THE ROYAL VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1920, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT

CHILDRENS’ DAY.

Childrens’ Day in connection with the regal visit will remain long n the memory of the youngsters of Westland. They gathered in Hokitika from far and' and near. Those from South Westland came from as far away as Waiho Gorge, while from North Westland visiting children hailed from Wainihinilii. From points in between they came in scores and no prettier sight has been seen ever before in Hokitika than the “living” avenue of the men and women of the future who

ined the streets yesterday morning md with fluttering Union Jacks and •ousing cheers rolling down their long ine, acclaimed their future King as ie walked through the welcoming ranks, [he children from the south had an iniquo experience, travelling by coach ind motor lorry and being billeted b> .he way on tlicir long journey to and torn Hokitika. But the children were lappy all the time, and- teachers and parents expressed pleasure and delight at the good time their charges were

having. lo use a Hibernism, Childrens’ day began tile night .before, when ilie advance guard of the invading friendly army put in an appearance. Shortly alter tue arrival of the south train on Wednesday night, the children from the country repaired to the Supreme Hail where a splendid committee of workers consisting of school teachers committee men and wives, with voluntary winkers under the guidance of Miss 1 liompsou had everything in readiness to satisfy the inward wants of the visitors.

Four long tables traversed the large hall and very soon over two hundred children were comfortably seated oefoie a tastefully arranged spread. Grace was said by Mr Aitken and then the children were supplied with viands equal to all requirements. It was a merry contented throng which left the building subsequently to go out and see the sights in the streets of Hokitika, The decorative display and the illuminations were a source of great

interest to the visiting children nr.d ad-

ults also, who had an hour or so to spare before it was time to assemble for the Royal reception.

Subsequent to that great event of j which the country children —and town also—were afforded an excellent opportunity of obtaining a cigar and uninterrupted, view, tile children were entertained with a free picture entertainment at the Princess Theatre. A / notable picture shown was the investiture of the present Prince of Wales with his roles and insignia of office in 1911. This happily chosen picture served to emphasise the circumstance of the present royal visit. After the pictures—bed. A • great number of country children were put up at private houses in twos and threes and fours and so on, but numbers sought accommodation in the improvised quarters so comfortably arranged at the Government Buildings. Messrs Brujitou and Niven were in- charge of the boys, and Miss Wilson of the girls. The boys were downstairs and the girls upstairs, and Mr Garter in charge of the buildings saw to the internal comfort of the rooms in a way which left nothing to be desired. One little chap was brought in late at night having missed his train, but he was made welcome, and comfortable, and among friends soon forgot bis troubles and was fast asleep. Tho night passed without incident, and with morning the large family were once more astir again, and were soon out and about sharpening up their appetites for breakfast. The menu included hot pies; and the nappy family were soon spread round .the tables and with steaming cups of tea, made a hearty breakfast. After the children’s function yesterday forenoon, sports were held in Hamilton Street, all sorts of games and races being held, and the winners awarded prizes. The picnic lunch at midday was a great sight. The children were spread along the kerbing an both sides of Sewell Street in front of the Supreme Hall, and the long lines were soon busy with tea, sandwiches, buns, cakes, and later fruit. The arrangements worked admirably and in a remarkably short time tire largest family gathering Hokitika lias yet seen were all catered for. After lunch there was a short respite prior to the free picture show. (Princess Theatre was all too small to accommodate the crowd of children who packed in—on the stage and everywhere. Those who had to remain outside were entertained by the Caledonian Pipe Band with familiar strains and with Highland dancing. Mr Boyc] (Greymouth) and others gave an exhibition of high class Highland dancing on the platform in I front of the Government Budding. Others of tho children including the Maoris repaired to the Drill Hall where the natives gave quite an entertainment to the delight of scores of adults and children who gathered for this impromptu assembly. Several native songs and poi nances and others tilled in what was an extremelv novel programme to most of those present.

Shortly after three o’clock the children by fhe qufwaj:d bound south train were gathered into the Supreme Hall and regaled, with afternoon tea. Later the remainder of the large family were served in the. street, as at lunch Lime.

and the whole arrangements worked admirably again. At 4 o’clock the Ross train steamed ouj>, and an hour later another t-aia left for Kumara. Both were packed with excursionists, all of who seemed pleased with their outing. Coaches, 'buses and vehicles of all description then began to. leave for the country and all the occupants seemed to ho delighted with the success of their visit .

It remained for the night function to be the crowning success of the childrens’ gala. Those who visited the Drill Hall last night,—and there were hundreds present—will over hardly forget the wonderful scene. There were nearly as many adults present as at the Royal Ball, and to that throng had to be added the hundreds of children—fully 600. It was indeed a merry and bright spectacle. The Deputy Mayor (Mr Coulson) led the children in the Grand March which was quite a long, long, trail. The regal band supplied inspiriting marches of patriotic airs, and the youngsters broke into song. Thereafter dancing and games , followed. The Prince’s popular dance the Fox Trot with

his favourite air “Johnny’s in Town” was, not- omitted and to bo in keeping with their seniors, tho juniors danced an unofficial set. It was a night of real revelry. Polkas and Waltzes wero most popular with the kiddies and not one, was troubled with the crowding. The music was of the best. The regal orchestra with Mr Lawn at the piano left nothing to be desired. Several ladies played extras during the supper interval. Tho dispensing of refreshments was no small task, but as on the previous night Miss Jones and ner assistant committee ladies who worked m splendidly, had plenty provided, and no one went empty away. Dancing went on merrily after supper, .and dosed down finally at midnight. It was a memorable gathering indeed, "and a splendid wind up to the festival celebrations in honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales.

