EMPIRE DAY. FESTIVITIES AT CORAKI.
Courtesy of Trove Northern Star 27 May 1912
Empire Day at Coraki was celebrated with great eclat, the annual picnic and sports for the children drawing a record attendance, upwards of 1000 people being present during the afternoon. Coraki, Oakland, Bungawalbin, Bora Ridge, Codrington and North Codrington public schools combined to make the demonstration a notable one, and succeeded in doing so beyond anticipations. Proceedings began with a procession from the Council Chambers. A band of pipers – (including two lady pipers, Misses Livingstone and Somers), led the way, followed by a detachment of the 5th A.L.H. (Australian Light Horse) under Lieut. Sheridan, the senior cadets, under S.-M. Fisher, 40 boys and girls in fancy, national, patriotic and comic costumes, flag-bearers, banner-bearers, and then several hundred children carrying bannerettes and decorated wands. As the procession passed along the main street, the sight was a most inspiring one, and the little ones were loudly cheered at different points. On arrival at the showground the military and cadets were drawn up in front of the pavilion, the Union Jack was “broken” by Alma Dolby, the senior girl, the salute was given, the National Anthem sung, and cheers given for the King. The Mayor and Capt. Storey delivered brief speeches, after which the judging of the costumes took place.
