THE EXHIBITION PROCESSION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2485, 24 March 1882, Page 4

THE EXHIBITION PROCESSION.

An adjourned meeting of delegates from the friendly and trade societies was held last evening at half-past seven o’clock, in the Oily Council Chamber,' for the purpose of considering matters in connection with the proposed procession at the opening of the Exhibition. There was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor. The Chairman suggested that the representatives of those societies and trades who intended to take part in the procession should hand in their names to the secretary, and then each body could carry out its own arrangemente. , Mr Smart said the St. Andrew’s band were willing to give their services free. Mr Harris intimated that the Fire Brigade hud decided to take part in the procession. Mr Leahy (the marshal) said about thirty Natives oould be brought down from Kaiapoi ut an expense of £5. Mr Buxton, a delegate from the Good Templars, said the members of that body had unanimously decided to join in the procession, and about ten lodges would be repiesented. . Mr Leahy said he had interviewed the bicyclists, who would decide on Wednesday next whether or not they would consent to form a feature in the procession. It was intended, it possible, to include bicyclists from places outside of Christchurch. He had seen Colonel Packe with a view of ascertaining whether the Volunteers would join in the procession, but that officer did not seem inclined to favor the ides. _ Perhaps it would be advisable for the meeting to pass a resolution asking Colonel Paoke to allow those Volunteers who would not be required for duty to take part in the procession. The Chairman thought the Volunteers would probably be required as an escort and for duty at the Exhibition building. They might ask Colonel Paoke to allow some of the Volunteer bands to take part in the procession. Some discussion took place as to when the ballot for order of precedence should be Mr Nathan moved—“ That the ballot for position take place on Friday, the 31st.” This was a matter about which there would be a good deal of jealousy, and it would be better not to leave it to the deputymarshals. Mr Woodford seconded the motion, which was put and oerried. On the motion of Mr Gill, Messrs Prudhre and Harris were appointed scrutineers to conduct the ballot. Mr Leahy moved—" That the Mayor be requested to write to Colonel Packe asking him to allow the Volunteers and their bands to lead the procession.” A delegate objected to this on the ground that it was “ toadying ” to Colonel Paoke, who, according to the conversation reported by Mr Leahy, had not treated them properly. After some discussion Mr Leahy obtained leave to alter his motion as follows :—■“ That the Mayor be requested to write to Col. Paoke, asking him to allow one or more of the volunteer bands to join in the procession,” Mr Gill seconded.

Several delegates thought it would be better to apply to the captains of the different companies, instead of to 001. Paoke. Mr Hobbs moved the following amendment —“ That the secretary of each volunteer band be written to, asking on what terms they would join in the procession,” The amendment was carried.

Mr Nathan said Mr Joubort had informed him that the Austrian Band would lead the procession. A resolution was passed asking the bands outside of Christchurch to give their assistance, and a vote of thanks was passed to the St Andrew’s Band and the Hibernian Band for their offers of services.

Mr Leahy said the members of the bands would be admitted to the Exhibition free. On the motion of Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Watts, a resolution was passed asking the general committee to arrange with the railway authorities for the conveyance of country bands and Maoris, and to vote the sum of £4O to defray incidental expenses. It was also decided that in the event of a man of-war being present at Lyttelton, the Mayor should write to the commanding officer asking him to allow the band to attend and also any of his crew. A delegate asked if it was not intended to invite the Volunteers as well as the bands. In answer to Mr Nathan, Mr Leahy said he bad waited npon 001. Packe, in his official capacity as marshal, but his proposal had nut received a very cordial recaption, Mr Nathan moved “ That the secretary be instructed to write to Col. Packe asking him if it was bis intention that the Volunteers should take part in the procession.” Mr Williams moved, as an amendment, “That an advertisement be inserted in the newspapers inviting the various Volunteer companies in Canterbury to take part in the procession.” The amendment was carried by a majority of one vote.

It was stated that the members of the procession holding tickets would be admitted to the Exhibition before the delivery of the inaugural address, and might remain afterwards or leave as they ohose.

It was resolved “ That an advertisement should be inserted in the newspapers asking each society to appoint a deputy marshal, failing which the committee would elect them at next meeting.” The meeting then adjourned until Friday, the 3Xst ins'..