During the evening it was suggested that the juveniles might express iheir uppermost feelings by a su i table resolution. The following motion was proposed, seconded and carried in due form :

“That the Mayor be asked to convey through the authorities to the Ptince of Wales the very grateful thanks of the children of Westland for the visit of His ‘Royal Highness to Hokitika, a visit which will be

hold ever In kindest memory.” .. The motion was carried amid a sceiio of very hearty cheering and to (he accompaniment of musical honors. The foregoing message was despatched to-day to Sir William Fraser to be conveyed" to His Royal Highness.

ANOTHER, expression OF THANKS.

To-day, Mr G. A. Perry, (Mayor) and Mr T. W Bruco (County Chairman), despatched the following telegram to His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand:

“Will you be pleased to convey to their Majesties the King and Queen the grateful thanks of the people of Westland, for the opportunity afforded by the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales of expressing their affection to tile Throne.”

The Kilties’ Band was greatly in evidence all yesterday, enlivening the proceedings throughout the day with selections in various parts of the town. Their services were all the more appreciated owipg to the absence of tho Town Band, which left town shortly after ten o’clock to attend the function at Otira.

''THE REGAL RECEPTIONThe special reception op Wednesday night held at the Town Hall was one of the most impressive of the several functions held in connection with- the visit of the Prince of Wales, This portion of the reception proceedings was arranged specially so that mothers and wives of . soldiers, 'purses and patriotic workers might have a full and free opportunity of personally seeing His Highness. About- 250 tickets of admission were issued. The Hall had" been converted into a drawing room for the occasion. It was very handsomely decorated and arranged for the purpose. The whole of the large floor space was carpeted, and the ceiling festooned with creeper. Rose-tinted curtains covered the windows, and the doorways were covered with blue hangings. The ornamentation of the room • - was lightened by. the variety of cherry blossom standing about the room in pot plants. Tho whole scheme of decoration was most tastefully carried out, and was to the great credit of the ladies responsible for the work, who must have spent many hours of arduous labour .in * carrying out the happy designed arrangements. In addition the Town Clerk’s Offico was converted into the official retiring rpom. This wag a comfortable retreat cosily furnished, C v 'eu to the supply of a cheery blazing fire. The whole detail carried out in respect to the Town Hall arrangements really left nothing to be desired, so completely bad the ladies performed their work, which, tef course, was n labour of love. 'On arrival at the Town Hall, His Highness and Party were met by the Mayor and other members of tho official reception committee and executive, and, after presentations,. were escorted into the large hall. The gathering rose.in respectful greeting to His Highness, who walked to the top of the° room, where he took his stand and expressed a wish that present mioht be presented to him. This was arranged for at once, and tii.iso present were then formally presented und greeted the Prince. The presentation were made with expressive dpcorpm, and with respectful admiratipn to His Highness. It- proved to he ope of the most- impressive of the functions carried out in.Hokitika, The half was brilliantly lit for the occasion, the gaP lighting being supplemented by extra, electric lighting temporarily installed at short notice by Mr Langford and his staff. Those privileged to be presen expressed the highest feelings of satisfaction at the arrangements made so kindly on their behalf.

THE ROYAL VISIT TO OTIRA^ Otlra was bright and gay yesterday on the occasion of the Royal party 1 »ssing through, en .route for - ! As it was the last part of h esfland honored by the Royal visitor, che AjpfP : man and Members of the Westland County Council went out by motor alter the departure of the royal train from Hokitika, and arrived at Otira. will advance of the touring party. The HA kitika band went out by motor also to take part in the proceedings a Otira. The Royal pary’s stay at Otira occur, pied but a brief fifteen minutes. The school children about 150 in number the tunnel workers and residents assembled in force; and the party had a very happy reception. His Highness inspected the children who sang “God Bless the Prince of Wales”- and “Land of my Fathers.” \

His Royal Highness also went freely among tlio people, many of whom wero introduced to him. A number of returned soldiers who were among the workers were mustered also, and the Prince went among the “Diggers” and was an unassumingly and affable.is ever, winning tbe affections of all by his happy social hearing. Before the party departed, His Highness sent for the Chairman and Members of the Westland County Council and thanked them for coming out to see him off. His Highness said: "£

thank you so much gentlemen, for all you have done for mo.” Fourteen coaches were requisitioned for the overland, journey. A team of greys drew the patrol coach which was in advance. The Prince hoarded the second coach, driven ljy Mr Hall senr. who was presented to His Highness. Along with Admiral Halsey, tho Prince took the top seat of the coach, whence

lie had an excellent view of the moun-

tain ravine through which he travelled. fine, the air was chilly, and wraps had to be brought into rnquisiv turn. The Iloyal party had a good send I jt" off and left Westland with the naopiest recollections of the visit which apnears to have been a matter of great delight to all the members of the party. The view of the Southern Alps which tho party had from Hokitika yesterday morning whetted their appetites to got closer to the hills. The mountain view, all through the royal visit has been magnificent, arid no doubt the wonderful scenic display of tho mountain chain ' surrounding Hokitika will remain as a memorable picture for all time. After the Royal party departed from Otira yesterday, the children and workers and residents' were entertained at a picnic where games and other pastimes went forward. Ample provision was provided for all. The proceedings were greatly enlivened by the presence of tlie Hokitika Band which rendered r. very fine musical programme. The wsit of the Band was quite a novelty for the community and the people greatly appreciated the action of the authorities in providing so pleasing a form of entertainment. Last night Otira celebrated the Royal visit with a hall, and no doubt this func tion would be greatly enjoyed by the large attendance reported to be present.