THE ROYAL VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1927, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT

UEXURAIJ PBF.I’AR.ITIOXS. The local executive met at the County Chambers at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon, IJis Worship tlie -Mayor (Mr 0. A. Perry), presiding. There were also present, .Mr \\ . Jeffries, Chairman of Westland County Council, .Mr G. A. Wood, Chairman of Hokitika Harbour Board, Rev. Dr Kennedy, St. .Mary’s School, -Messrs H. Sweeney (Chairman), Conning. S. J. Preston of Hokitika State School, Airs Dale, Alisses Wilson and Bntee, .Messrs E. Partridge and J. Niven, Hokitika School teaching staff. -Messrs A. A. Andrews. Town: Clerk, and D. JEvans. County Clerk. Onlv three schools had rep!ied regarding possible attendance, and it was decided to wire Harihari and Waitaha Committees for prompt information, on receipt of which tenders to be called for the transport of South A Vest I and children. Verv few replies were received from country schools, and committees of teachers might arrange for a reply to letter of January 14th.. or it might net be possible to provide for the children on the occasion of the Royal Visit on Alarcli lltli.

It was resolved to arrange a midday meal between noon and 1 p.m. for country children only, and for afternoon tea for all children (town and country) at 4.1 n o clock. It was decided to arrange for the sale of additional refreshments on Cass Square, and to provide free, hot water, tea etc.

Tho general arrangements for Cass Square wore <1 iscussoil in accord a nee* with the official programme supplied. A portion of the ground will be roped off for the schools, Guides and Scouts. The-* school children will be marshalled under their teachers, and the whole assi'inhlage will he under the direction cf Air E. Partridge, Rector, Hokitika School.

Offers to accommodate country children overnight will be welcomed. .Tn this connection Dr Kennedy offered hospitality at St. Colmnbkillc’s Convent which was accepted with thanks. Offers from private homes, also, will be welcomed. The Mayor, County Chairman and Air Partridge were appointed an Executive to deal with all necessary On tails. The school children will be granted a whole holiday for the day. and will be requested to assemble on Cass Square for the reception at 2.3fi The Alayor. .Mayoress and Town Clerk will receive the Royal Party at the Railway Slat ion. and afterwards precede (be Royal entourage to Cass Square, where a platform will bo erect-

ed for the distinguished members of the party. There will he a guard of honour of 30 cadets at Cass Square, which will be inspected before IT.R,TT. mounts the platform. The Mayor will read Hi" loyal address from the citizens of Hokitika and residents of 'Vi'silund County, and T1.R.11. will reply. Thereafter the Mayor will present the Councillors, local body representatives. pioneers etc. Subsequently the Girl Guides and Scouts will be inspected and the children’s gathering viewed. The stay of the party here will be from 3.31) to 4.30 o’clock. At the departure the school children will lino the route from the Square and be given a. final opportunity to view the Royal visitors. The children will be supplied nilh large fern fronds with which to wave farewell.