ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1920, Page 3

ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND.

COMMITTEE MEETING. A general meeting of committees was held at the Town Hall last night, the Mayor (Mr Perry) presiding, to advance matters in connection with the Royal visit to Wesland. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present, including Mr Bruce, County 'Chairman, Mr Wild, Chairman of the Harbor Board, the Hons Michel and Orimmond, Ms.L.C., and Air Seddon M.P.

The Mayor stated tne object of the visit, and asked the Secretary to report on tlie general arrangements. It was explained that the Automobile Association had'been asked to’nssist with a flux of motor cars to transport the Prince and party from and to the railway station, and a favorable reply had been received. With regard to the illuminations, Mr Langford was aiming to place a thousand electric lights in the streets, and it would be known shortly what could he done. Tlie address had been ap„ proved, and was now being illuminated. Mr Pollard had been applied to for picture entertainments on tlie Wednesday night- and Thursday afternoon for the children, and would meet the committee and discuss the matter next week. The teachers in charge of the schools from Hari Hari to Rangiriri had been asked to report regarding the number likely to visit Hokitika. South of Hari Hari it would he more difficult to arrange transport, while north of Rangiriri it was intended to take the children o Otira.

Respecting the ball it woudl be necessary to enlarge the floor space for dancing, an enquiry was now being made for suitable flooring for tlie purpose. An annexe would he built out in Camp Street. In respect to the national music, Mr Clins. Kirk of Christchurch, had been very kind and helpful, and tonic sol fa copies would he supplied to teachers next week. Tlie only difficulty at present presenting itself was the railway transport. The Canterbury Education Board’s letter on the point was not favorable. Hon Grimmond would he visiting Christchurch next week and would consult the authorities oil the matter, while Mr Seddon who would he in Wellingon next week would see the General Manager of Railways regarding adjustment. Hon Michel promised to assist in the matter also so that the difficulty would he over" come.

Mr Seddon in ii short address detailed particulars of conversations with the Hon Minister of Internal Affairs regarding the visit. The local programme had been approved generally except that nothing 'in the form of a levee could take place at the reception. It was desired that the people should assemble, and the Prince would walk through the throng to the Town Hall. Various suggestions in regard to this matter were put forward. Mr Seddon added that Mr T{. Cranston and his firm were anxious to assist with the illuminations. Mr Langford would he instructed to do the best he could with the resources available. A number of details were discussed, and a general understanding arrived at on which the sub-committees would work out the details. Mr Itruce. explained the programme proposed for Otira, which was now being put in hand. Sub-Committee meetings were fixed as follows Town Hall Committee, Monday afternoon next at 3 o’clock. Street Decoration and Illumination

Committee, Monday evening at 7 o’clock. School Committees and Billetting, Monday evening, at 8 o’clock. The Social Committee will meet next week at a day and hour to he fixedi . The Drill Shed Committee will meet on Friday night of next week at the Drill Shed at 7.30 o’clock. •From this on active preparations for tlie great event for the town and district will be pushed on rapidly. Associations, groups of citizens,, etc, willing to undertake special decorations for any section of the route in Stafford, Revell, Weld, Hamilton and Sewell Streets, are re-, quested to notify the authorities.