ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1920, Page 1

ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND

An officer of the Defence Department (Padre Green) was hero yesterday arranging for the accommo latum of returned soldiers on the eventful night of the Prince’s visit. Beds will he supplied in one of the halls in town, the building being in charge of an officer of the Salvation A.rniy. Mr Seddon has suggested that a < triple of Royal Elms should bo planted at Hokitika on the occasion of the royal visit, one by H.R.H. and the other on behalf of the district. Mr Seddon has forwarded very kindly, suitable trees for the purpose, and they arrived here yesterday and are m.w in charge of Mr P. It. Stewart. The war trophies in front of the Givernment building have been placed ir temporary position, and the grounds surrounding, will now he planted out Yesterday a start was made with the decoration of the railway station, additional flag-poles being placed in portion.

Throughout yesterday the work of local preparation went forward merrdy. l.oads of greenery arrived during tinday and were deposited at the various arches, which are being wired also for the electric light. To-day eonsirl >v•ible advance was being made in the street decorations, the greenery beginning to show m> in various directions.

The new ball room floor was beeswaxed yesterday and will be polished to-day. A try-out dance takes place on the new floor to-night. The Drill Hall ■s being put in order to-day and will bo in excellent dancing trim on Wi diicsday night. The decorations of the ball itself are now under way, .Misses Wallace, directing the arrangements, and the hall will look remarkably veil. 'ILe Town Hall promises to be a bowery of rich color on Wednesday night, the ladies who have this work assigned to them sparing no effort to secure lmp"V results.

'ldie address from the people < f Westland was entrusted to the Lydanton Times Cov. Ltd., for illumination, rt lias been prepared in handy album form and is very attractively finished. Tlie embellishments are choice, including vignettes of Westland scenery, Maiiinaptia Stream, Otira Gorge and Hokitika. A handsome plusli envelope covering is being prepared by Miss Perry and°Mrs Frank Williams.

On the evening of the Prince’s arrival war decorations will he presented as follows: W. R. Cherric (Ross) D.O.M. for gallantry and devotion to duty; Robert Foster (Ross), M.M., for bravery in the field; William A. Head (Kanieri) M.S.M., for valuable services rendered during the campaign The presentation will be made following H.R.H.’s reply to the loyal address from the public bodies on belialf of the people. Mr Seddon M.P.. accompanied by Mrs It. ,T. Seddon arrives on the Const to-day, reaching Greymoutli to-night. Mr Seddon will be in Hokitika on Mondav. Air Seddon has been invited hv the Mayor to join in the official set at the citizen’s hall on Wednesday night.

The- additional accommodation provided to tlio Drill Shed, by the erection of the commodious marquees in Camp Street, will enable the large attendance at the ball to be more comfortably quartered. Some 400 tickets have been issued to the general public and in addition there will be the Royal party so that altogether fully five hundred or more people will be present. Without the convenience provided by the marquees it would not have been possible to deal with the attendance. As it is many folk are still applying for tickets which, it is not possible now to issue. The tickets for the Town Hall function are exhausted also, except those reserved for soldiers mothers and wives.