COLONIALS’ WARM RECEPTION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3253, 26 June 1911, Page 5

COLONIALS’ WARM RECEPTION

ROYAL PROCESSION IN LONDON.

A WONDERFUL MILITARY SPECTACLE.

[united press association—copyright. LONDON, June 23.

The day was cloudy with occasional sunshine for the Royal progress through London. There were enqrmous crowds in the streets.

It was the finest military spectacle ever witnessed in London.

The colonial troops and visiting Premiers were accorded a particularly warm receotion.

The -King and Queen were radiant. They had rapturous receptions, especially in the south of London. For the King and Queen’s visit to London sixty thousand troops under Lord Kitchener lined the streets, which were brilliantly decorated, particularly in the neighborhood of Mansion House and Westminster Bridge. The stands in the Mall and at Aldwych were filled with Australians and New Zealanders, and there were large Australian parties at the Victoria and Queensland agencies.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mr. Fisher, in court dress, and riding in a landau, headed the colonial procession, and were escorted by Canadian troops. Sir Joseph Ward and General Botlia were escorted by detachments of New Zealanders , and South Africans, and they were greeted with cries of “Ake, ake” and “Coo-ees” when passing the colonial stands, The colonial procession formed on the embankment in order to pass through the entire route, and included King Edward’s Horse and troops from the Crown colonies.

The second procession was composed of IndianSj and included princes in carriages, their breasts and turbans ablaze with jewels.

The Royal procession followed after an interval, and included the headquarters staff and Field-Marshals General Evelyn Wood and Lord Roberts, who were greatly cheered; the bluejackets and horse artillery, who were warmly greeted; foreign military attaches, Indian aides-de-camp, and a second colonial and Indian detachment, forming the King’s personal escort. The King wore his Field-Marshal’s uniform, and Queen Mary the Order of the Garter and the insignia of the Marys of the Empire.

Lord Kitchener rode beside the carriage, and the Duke of Connaught, Prince Battenburg, and the Duke and Duchess of Teck, Duke of Norfolk, and Court officials followed.

The historic ceremony of admission to the city was performed by the Lord Mayor and sheriffs at the Temple Bar. The municipalities at the various points of route presented addresses to the King.

Among the crowd in Fleet Street was a party of Balaclava veterans, who greeted their Majesties. The Prince of Wales, Princess Mary, and foreign princes witnessed the procession from a stand on Constitution Hill.

The King and Queen reached the Palace at 1.30 p.m., and appeared on the balcony. Officers of the Guards in the quadrangle below drew their swords and the troops threw their helmets in the air and again and again cheered lustily.