THE PRINCE'S VISIT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 112, 5 February 1920, Page 4

THE PRINCE'S VISIT

ARRANGEMENTS FOR WELCOME,

A preliminary meeting for the discussion at arrangements for the reception of the Prince'of Wales in Wellington was held in tho Mayor's room at the Town Hall yesterday. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P.) presided, and there were also present members of the Finance Committee of the City Council, and thechairman, secretary, and engineer of tho Wellington Harbour Board. Atr. Luke explained that it was impossible to make final arrangements in the absence of definite information concerning the date and manner of the Prince's arrival in Wellington. He intended Inter to call a public meeting, but he had thought it well in the meantime that representatives of the City Council and the Harbour Board, the two bodies most directly concerned, should consider the position.^ After discussion, the meeting agreed that the city ought to be very fully decorated in honour of the Prince's arrival. The erection of arches was not considered desirable, since the money could be applied more usefully in other directions, including the entertainment of the officers and men accompanying the Royal visitor. The. meeting was of opinion that the City Council and the Harbour Board ought to make very substantial grant.? towards the cost of the welcome, and that the Government should be asked for a subsidy. It did not consider that any appeal should bo mado to the public for funds The children should take'a prominent part in the welcome. The meeting decided to ask the Harbour Board to place a shed at the dispo*il of tho committee in charge of the welcome, as a place for the entertainment of the men of tho battleship that is bringing the Prince of Wales to New Zealand. The discussion of details was held over until fuller information was available, and a committee was set up to make arrangements for a public meeting.