HOME LINER EXPECTED.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1917, Page 4

HOME LINER EXPECTED.

OCCASION TO BE CELEBRATED. ARRANGEMENTS FOR BANQUET.

A public meeting of representatlw business men, convened by Mr. J. D. Sole (president of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, was hold in the Soldiers' Ciub yesterday afternoon for the purpose of considering the question of holding a luncheon on the occasion of the first visit of a Home liner to New Plymouth. There was a large attendance, and among those present were the Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess), Mr. J. B. Connett, chairman of the New Plymouth Harbor Board, and several members, Mr. J. S. Connett, chairman of the Taranaki County Council, members - of the New Plymouth Borough Council, and other citizens.

On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. J. B. Connett, Mr. J. D. Sole wag elected chairman. , Mr. Sole said definite information had been received concerning the arrival of the vessel, though the date could not be divulged. The event should be the brightest page in the history of Taranaki, and it was one that should be fittingly celebrated. The Chamber of Commerce had taken" the initial steps with regard to a function, but the matter was one which it was considered the citizens of New Plymouth in general should take in hand. The date of the arrival of the vessel would be a redletter day, one that had been looked forward to for so long. The object of the meeting was to consider the question whether a banquet should be held, at which members of local Bodies, directors of dairy factories and other personages of importance in Taranaki should be invited. Mr. Sole mentioned that the Ngamotu Seaside Committee had decided to hold a gymkhana at Ngamotu, and to do all in their power to mark the occasion in a fitting way. It was proposed, and carried, '"That steps be taken to hold a banquet on or about March '20."

On tlio motion of Mr. J. B. Connett, it wpq decided to form a committee to attend to the details. The following wero fleeted to the committee: —Messrs C. H. Burgee, E. P. Webster. .T. D. Sole, W. J. Ilaydcn, J. S. Connett, W. J. Chaney, A. ?,. Sykos, T. C. List, C. E. Bellringcr, F. J. Hill, Newton King, E. Whittle, L. A. Nolan, W. J. Penn, W. P. Nieoll, V. S. Johns, E. F. Blundell and D. J. Hughes. Mr. A. E. Watkins was appointed secretary. The chairman, intimated thai It was proposed to entertain about 450 guests in a large marquee on the Ngaraotu beach. The town residents would enter-, tain the country residents, the former meeting the expenses. Mr. J. Paton proposed, and it was carried, "That the Employers' Association be asked to observe a Whole holiday on the occasion of the banquet, and that the other towns of Taranaki be also asked to observe a holiday on the occasion referred to."

The chairman mentioned that Mr. Cruiekshank had suggested to him that it would be a good idea to invite representative citizens of Vatea. Mr. Sole thoiight the idea was a good one, and if carried into effect would probably go a long way towards promoting a harmonious feeling between the two ports. It was agreed to extend the invitation to the leading representative men of Patca. Those in the room subscribed to a guarantee to cover the cost of the banquet. Other citizens will also be asked, to sign the guarantee. The meeting then closed, and the com iiiiltce met to discuss details.