THE ROYAL TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1920, Page 3

THE ROYAL TOUR.

NEW PLYMOUTH PROGGEAMME. ARRANGEMENTS' WELL FORWARD. Tlio general arrangements for the ceremonials in connection with the visit nt Hi.. Prince of \V;iles to New Plymouth are well forward anil give promise of making the very most of the brief time allotted ior His ,RovU Highness' stay in Ihc chief town of Taranaki. The executive committee is giving very close, attention to every detail, that nothing may be overlooked which would add to the. pleasure of the occasion, either for the Royal visitor or those who will gather to do him honor.

hi order to keep the public fully aware, of the programme to be followed we give below the official timetable of the local proceedings, which is as follows:

5.55 a.m.—Royal party met at railway station by Mayor and Councillors. 9.10 a.m.—Proceed to Pukekura Park via St. Aubyn, Queen, Devon and Liardet streets. 0.20 a.m.—Official Welcome by Mayor, . and presentation of address from citizens. (Note: Portion of first terrace 1o be reserved for mothers who had sons killed at the war.) Presentation of addresses from other local bodies and institutions. 9.35 a.m.—Reply by H.I! H. the Prince of Wales. Inspection of returned soldiers, veterans, South African veterans, and returned nurses, etcPresentation of war honors. Inspection of school children. Walk through Park to motor at racecourse entrance to Park. k 9.45 a.m.—Motor to High School. Presentation of address from Masonic fraternity. Inspection of cadets. Morning tea. 10.40 a.m.—Return to railway station via Eliot, Devon and Egmont streets.

At the Park, which j's where the committee desire the people to gather, and not in the streets, there will be two stands near the northern end of the recreation grounds—one for the Prince and his entourage, and the other for specially invited guests. The eastern terrace will be reserved for the wives and mothers of the soldiers of the district who fell in the late, war, and those desiring a seat in this section must apply for tickets to the committee of which the town clerk i fi the secretary. The band will be placed to the right of the Rn.vnl platform; helow the terrace on the western side of the ground, and here it is proposed to reserve a certain number of seats for a massed choir of' all the singers of the town, which it is intended to organise immediately under the direction of Mr. V. W. G.'.McLeod and it is intended ihey shall sin" the refrain of "Land of Hope and Glory" and the hymn "God Bless the Prince'of WDIok. '

The parade of veterans, returned soldiers and nurses and school children, will he drawn up in the. oval, and it, is expected tj ln children will form a livinoiiag, or the word "welcome.'' They are also preparing to join in the sirigin«- of '•God Bless the Prince of Wales." There is a probability that it will be possible for these who desire to do so to reserve-a'seat on one or other of the terraces, though the number available will ot necessity be limited. After the departure of (he Prince the remainder of the day ,vill be given up to such sports and pleasures as may ho attractive to the public. It, is intended to have soma sports entertainment for children in Pukeknra Park in the afternoon, while the Defence Department have arranged to hold a cadets sports gathering op the New Plymouth Boys' High School grounds on that day. At night there will ha a reunion dinner for members of the South African Veterans' Association, and the entertainment arranged for the Maori War veterans in connection with the COtli anniversary of the Battle of Waireka has <ccn hxed to take place during the same day.

Street decorations have been arranged >y the general committee, who hope also thai the business people will join in the scheme and decorate their premises for (lie occasion, and the illuminations at niffht should form an attractive portion O' the general display.