PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1433, 7 August 1915, Page 3

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the above committee was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday night. The Mayor (Mr Alf. Fraser) presided over a good attendance. The Mayor explained that he had called the meeting to arrange details in connection with the forthcoming visit of the Regimental Band and Drums to Foxton next Wednesday. He explained the arrangements he had made. The men would arrive by the 1.30 p.m. train, and he suggested that they march via Wharf Street to the Triangle, where selections would be played at intervals during the afternoon. The concert in the evening would be given entirely by the visitors, and those taking part would include some ot the best talent in the Regiment. He would like the meeting to decide what steps should be taken to entertain the men during their visit. About 60 men would have to be provided with afternoon tea, tea and supper. Already he had received promises of assistance from a number of ladies in this connection. The question of getting the men back to camp had also to be considered, as he did not think it would be possible to put on a special train. In this connection he had received a generous offer from Mr Alex. Ross to place his motor lorry at the disposal of the Committee, and with the assistance of a few other motor car owners, the difficulty of getting the men back could be overcome. The object of the affair was to raise as much money as possible for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, and was outside the scope of the guilds, and suggested that the services of young ladies in fancy dress be obtained to take up collections durine the afternoon. It was resolved that the visitors be entertained in the Town Hall supper-room, and that a subcommittee consisting of the Mayor, Secretary, and Messrs Hornblow and Boyes, confer and co operate with the ladies and carry out details. It was decided to charge 2s for the dress circle and is downstairs (children half price) for the concert. Several suggestions were made to hold the afternoon performance either in the Park or on the racecourse, and to add certain attractions, but it was pointed out that the time was too short, and it was decided to carry out the arrangements as suggested by the Mayor. It was decided to ask Mr Gabites to allow the school cadets to give an exhibition of physical drill in the afternoon. After other details were discussed, the Mayor was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the time and trouble he had gone to in getting up the effort.