THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 481, 23 March 1869, Page 3

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Of the preparations for the Duke's reception at Wellington, the correspondent of the Otago Daily Times writes: —At the eleventh hour a Reception Committee, formed on the remains of the Committee of last year, has been organised here, and a sort of programme arranged. The General Government are to find H.B.H. and suite hoard, lodging, and means of conveyance while here, hut nothing more. Everything else will have to be done from private contributions; for although the Superintendent has promised to recommend the Council to vote a small sum, it is well-known that there is no money in the chest to pay it, even if voted. There is to be a procession when the Prince lands, and Judge Johnston's idea is that the main feature should be a lot of young men on horseback and wearing white "puggeries." Dr. Peatherston is to present an addresi, which has been prepared by himself, Judge Johnston, and Mr Dransfield, and is being illuminated by Mr H. E. Brandon. All other addresses to be discountenanced, and there is to be a ball in the Government Buildings; but there is a good deal of grumbling at the prices fixed by the Committee, and which are as follows :—Double ticket, £2 2s; gentleman's single ticket, 30s; ladies' single ticket, 15s. There is not much interest displayed in the matter at all, and I fear that the reception will not be an over-impressive or successful one.