collected), tho cheers were hearty and prolonged. No accidents of any kind marred the day, and the thousands of children who took part in it will long remember their al fresco luncheon at tho main school, and tho great procession at four p.m. The Maoris got off a festival with great success, a bullock which had been roasted whole in a Mc.ori oven being served on llax plates, and the feasting being closed by hakas and poi dances. At 8 p.m. a cold south-west squall came up and threatened to spoil tho fireworks display.',

DUNEDIN’S JOY.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, Saturday. The Coronation celebrations were very successful. The weather was fine but dull, until the general salute caused some showers from rain clouds hanging about. The city was gay with bunting. There was a procession in which nearly 800 volunteers, 460 cadets, 60 veterans, over 100 returned troopers, and eight bands took part. The Hillside railway workshops made a fine display, as also did the representation of the legendary canoe in which the Maoris came to the colony. The Mayor planted two oak trees. Medals were presented to the returned troopers. Speeches were made by the Rev. J. Gibb (Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly), Bishop Neville (acting Primate), Justice Williams, and the Mayor. At the park the Roya Standaid was unfurled amidst a fanfare of trumpets, followed by a feu de joie and a Royal salute from the guns. Y'eterans to the number of 60, and and about 150 returned troopers, were entertained at luncheon in the evening, which turned out cold. There was a torchlight procession followed by a display of fireworks at the Government Buildings, and a good many of the business and public offices were illuminated.

PALMERSTON NORTH,

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Palmerston North, Saturday

The celebrations wero carried out in sunny but cold weather, with occasional light showors, Immonso crowds of people camo from tho country, tho outlying schools being particularly well represented. Tho proceedings opened with a procession round tho square, in which tho volunteers, vetorans, band, fire brigado, schools, friendly societies, local bodios, and goncral public wero strongly represented. Tho whole marched to tho A. uud and P. Show’s Ground, where a fou do joio was fired by voluntoers. A united religion service was then hold. It was attended by 8000 people, an eloquent sermon being delivered by tho Rev. J. Jolly (Presbyterian). Tho afternoon was filled in with a military display, poi dances, and hakas by Nutivo women. Atff o’clock the Mayor laid tho foundation stone of tho Coronation Fountain. Tho evouiug was givon up to a torchlight procession, fireworks display, and public and privato illuminations.

AUCKLAND LUKEWARM.

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, Saturday.

Coronation ceremonies wore field at tho schools on Friday, wfioti tho flag was saluted, choors given for tho King, and tho children presented with cards and medals. To-day was a goncral holiday, hut apart from a few small municipal ceremonios the celebrations vvoro mainly confined to church services, for which oxtensivo preparations were made.