The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9. THE WARSHIP'S VISIT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 310, 9 February 1910, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9. THE WARSHIP'S VISIT.

A larger attendance of the business people and general public might reasonably have been expected at last night's public meeting to make arrangements in connection with the visit to the port of IT.M.S. Pegasus next week. Although, as Mr. Tisch pointed out, this might be an indication of public confidence in the ability of the Seaside Committee to carry out the arrangements satisfactorily, it docs not tend towards relieving the committee of its financial obligations, which, after all, are incurred in'the interests of the community as a whole. However, although the public may appear pessimistic, it is in appearance only, and there has never yet been an occasion when they failed to "make good" when occasion arose. Although unfortunately the time of the Pegasus' visit clashes to some extent with the Taranaki Jockey Club's autumn meeting, in so far as it precludes the arranging of special trains from the country districts on the Wednesday, the most will be made of the opportunity of permitting the people of the province to inspect the warship. On Tuesday the Bltham and other schools hold their annual outing at the Breakwater, and last night's publie meeting resolved that the committees of the 1 jcal schools be approached with a view to observing a holiday on that day. In order that all who wish might have an opportunity of inspecting the vessel, the Seaside Committee have specially chartered a small steamer to convey ■passengers to and fro at a nominal charge, and in this connection it is proposed the townspeople should guarantee the committee against any loss over the venture, as also over any further obligations in connection w T ith the visit. When the Cambrian visited New Piemouth last ysar, both officers and men were loud in their appreciation of the hospitality given them in New Plymouth, and letters still being received locally from members of the crew showthat their treatment in. New Plymouth is still a topic with them. The reputation earned on that occasion must be upheld, and every effort should be mAde to make the visit of the Pegasus a memorable one to the officers and crew. In addition to the usual shooting match, it is proposed that an evening welcome, under electric light, in the Recreation Sports Ground, on Tuesday will be given, to include sports eventt and military displays by the man-o-warsmen and the local volunteers. The officers will also be shown the sights of the district, including the -petroleum works, and will be entertained by the Navy League. Entertainment of the men, besides that provided by the committee, will be undertaken by the loeil volunteers. On Wednesday the officers and men on leave will be entertained by the Jockey Club. In this and other ways it is hoped to make the stay ol tlie ship as enjoyable as possible. Obviously, however, the arrangements entail a fairly considerable expenditure, not only for the entertainment of the visitors, but in providing ways and means for the public to visit the ship. Although the committee or the meeting have not asked the shopkeepers to observe a part holiday on the occasion of the seaside picnic, we have no doubt they will largely assist in making the occasion a bis; success. I