Pictorial Parade No. 8 - New Zealand Celebrates Coronation

Short Film (Full Length) – 1953

The Cathedral Bells ring out in Christchurch as New Zealand celebrates the coronation of Elizabeth II. Inside the cathedral and in other places of worship, like the chapel at Longbeach Estate (near Ashburton) and the picturesque St James church at the foot of Franz Josef Glacier, the faithful give thanks (including pioneering mountain guides Peter and Alex Graham). Outside, the day is marked by processions and military parades in the main centres (filmed on 2 June 1953). In Wellington Governor General Sir Willoughby Norrie commands "God Save the Queen!"

Smartly they parade, nine service and cadet units in honour of the Queen. Honour which seems very personal when the news of Sir Edmund Hillary's achievement comes through.
– Narrator