KAITANGATA RELIEF FUND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1582, 15 March 1879, Page 3

KAITANGATA RELIEF FUND.

A meeting of the general committee of the Kaitangata carnival was held last evening at the City Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs Alport, W. F. Warner, Geddes, Clifford, Seager, Dunford, Gapes, Tremayne, Jenkins, Pratt, Hobday, Hulbert, Ayers, W. S. King, and W. H. Smith (hon. sec). His Worship said that the work was progressing very well indeed. That day Mr Hethrington had placed his four-horse drag at the disposal of the committee for the day free of charge. He had written to his Worship the Mayor of Lyttelton, telling him that the committee would be very glad to see a large contingent from Lyttelton. A letter was read from Mr R, F. Roper, the business manager of Mr and Mrs Hart, stating that the Oddfellows’ Hall would he closed on the day of the carnival. Letters were also read from the secretary of the A.O.F. and delegates of the H.A C. 8.5., stating that the respective bodies would take part in the precession. A letter was also read from Mr Williams, the secretary of the Foresters’ fete committee, stating that the committee had pleasure in placing their large tent at the disposal of the carnival committee. Letters were read from Messrs Donovan, Guscott, and others, stating that they would he happy to aid in the cause.

Mr W. H. Smith, the hon. sec., reported that Mr Back had kindly arranged for late trains on the evening, one to Lyttelton at 11.15, and one to Rangiora at 11 p.m. Mr Hulbert said that since the last meeting Mr Wheeler had offered £lO 10s for the right of taking the photographs, which he considered was a very liberal one. The committee could not, he might say, accept some of the offers made in the correspondence, as they had already arranged for similar entertainment. The theatre had been given free of charge, and Mr Geddes had consented to take charge of the front of the house, and also the financial part of the Richardson’s Show. With regard to the electric light the committee had arranged with Mr Noble to exhibit it, Professor Bickerton having kindly placed his instruments at the disposal of the committee. He would desire to impress on the members of the committee the necessity of tolling their friends that the fire of last evening would have no effect on the concert. The Mayor said that he had received an offer from the author of “ Colonial Experiences ” to place several volumes of that work at the disposal of the committee. Mr Pratt said that he desired to give 200 volumes of the book, which might be sold for the benefit of the fund, [Hear, hoar.] Mr Hulbert moved —“ That the offer be received with thanks, and that a table be prepared for a member of committee to sell the works.”

The motion was agreed to. Mr Jenkins said that he desired to present two hats made at his establishment expressly designed for muffs, and also a ball. Mr Jenkins then produced, amidst loud laughter, two bats of monster dimensions resembling shovels, and a large india-rubber ball.

It was resolved that the bats be given for the highest and lowest scorers. The Mayor said Mr Rutland, watchmaker, Colombo street, had offered to present a watch to the committee, and he (the Mayor) hoped that others would follow this good example. Mr Hulbert said that the piano for the Theatre in the evening had been kindly lent by Mr Spensley. The Mayor said that he had been informed that the head marshal had obtained the loan of a number of Jerusalem ponies for the members of committee from Sir 0. Wilson, Mr Hulbert said ho had not heard of this before.

Mr Seagor said he had secured the services of a whistling duck, which whistled “ Home, Sweet Home ” and “ Auld Lang Syne.” Ho had also obtained the services of a dwarf IGin high, who played on the fiddle like a hangol/ and a giant 16ft high. Mr Hobday moved—" That the prize bats presented by Mr Jenkins be presented at the Theatre Royal in the evening by his Worship the Mayor to the highest and lowest scorers.” Mr King seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Hulbert mentioned that Mr Ayers had placed his stock of wigs, beards, &c, at the disposal of the committee for the use of those in costume. [Hoar, hear.] The meeting then adjourned.