THE BATTLESHIP.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1708, 27 March 1913, Page 6

THE BATTLESHIP.

CITIZENS' BALL TO BE HELD.

A meeting of citizens, convened by the secretary of the Navy League in conjunction with the Mayor, was held yesterday afternoon in the Mayor's room to discuss possiblo arrangements for giving a proper welcome to tho officers and men of tho battleship Hew Zealand., 'i'h'e Mayor (Mr. D. M'Laren) presided, and there were about 30 ladies and gentlemen present. Tho Mayor stated that ho had had a consultation with tho Hon. H. D. Bell, Minister for Internal Affairs, regarding 'the matter, end they had conic to a mutual understanding as to tho functions to be discharged by tho Government and tho city respectively. He recommended to tho meeting that tho people of Wellington should hold a citizens' ball on Tuesday, April 15, in honour of the officers of the ship, and that a citizens' picnic bo held on Wednesday, April-10, to welcome the men.

Tho suggestion was adopted, and it was finally resolved that a ball, to be called the Wellington Citizens' Naval Ball, be held on 'niesday, April 15, and that a. picnic be held on the day following. It was decided that all present at tho meeting form themselves into a general committee to carry out detaiils. Tho following conveners of committees were appointed Decorations Committee, Mrs. Algar AVillianis; Musical Committee, Mr. J. Dykes; Supper Committee, Mr. J. B. Hurcourt;'Nomination Committee, Mr. A. E. Whyte and tlio town clerk (Mr. J. R.,Palmer). It was decided that the conveners of committees, with tho addition of Majors Hughes and Corrigan, should form tho Executive Committee. Tho executive will meet at 5 p.m. to-day in tho Mayor's room.

Tho subscription for tho ball was fixed at ono guinea for gentlemen, and 15s. for ladies. No announcement was made after tho conference of his Excellency the Governor and representatives of the Ministry yesterday concerning tho arrangements for tlie reception of tho battleship in Wellington. Tho Imperial authorities • have delegated to t'lio Governor full power to make such arrangements as may seem advisable, but nothing definite . can be done until the commander of the ship can bo communicated with. This will not be possible until t'h,o New Zealand roaches Melbourne, about April 1. In the meantime the Navy League havo been making some preparations to givo the officers and trew a proper welcome on arrival. The juveniles are being trained to sing patriotic songs, and they will parade in force at the first' public reception. There is also a suggestion, emanating from ; the secretary of ,-the league (Mr. C. W. Palmer), that the yachts and power boats in the harbour should make somo demonstration when the ship arrives in port. '

THE HARBOUR BOAKD'S POSITION. How the Harbour Board act in connection with, the visit of H.M.S. New: Zealand? This was a subject discussed at tho monthly meeting. last night. A letter was received from Mr. C. W. Palmer, secretary of the Navy League, stating that the league was acting in cooperation with tho Government, and asking if the, board would declare a'halfholiday on April 9, when the vessel arrived in Wellington. Another letter was received from the Hon. H. 1). Bell, Minister for Internal Affairs, stating that the vessel would not now arrive until. April 12. The chairman (Mr. R. Fletcher) stated that the Hon, 11. D. Bell had seen him in regard to the matter, and had asked for tho board's co-operation. He (Mr. Fletcher) had promised to place the matter before the board if the Minister would acquaint him with what was being done. So far, however, the only letter received was tho one stating that tho vessel would arrive on April 12. That had' reached him at 5.30 p.m. that same day (yesterday). Sir. Hildreth and several others objectfid to closing the wharves. Mr. Trevor suggested referring the matter to a committee, but Mr: M'Farlane wanted the board to decide tho question of a holiday or not first. Eventually, on the suggestion t\f Mr. Freeth, it was agreed that the board wind not see its way to inconvenience shipping by declaring a half-holiday, but was willing to co-operate with the Government in connection with the visit of' the ship. A committee, consisting of the chairman and Messrs. Jones and Harkness, was left to deal with the matter further..