ROYAL VISIT TO HOKITIKA.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1920, Page 4

ROYAL VISIT TO HOKITIKA.

EXECUTIVE MEETING

The executive committee met at the County Chambers last evening, Mr R. Wild being voted to the chair. The lion 11. L. Michel and other gentlemen were present. Various matters in connection with the local arrangements were advanced. It was reported that the various sub-committees were busy with the work of preparation, and matters generally wore now taking shape. Eight schools had notified so far that 174 children would be visiting Hokitika over night, and of these accommodation would bo required for 83. The matter was referred to the Jlilletting Committee to invite offers of accommodation bv a fixed date.

A report was received in respect to the train arrangements, it being mentioned that it was possible for the Royal train to arrive about 6 p.m. Three trains in all would arrive that evening, and it was resolved to ask for late trains back to Greymouth and Ross to assist in relieving the demand for accommodation by visitors.

It was decided to ask Dr Holloway, in conjunction with the other chuich choirs, to take up the choral class to meet at the Town Hall for practice at a time to he fixed. It was arranged also to procure a nugget of virgin gold for presentation to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales as a souvenir of visit to the Golden Coast. Satisfactory reports were received in. regard to tlie electric lighting. Mr Langford on behalf of Mr Cranston had reported to the Illumination Committee that 1.000 electric lights would be provided. Of these two hundred lights each would he used on the three arches in Re veil Street, and the remainder in lighting up Keller’s balcony and vicinity where the public presentation of the provincial address to the Royal visitor would take place. It was stated further that the firm was prepared to spend up to £IOO in this work. This generous offer was greatly appreciated by the executive. Mr Bratklon further reported that arrangements had been made by Messrs Stuart and Chapman to lend a traction engine for the generation of the electric power—an offer also appreciated very highly. It was reported the fence adjacent to the railway station was to be demolished, and a new fence erected. The question of improving the grounds in front of the Public Building was men-

tioned also, and action decided upon. With regard to the special functions on the night of the Royal visit, it was resolved to open applications for hall tickets from April 21 to April 29. In all 400 will be available at 5s each ; 150 for Hokitika residents and ratepayers; 150 for County; 50 for Kumara and 50 for Ross folk. Application should ho: made to Box 64, P. 0., Hokitika, to ensure being dealt with. Patrons of the hall will be admitted by ticket only by. way of the Library door of the TownHall, and the doors will be closed prior, to the advent of the Royal party. The hour in respect to the closing will be announced later. The Town Hall will he reserved for those not attending the hall, ancl applications for free tickets of admission will be received from wives and mothers of soldiers, soldiers, veterans, nurses, and patriotic workers. Ticket holders will be admitted to the Town Hall by the main entrance only in advance of the Royal party. For the ball tickets a number will be specially reserved also for soldiers and their ladies, including patriotic workers. Invitations to official guests in the neighbouring towns will he issued. The public were advised to line thermite of the Royal procession, and will he invited to keep a thoroughfare clear. Messrs Macfarlane and McGregor were appointed civil marshalls to assist the authorities in maintaining the routes for clear traffic. On Thursday morning the children will line the route, and on that occasion there will be a specially, good opportunity to see all the notable members of the Royal party. In connection with the floor space for dancing it was reported that the an-, nexe to be built in Camp Street would add fifty per cent to the room available for dancing, as well as providing sit-: ting-out accommodation, and a cool and pleasant retreat for refreshments. A large marquee was being procured to add the accommodation necessary. Various other .matters were dealt with and a number of minor details agreed upon. S