THE RECEPTION OF THE PRINCE AT AUCKLAND.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIII, Issue 1018, 24 April 1869, Page 2

THE RECEPTION OF THE PRINCE AT AUCKLAND.

Already several extensive preparations are being made, in anticipation of the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Auckland. A suite of apartments, on the second storey of the Government House there, have been specially set apart for his Royal Highness, consisting of bed-room, sitting-room, bath-room, &c. The apartment which is being fitted up as a bed-room is very spacious and well situated, the large bow window in front commanding a splendid view of the harbour and the land on the North Shore. The room has been lined with ornamental paper of a very chaste design. A handsome stove has been fitted up with ornamental mantelpiece. The bedstead is of brass, richly ornamented with tracings at the foot and head. From the bed-roam a door communicates with an apartment which is being fitted up as a dressing-room, and from this there is a door opening into a passage, on the opposite side of which is another door leading into the bath-room. This latter has been recently constructed, and is certainly, by its compact appearance and its neatness of design, calculated to favourably impress the Duke with the beauty of New Zealand woods when worked up. The whole of the interior lining of the room is composed of polished kauri tastefully panelled. The bath itself is a very neat and convenient one, the coping being of polished cedar, very massive and handsome in appearance. The dining-room on the ground floor has been improved by the addition of seven very chaste crystal brackets. A similar number have been placed in the drawingroom.

Judging from the extensive preparations that are being made in the kitchen, one is lead to believe that hospitality will be dispensed with right royal hand, I he fireplace and chimney are being entirely rebuilt, with various improvements, and a kitchen-range constructed on the most approved modern principle has been specially imported from Sydney per £ Hero, and is capable of cooking for 50 persons. The cooking stove formerly used will be replaced, so that when completed the appliances will be able to cook for 120 persons. The ball-room at the rear of the main

building is being rapidly finished. There are two entrances to the ball-room, one 18 feet wide off the corridor at- the drawingroom, and another 8 feet wide off the corridor opposite the entrance to the supperroom . At the eastern end of the ball-room, a recess is being constructed for the accommodation of the Duke, and at the other a suitable orchestra is being fitted up. The ceiling will be divided into panels and handsomely lined, the walls being relieved with pilasters, and an ornamental cornice extending all round the room. By a very simple contrivance —a projection in the lining to a height of about fUe feet from the floor—the interior lining will be protected from injury by persons leaning against it. The building is expected to be completed about the 27th.