Report From Ross Eaket



(Editor's Note: This is the second report from Ross Eaket of Iron Bridge who is touring the British Isles. Ross sailed from Montreal May 22, arriving in Liverpool May 29. This report tells of the preparations for the Coronation).
LONDON (June 1)—We arrived at Liverpool Friday (May 29) at about 11:30, and because we were members of the Commonwealth Youth Movement we didn't have to go through the customs. We met our leader, Major Ney, who really worked hard to get us the best accommodations. We left Liverpool by bus and had a pleasant trip through Chester, Warnick, Crosville and suburbs of Birmingham and London.
We really found a difference between England and Canada. The cars, trucks, buses and trains here are so small compared to ours that they are more like models. The roads are very narrow and the traffic very heavy. The houses are mostly made of brick, but their fronts are equalled by very few in Canada. The speed limit is 30  mph and it seems to take weeks to get anywhere.
Our group is staying at a beautiful camp called Grange Farm. It has a swimming pool, tennis court, badminton court, dance floor and a games room. On Saturday (May 30) we had a free day so we went visiting in London. Everywhere banners and flags were flying. Traffic was very heavy. On Sunday we went to St. Albans where we look part in a parade, had a beautiful service and then another parade. We then went to the Old Palace restaurant in Hatfield as the guests of the mayor of St. Albans.
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We were not allowed to go through the palace at Hatfield because a Commonwealth Garden Party was being held and the Queen Mother and princes and princesses and other kings and queens were present. We saw Mr. St. Laurent, Mrs. Drew and the Queen Mother and some of the other members of Royalty. They were close enough to take pictures. Today (Monday) we went to Windsor Castle and again because of the Royalty present were restricted. Everyone was really thrilled at that beautiful sight. Paintings and swords and armour worth millions glistened in the castle. It was something I shall never forget. We also visited St. George's Chapel and saw where many kings and queens were buried including King George V and King George VI. We had a special service for the Commonwealth Youth Movement in the chapel.
On the way back to camp we saw Westminster bridge, the Royal Festival Hall and British Mint. We saw many people lined along the streets at six o'clock to wait all night for the royal procession. Tomorrow we are to be up at three o'clock to go to our seats . . . we've received the unwelcome news that the forecast for tomorrow is rain and possibly hail!