ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1920, Page 2

ROYAL VISIT TO WESTLAND

The Returned Soldiers Association was asked to select a tiny tot to present the Prince of Wales with the children's gift of nuggets on Thursday morning next. Their choice fell on Little Mi's Joyce Johnston of Inter-Wanganui whose father fell in the 'war. Joyce was the little maid who frolicked wirli the lamb in the cinematograph picture of South West-land lately shown here, and so will have a. wide circle of ac-

quaintances. On Saturday great advance was mads with the.street decorations, and to-day the work is being pushed on even more rapidly. Loads of greenery are being brought in, and the town is going 1o look its best. -A. fine effort has been created in Stafford ' .Street- where .an avenue of ferns flanks the Red Cro--,s arch. The effect lias Suggested to several citizens the idea of a permanent street plantation of deciduous tree? to adorn some of the wider stretching east and West. To-day the Supreme Hall is being prepared as the dining hall for the visiting school children. Tables are being erected and coppers placed in position. Preparations are being made to ration a- very large family of youngsters on Thursday, which will be the special day for the children. Thei most 'f tho country children will be here t.n Thursday, all available vehicles being engaged to- bring m tile country children.

With to-morrow’s issue will be circulated a full programme of the two days’ doings for the guidance of the people. Copies should he retained fpi’ general reference, as a time-table will be set out for the various functions. The halls to be used on Wednesday night are beginning to blossom .out in unaccustomed radiance. The separate committees of ladies are working untiringly and \vill do full justice to their task.

A fernery with a fountain at play is being installed at Lloyd’s cornel in Weld Street, and should prove a very effective decoration. Mr J. Maundir has this work in hand. Accommodation in town appears to be now at a premium. On. Saturday at short notice the authorities had to arrange accommodation for a guard of twelve and an officer. A number of extra police to assist in controlling the traffic have, to be provided for also. There will be a'great accession to -die population as a result of the visir,. There will be also the extra railwaystaffs manning the three trains wlr'eh make the royal entourage.