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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Jun 23, 1911
Page
3
Coronation celebrations unfold with crowds at Buckingham Palace and Parliament Square, royal processions, and praise from Russian papers. British provinces join in pageants and charity events, while Malta and other colonies mark the event with services, parades, and medals for children and veterans.
A list of New Zealanders allotted seats in Westminster Abbey includes the Primate Bishop Neville of Dunedin and Mrs Neville, Mr Turnbull, Mrs Verret, Sir Geo and Lady Bowen, Sir Heaton Rhodes MP and Mrs Rhodes, Sir James and Lady Mills, and numerous accompanying New Zealanders from Canterbury Auckland and other regions among a large party of visiting Australians.
Australian premiers and distinguished visitors watched the ceremony from the gallery at the corner nave of the transept. Madame Melba attended in the King's box as the Duke of Norfolk invited a nonagenarian chorister named Wicks who had sung at George IV and attended coronations of William IV Victoria and Edward VII.
The Prince of Wales led the royal procession in the Abbey in the Garter robes while his brothers wore Highland dress. Princess Mary wore a long velvet train and a small coronet. The prince sat before the peers and saluted each passing princess. He recited his homage, kissed the King, and retired with warm parental bowing.
The Rev. Dr Lang reflecting on Luke twenty two thirty seven calls the King to be a servant leader chosen to govern by God and law. He prays for steadfast trust in God to guide the sovereign as ruler over homeland India and overseas nations in a unifying fellowship of memory, ideals, and sacrifice.
An Abbey official proclaimed the coronation news in the streets as crowds cheered and sang the National Anthem. The King and Queen appeared at Buckingham Palace after a sunrise journey, with troops joining the jubilation. A 21 gun salute fired from the Tower of London and Hyde Park marked the event. The royal couple later touched the cornerstone of the Fishermen's and Sailors' Home in St. John’s Newfoundland as foreign congratulations poured in.
Reports from London state Captain McCowan of the Canadian Mounted Rifles was thrown from his horse while escorting the King to Westminster Abbey and injured, with a man named Charles Redford killed by a cannon explosion during a salute. Sydney celebrates Coronation with abundant illuminations and large crowds, naval and military displays, mass participation, and plans for a statue to King Edward by the Highland Society.
In Ashburton a large crowd gathered in the Arcade but space limited risked injuries to children. The Ashburton County Brass Band played from a balcony at the Somerset Water, offering national and patriotic airs. Magic lantern views by Mr C. Beech in Burnett Street drew admiration. The Entertainment Committee chair Mr F Ferriman earned praise for organizing the event and personally handing out food and sweets to children at the railway station before trains to Timaru Mount Somers and Christchurch.
Crowds gathered in Ashburton amid rain and mud as streets lit up with fireworks. At 8 30 the bonfire was lit by unauthorised persons near the Borough Council Chambers triggering a fire alarm and mayor ordered brigade to extinguish. Firefighters reached the scene just before 9 but slow water delivery due to a faulty sump delayed operation.
A large crowd favored letting the bonfire blaze as firefighters struggled to quell the flames. Water redirected onto the crowd drenched several, with lively clashes between firemen and spectators. The blaze was extinguished but needed major reconfiguration for Thursday’s display. At 1.35 am Westminster Abbey crowned the King. bells and train whistles marked the event.
Methven residents organized an executive for Coronation celebrations, including a school ceremony, gate opening at Helmes Square, and a foundation stone laying for the Coronation Memorial Gates. Despite heavy rain, a Royal George replica, a Long Tom relic, and a patrol procession led by W J Dickie marked the day, with speeches, the National Anthem, and a community dance concluding the event.
A brief note from Rakaia indicates subdued reaction to the Coronation with limited public celebration or events, and residents focusing on ordinary routines despite national attention.
Children gathered at the school at nine o clock for patriotic addresses by C A C Hardy Selwyn MP Rev J H Mathias and Rev U A Bege and Haslett. They received Coronation medals and a book keepsake from the government through the North Canterbury Board of Education. Service followed at St Marks Church and plays were shown. heavy hail and cold showers persisted until late afternoon.
School children distributed medals and coronation brooches and were given pocket knives as gifts. The master spoke on citizenship duties as the procession saluted the flag. A station celebration featured sports in the improvised wool shed, followed by fireworks and a bonfire. Later a coronation hall ball room hosted music, songs, recitations, and refreshments.
Cable from London reports school children assembling in Guildhall with Lord Mayor presiding to honor King George and Queen Mary. W H Key quotes the message praising New Zealand children in love and loyalty.
A Press Association telegram from Wellington reports New Zealand’s government and people sending respectful congratulations to King George V. Ashburton honors include a tree planting at Ashburton High School, illuminations, and a strong Territorial display. County officials telegrammed Governor L outrights. holiday closures and plans for sports, fireworks, and parades are noted alongside local police court fines for opium cases.
Report from Libina near Coolgardie describes Italian timber getter Moffatti, wandering in a demented state, admitting he killed two companions Vanni and a German. Camp visit found both dead with severe axe wounds. Moffatti resisted arrest.
Berlin June 22 The Kaiser spoke in Hamburg linking shipping and commerce growth to the Empire restored in 1871 He said progress owed to the navy and that peace after restoration is assured with God’s will guiding the nation
A gas explosion at Conway's bakery in Fitzroy wrecked the building with windows blown across the street and damage to an adjoining house. Residents rushed into the road in night attire thinking an earthquake. Mrs Conway slept through the blast, though a large hole opened beneath her bed.
At the request of citizens a candidate announces for the vacant Borough Council seat after the resignation of Mr T S Gibson and respectfully asks for support at the poll on Thursday.
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