THE PREMIER’S VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 376, 27 March 1902, Page 3

THE PREMIER’S VISIT.

A SOCIAL DECIDED ON,

A meeting of those interested in the testimonial to and the reception of the Premier tvas held yesterday, tiiere being present : The Mayor (in the Chair), Crs Miller, Harding, Lysnar, Jones, Mason, and Messrs J Sheridan, Hennessy, E. P. Joyce, R. M. Birrell, W. Webb, J. R. Little, and R. D. 13. Robinson (Town Clerk). The Mayor (Mr Townley) read the following telegram which he had received from the Premier “ All well, shall be at Gisborne on •Thursday morning. Leaving the same afternoon for Napier.—R. J. Seddon.” His Worship said that since he had received the telegram he had heard

from the Postmaster that the Tutanekai had left Auckland at midnight, and they could not expect the Premier here until Thursday afternoon. In a discussion as to the form of entertainment, it was stated that all the public halls were engaged for the evening.- Several speakers regretted this-, as” it would preclude any form of entertainment including the ladies. Cr Miller favored a dinner as most acceptable to the Premier, as socials must be getting wearisome to him. Mr Joyce considered the Premier should not be expected on this special occasion to devote the time to local

business matters. The Mayor said it was intended to give the Premier information respecting the proposed loan. Cr Harding said it was impossible at so short a notice to make suitable arrangements for entertaining at least sixty guests at dinner. The entertainment should take the form of a social. The Mayor then proposed a social, which was unanimously agreed to. It was decided to interview the members of the Zealandia Quadrille Assembly with the object of getting them to place the Academy of Music at the Committee’s disposal. Later on it was announced that Mr Poole, the secretary of the Assembly, had generously consented to forego the use of the Academy of Music for the evening. Tickets were fixed at ns ticket, extra lady 2s fid surplus funds to be handed the hospital. Mr W. Webb was appointed M.C, Messrs Townley, Sheridan, Hennessy, Joyce, Lysnar, Harding, Birrell, and Jones were appointed a reception committee. It was decided to send a telegram to the Premier 'inviting him to the social. A telegram was immediately sent to the Premier by the Mayor, who stated that he was pleased to learn of Mr Seddon’s visit, and although the time would not permit of elaborate preparations he would be entertained at a social, for which an invitation y?as cordially extended.