OUR DREADNOUGHT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 2, 3 June 1913, Page 5

OUR DREADNOUGHT

THE NEW PLYMOUTH ARRANGE' MENTS.

'A meeting of the executive having in hand the local arrangements in connection with the visit of the Dreadnought to New Plymouth, on the 17th inst., was held last evening, there being present His Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Browne), Messrs. C. E. and F. C. J. Bellringer, J. F. Eustace, F. S. Johns, T. C. List, Rev. A. 'M. Bradbury, the' Town Clerk (Mr. F. T. Bellringer), Messrs. J. H. Walker (in charge of the Maori contingent), Mr. F. Henderson (Foreman in- charge of the harbour works), and Mr. Day (stationmaster). | REGULATING THE TRAFFIC. Two plans for regulating the traffic on the wharf were considered and one adopted, and the necessary material required for the three races authorised to be procured anil erected by Captain Waller's staff.

It was decided to ask Major Fletcher to take charge of the traffic at the wharf outside the barriers. The emarkation and disembarkation of passengers and the control on the wharf is to be in charge of Captain "Waller.

SCHOOL CHILDREN ACCOMMO' DATION.

The school children housing sub-cqm-mittee reported that it had experienced some uiiiiculty in obtaining definite particulars as to the number of children from tue schools off the main line that would be'coming in the night before. The headmaster of the Central School had intimated that the children of that* school were putting up all the Opunake school children that were coming in. It was suggested that the other local schools might assist in a similar direction, and the sub-committee was directed to approach the headmasters and headmistresses on the matter. If the billeting of the whole of the children cannot be arranged through the schools, an appeal to the public is to be made immediately. THE SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS. It was reported that the shipping companies had agreed to run their vessels to the warship. The school children (under their teachers) would be carried free; other children under 14 years of age, 0d; all adults-Is Gd; the companies refunding to the committee 6d of the latter. The Rarawa would be in port for certain, and either the Taviuni or the Haupiri and possibly both, whilst there was a probability of the Rimu being also available. In fine weather the number of passengers the Rarawa can carry is 1281, and the Taviuni 1520, and in rough weather SO6 and 760 respectively.

It -was decided to ask the Harbour Board to suspend- the passenger tax for the day. Information as to the probable number of visitors is to be supplied to the companies later on.

CATERING FOR THE MULTITUDE. The seaside combined committees advised that the lowest cost of providing hot water, tea, milk, and sugar, meals for the Territorials, officials and workers. would be £SO. The estimate included £lO for tanks for boiling the water, and £5 for sweets for the children. The sum was voted.

It wa.s reported that the Round-the-Mountain Cycle Committee had intimated their willingness to join forces with the committee, an offer that had been gratefully accepted.. PADDOCKING. The Mayor reported that the use of three paddocks at*' the Breakwater lwd been obtained, ami it was decided to charge owners of vehicles, motor cars, and saddle horses, Is each for pad do eking, the committee taking no responsibility and ad k .-;rtising this fact beforehand.

ENTERTAINING THE SHORE PARTY. Mr. .T. Clarke, Secretary of the Recreation Sports Ground Committee, reported that the committee had decided to entertain at dinner at 11.30 the two football teams, and anv of the sailors accompanying them. SUGGESTED PRESENTS'.

