Coronation Celebrations

Pitcairn Islanders’

Three days were devoted to Coronation celebrations by the population of Pitcairn Island. Games and parades occupied the first day, which ended with a concert in the new school. On the second day Pastor Ferris, SDA missionary, conducted a service in the church, then the colours were broken out and each child received a commemorative medallion. That night will be long remembered by the islanders for the grand display of fireworks which followed another concert in the school.

Some of the children were frightened at the noise the rockets made but all agreed it was very beautiful.

On the third day people assembled at the Courthouse by 2 a.m. to listen to the broadcast descriptions from London of the Coronation processions and of the service in Westminster Abbey. The cele brations concluded with a dinner and a concert in the Courthouse. Mrs. Ferris had made a three-tier Coronation cake surmounted by a crown. After the dinner each child was given a piece of the cake and a flag.

The islanders intended to hold a tree planting day in memory of the Coronation.

Each family had a tree to plant and the ceremony will take place when the elements have provided a suitable quantity of rain.