VISIT OF H.M.S. PEGASUS.

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

VISIT OF H.M.S. PEGASUS.

PROPOSALS Vim EXTERTArXMfiXT A public iiieeting, convened by the Mayor (M. 0. Tisch) was held last night to consider the question of entertaining the officers and men of H.M.S. Pegasus, which arrives her? at the beginning of next week. Mr. Tisch presided and detailed the steos taken by himself and the Seaside Committee to secure the visit of a warship, and to provide entertainment for the ship's crew. So far as was at present known H.M.S. Pegasus might arrive on >ae morning of Monday, 14th inst. He felt with regard to the arrangements that it was only fair that the townspeople shouTil come to the assistance of the committee and share the responsibilities of the arrangements. Already the committee had had to incur a liability of over £3O to charter a email ves-el to carry people to and from the warship, besides other liabilities. Mr. Humphries pointed out that definite arrangements could not yet be made until definite • information was received from the captain of the ship. At present it was only definitely known that the Pegasus would be in "port m Tuesday and Wednesday, loth and lfi'h. although the harbormaster had been advised by the captain that he wouM arrive on the 14th.

Lieut. Fletcher *teaid arrangements were being made to hold a shooting match between the Taranaki Ililbs and a team from the ship. The Mayo,- pointed out that on Tuesday the Eltham, Leppertou and other school would visit 'the breakwater. The committee had not asked that the local tradespeople should close their shops on that afternoon, although naturally' the committee would be materially assisted thereby. Arrangement*; had been made, "however, for a special tram to leave town for the breakwater ut. 3.1;) p.m. on that afternoon. The theatre hail been engaged for the evening. On Wednesday the town schools and (!ie"N":vy League members would probably visit the vessel. On the Wednesday afternoon as many of the olncers and men as could no granted leave would not doubt visit the T.J.C. race*. It might be arranged to hold an elettric light display on the Tuesdav evening in tnc Recreation Sports Grouut. the local volunteers assisting. On t'le Wednesday niulit arrangements might be made for men from the shin to c". operate with flic Pukckura Parle Boa>d in flie fireworks di.-piaj-. Mr. Mills suggested that it would be better to have the local schools closed on the Tuesday, and have one big gathering at the breakwater. Mr. McLood supported this view."

Mr. Carter hoped when the urogram mc was being definitely fixed/arrangements would be made to allow the officers and engineers .to visit the petroleum works, where a display of the utility of petroleum fuel might re arranged. The company was naturally anxious of bringing their product unJe'r the notice of the Admiralty.

Mr. F. T. llellringer suggested that definite arrangements regarding the programme might be made by telegram. Mr. Kimliell moved that' those present, v.iih power to add, guarantee the Seaside Committee against loss on the chartering of the vessel to carry visitors to the warship. 3lr. Webster seconded.

Mr. Carter said the public should go further, and provide a guarantee to the committee against any loss on lina-i----cial responsibilities they have undertaken. Mrs Bellringer agreed and .supported the motion, as extended, which was carried. Mr. Carter moved, That this meeting of citizens desires the Seaside Committee to undertake all the arrangements and carry through the programme.— Carried. Captain Mills said the local branch of the Navy League would probahlv entertain the officers to luncheon at some convenient time. Mr. Tisch undertook to see that special arrangements were made for the conveyance of members of the Navy League and the Veterans' Assoeiat'on to the ship. His WorsTiip thanked those present for the expression of confidence in the Seaside Committee, and said he would assure (hem that while hospitality becoming the town was extended, nothing extravagant would be attempted. At the Taranaki Jockey Club meeting last night, it was decided to extend invitations to the commander, officer* and men of H.M.S. Pegasus to attend the races on Wednesday aud Thursday next" as the oruests of the club. " r