At the last meeting of 'the executive, it was decided to ask, through Mr. A., Morton, President of the National Dairy Association of New Zealand, and Mr. H.. Trimble, the dairy companies of Taranaki to donate a few boxes of butter and crates of cheese for the uoe of the crew of the warship. Mr. Morton wrote:—'T do not think there is any probability of this being done,. I have mentioned the matter to different chairmen of dairy companies, but ti:ey do not look favourably on the Then, too, all company accounts are subject to audit, and the directors l.eve no power to make donations either in produce or money, except by resolution of shareholders . To make any such gift worthy of the name would require, sav, 20 boxes of butter, worth £GO. and 10 crates of cheese, worti £SO. Are the townspeople disposed to assist in defraying the cost? If they are, then the thing might be done by the dairy companies selling the butter and cheese at a lesser price and then contribute their share of the donation, but, if tliey are to find the articles on their own, I feel certain that nothing will be done." Disappointment was expressed with this cold douche. It was pointed out j that the town was doing its full share in connection with the warship's visit by providing refreshments, entertaining the captain and officers, and incurring a great deal of expense. Besides this, many of its business men were giving freely of their time in making the necessary arrangements. Also that in the past the town had gladly provided free tea, milk, sugar, etc., for thousands of country visitors annually. The suggested gift did not entail much of a sacrifice on the part of the dairy companies, amounting as it would to no more than a box of butter or a crate of cheese apiece. No further action is to be taken in regard to the proposal. THE OFFICIAL PROGRAMME. Hie following official programme was agreed to:— 8.30 a.m., Mayor, Borough Councillors, members of Harbour Board, M.P. s, and others leave the Breakwater on official visit to the warship. 0.40 a.m.—Official party arrive at Breakwater.

10.15 rt.ni. —Captain Halsev lands at Breakwater.

10.'iO a.m.—OfTiciul welcome. (Speakers: The Mavor. Chairman of Harbour Board, H. Okev, M.P., and Captain Halsev). 11 a.m.—Visit oil wells. 12 noon. Luncheon at White ITart Hotel. 1 p.m.-Visit St. Mary's Church, Marsland Hill, and Pukekura Park, and motor drive to view the surrounding 1 coun-

i> p.m.—Captain llalsey to leave Breakwater for warship.' It was resolved to ask the local speakers to limit their speeches to three minutes.

Captain Halsev is to be asked to give a. searchlight display on leaving the port.

- THE MAORT WELCOME. Mr. -I. If. Walker reported that the ;/.a lives were takin-r an active interest m the proposed welcome to the visitors. He anticipated there would be from 30 upward, present. They would give their welcome, in orthodox fashion, at the bimlimr. Arrangements are to be made for the accommodation of the Maoris at tl.h point.

PROVIDING FOR LOST CJHHJ)KEN. It was resolved to secure a tent and' appoint a committee of ladies to take charge of any lost children. RAILWAY TIME-TABLE The Mayor stated that the firdt train from the local railway station to the Breakwater would leave at 7.30, followed by another at 8.30 The,first excursion train from the country to arrive at 9 a.m. and every half hour therewhilst the flrst return train would leave at about 3 o'clock. GENERAL. The Secretary of the New Plymouth Golf Club advised that lie had issued invitations to Captain Halsey arid his officers to make use of the club's link* during , their visit to the town. The matter of erecting latrines, making better approach from the beach to the foot of the Breakwater, obtaining an insurance cover, purchasing rosettes for the officials, inviting tenders for booth rights, etc., were left in the hands of the Mavor.

The Mayor and Mr. Johns were appointedl a committee to arrange details in connection with the luneheon.

OFF TO THE BLUF.

Per Press Association,

Dunedin, Last Night, A large number of people, inchidinc over 1,100 children, visited the battle cruiser Ivew Zealand' this morning. The New Zealand sailed at 2.30 p.m and alter passing Waikouaiti Bay, turned and proceeded to the Bluff. Off the Ocean Heach the searchlight was turned on the town, but owing to a thick fog, this was visible only to a slight extent.

ACCIDENTS AND FATAUTIBS

A MISSING SEAMAN. Per Press Association. > Nelson, Last Night'. A seaman named; Harold Clements, residing at Nelson, was lost overboard from the steamer Wairoa during her voyage from Nelson to Tetaka last night. Clements was relieved l>v the Captain at the wheel at a late hour, and went forward, not being seen afterwards. FOUND DROWNED. Last Night. A man about sixty years of age, whose "is unknown, was found drowned to-day in a pool of water in tlie Ashburton river near the traffic bridge.