Star.
London, England, 1821-04-23 00:00:00

THE CORONATION.

The orders of the Board of Works have been exe-
cuting with more than ordinary energy in Westmin-
ster Hall ; and to that circumstance, more than to
any other, are we disposed to trace the revived ru-
mours respecting the Coronation of his MAJESTY
and it is said that the objections of the CHANCELLOR
of the EXCHEQUER, on the ground of the state of pub-
lic business, to a postponement of the Easter adjourn-
ment of the House of Commons beyond Monday
week, comprehend the probability of some notice for
concluding the arrangements for his MAJESTY'S Co-
ronation. The galleries and passages, and the ser-
vants' glass pantries behind (and ingeniously hid from
the passages), for the different articles required during
the grand festival, are all completed in Westminster
Hall, except the mere covering of the seats and fresco
ornaments in front, which it is estimated could be
finished in a fortnight ; and these being mere super-
ficial ornaments, it is not necessary they should be
laid on until the last moment ; but the gilding and
stucco work materials are all on the spot, and every
thing indicates the truth of the rumour that the Co.
ronation will-take place in the ensuing summer. The
great alterations now carrying on inWestminster Hall
by the Board of Works, are in the repairs of the an-
cient roof, many parts of which, upon perforating the
timber for suspending the chandeliers for the Coro-
nation, were found so rotten, that the safety of this
noble roof, which, for its-mechanism and antiquity,
has become so justly celebrated, required an imme-
diate separation of the decayed parts, and the fitting
in of substantial joinings to complete the frame-work.
A general survey of the roof lately took place in con-
sequence of the discovery of this decay, and the oak
(which, according to the popular tradition, was first
imported by WILLIAM RUFUS) was found mostly
sound ; but the cherry-tree rafters were worm-eaten--
they have been in consequence all taken down and
renewed. It was deemed right in the progress of the
work to take down the old lantern which illuminated
the Hall from the top of the roof. Its weight was
found to have made an impression on the roof, and
the taking it down was a difficult and rather perilous
work, from the enormous quantity of lead which was
clumsily used in its original manufacture. A new
lantern is now erecting in its stead, of a light and
more useful form. Instead of lead, sheet iron is to be
used with the timber frame work, still preserving the
Gothic form so essential to the unity of the structure.
lii three weeks it is calculated that the whole repairs
will be finished, and then the upholstery part will
alone remain for completion. Six weeks' notice will
be necessary between the issuing of the Proclamation
and the Coronation : and it is said, that if it shall
occur during the sitting of Parliament, the CoMmons,
as of ancient courtesy, will be entitled to seats in the
Hall.

His Highness Prince ERNEST lIOHENLOHE LAN-
OENBOURG, first cousin of her Royal Highness the
Duchess of CLARENCE, arrived at Portsmouth, on
Wednesday, accompanied by Captain VINCENT, R.N.
and Mr. FITZCLARENCE. His Highness, on Thurs-
day, visited the QUEEN CHARLOTTE, the Dock-yard,
and Haslar Hospital, and on Friday morning be in-
spected the 51st (or King's Own) Light Infantry Re-
giment. His Highness, on his arrival, took up his
abode at the residence of the Naval Commander-in-
Chief, Admiral Sir JAMES WHITSHED, K.C.B. by
whom, during his stay, he was politely and sump-
tuously, entertained. His Highness left town for
Winchester on Saturday morning.
DISCOVERY SHIPS.—The sailing of the Discovery
Ships from Deptford will take place in a few days.—
The cutiosity of the Public to inspect them has, per-
haps, exceeded that which took place previously to
the last departure of Captain Panay. The ships may
be said to be entirely free for the inspection of the
Public, as both Captain PARRY and Captain Loa
have issued positive orders. that no respectable person
shall be refused admission, and that every facility be'
afforded them ; for which purpose an Officer attends
to explain the various parts of the vessels. The me-
thod of stowing the provisions, &c. has been improved
upon since the last voyage, and the interstices between
each cask, &c. filled up with coals, by which a much
greater quantity of firing will be carried. The most
extensive assortment of warm clothing is again pro-
vided, as also portable soups, preserved meats of all
kinds, and everything that can be considered as pro-
per for such a perilous undertaking. The ships will
take on board in Galleon's Reach, below Woolwich,
their guns and ordnance stores, and proceed to the
Note, where the Officers and crews will be paid part
'of their wages in advance. From thence they pro-
ceed direct to Hudson's Bay, where it is confidently
expected some account of Lieutenant FRANKLIN Will
be obtained, as long before this he must have reached
the Copper Mine River, and proceeded on the coast
to the eastward of it. His information will in a great
measure decide the ulterior course of Captain PARRY,
hut who is, notwithstanding, to examine the Wel-
come, and such other Rivers as empty themselves
into Hudson's Bay. The Officers and crew are nearly
the same as accompanied Captain PARRY in his late
expedition.
OvsTens.—On the 4th instant, whilst a fleet of
about 140 English fishing-boats were dredging
for, oysters off St. Martin-le-max, about three leagues
and a half from the French coast, the French brig of
war Lynx came out of Granville, fired a gun at them,
and sent a boat and took possession of one of the yes-
'sels, and carried her, with the crew, into Granville.
It is a question to be decided between the Govern-
ments, whether English fishermen have a right to
dredge for oysters at a less distance than six miles
from the coast of France. The vessel was released
next day.

GREENWICH FAIR.—It appears, that certain of the
inhabitants of Greenwich, in unison with the Gover-
nors and Directots of Greenwich Hospital, have de-
termined, if possible, to suppress the Fair, which has
been held at the festive seasons of Easter and Whit-
suntide in that town from time immemorial. As a
preparatory step, the Governors of Greenwich Hos-
pital have given notice of their intention to stop up
the road between the burial-ground of the College
and the Park wall, in which the principal booths and
shows have heretofore been erected. It is not, how-
ever, understood that the humours of Holiday-kill, in
the Park, are to be suspended, although a greater
degree of regularity than has hitherto been observed,
bis to be maintained.