BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 266, 19 April 1875, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Friday, April 16. The standing orders were suspended. His Worship stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of considering how they should receive the Governor, whom he heard was expected by the Phuebe on Wednesday next. Directly he had heard of the Governor's probable arrival, he had telegraphed to the Superintendent as to the manner in which he was to be received, and had a telegram in reply to the effect that a similar reception to that afforded to Sir James Ferguson would suit excellently—viz, plenty of flags, plenty of people, and an address to be delivered at the railway station. His Honor deprecated the use of arches, as in bad weather they were apt. to look miserable. On receipt of the telegram, he (tho Mayor) had proceeded to the Borough Schools, and held a conversation with the masters, as Mr Webb, the chairman of the school committee, happened to be absent in Christchurch. He had asked them (the masters) if they were willing to assist in making the children sing the National Anthem at the reception of his Excellency, and had found them all both ready and delighted to help in the matter. Another thing they the Council had to do was to prepare an appropriate address. He thought that they would all agree with him in thinking that, now Lyttelton was becoming a place of considerable importance, they might expect something more than a mere passing glance from the Governor. On his Excellency's 'arrival he would of course merely proceed, from the Gladstone Pier, or wherever

he landed, to the railway station; the address would be presented, the National Anthem sung, and he would then proceed to Olir stchurch, without having time to see anything of their harbour works, gaol, orphan asylum, or quarantine stations —all things of which Lvtte'fon might be justly proud, anri which must, he of certain interest to the Governor, especially as it was mooted that the gaol would be made the central criminal depot for the colony. Now he would suggest that at the time of the address the Governor should be requested to set apart a special day for viewing their public works and buildings. He thought that the Governor might spend a very nice day in this manner. He suggested that on his arrival the school children should be marshalled in double file from the railway station to the schools, under the superintendence of Mr Walker, the drill instructor, and that the Governor, attended by a deputation of the leading citizens, should walk between the children to the school. This being inspected from thence he might proceed to the gaol, which, as he already stated, must be of great interest to the Governor, as it was talked of as a central penal establishment. The Orphanage might then be visited, and next the party might proceed to view the works at the two breakwaters. After leaving the breakwater, a luncheon might be partaken of by his Excellency and the leading townspeople, and in the afternoon they might proceed on board a steamer and visit the quarantine stations at Ripa and Quail Islands. He thought that he had now sketched out how a very pleasant day might be spent. Of course these were merely suggestions for the Council to express their opinion on. Cr Graham would move that a reception committee be formed of the whole of the Council and the school committee. He thought it would be well to ask the assistance of the friendly societies, the Foresters and Oddfellows, to assist in carrying out the programme, and he was sure they would all agree that the suggestions in his Honor's telegram should be agreed to. Cr Grange thought a few floral decorations would add to the effect.

Cr Graham said the Council and school committee had better confer with the railway authorities about the decorations. If he remembered rightly, it was the railway officials that adorned the station at the last reception. Cr Grange would propose that the committee consist of the Mayor, Messrs Graham, H. R. Webb, and the mover, and that they carry out the details of the reception. After some discussion this was agreed to. The Mayor said they had now to consider about the subsequent day, when bis Excellency would be shown round the principal institutions of the town. He had spoken to many of the leading citizens, and they all seemed in favor of the affair. He thought there was little doubt the matter would be warmly taken up by the great body of the townspeople. Cr Grange said there was one thing against it, and that was the expense, particularly of the luncheon. He was not sure that any money had. been voted on a previous occasion for such an object. | The minute book was then inspected, but no record could be found.] He had had no opportunity of speaking to any of the townspeople on the subject as he had known nothing about till this evening. If they went into it at all it must be heartily, so as to make it a great success.

His Worship said he thought the expense would be small ; they would have little trouble in disposing of sufficient tickets to cover the expense of the luncheon. As to those who were to be invited, he would not mind being responsible for the sum thus incurred if necessary. After further discussion, in which Crs Young and Buist took part, Cr Buist moved the adjournment of the debate till Monday, the Mayor to make the necessary enquiries as to feasibility meanwhile. This was carried, and the Council adjourned'.