RECEPTION OF H.R.H.

Press, Volume XIV, Issue 1864, 6 April 1869, Page 3

RECEPTION OF H.R.H.

TO THB BDITOB OP THB PBIBS.

gjj. _—J*rom reports which have appeared in the columns of the •« Lyttelton Times" and other local papers, it appears that the Rowing Oubsof Christchurch and Kaiapoi have declined to take part in a procession of boats in Lyttelton on the arrival of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at Lyttelton, the reasons given being partly the expense, and partly that the clubs would not be sufficiently represented, owing to the various occupation of members, and the expense of carriage' I think that the matter is worthy of a second consideration, at least by the Christehurcb Clubs. Tt is probable that free carriage would be granted for the boats to Lyttelton by the Government on the railway, and after the invitation given, it may be presumed that tbe Mayor of Lyttelton would provide sufficient accommodation for*the boats on arrival there. I believe it is not proposed to take the gigs beyond the breakwater unless the weather is very calm, and if the racing gigs can take the chance of the weather for a re-, gatts, the crews would surely not funk on an occasion like this, which might not happen again in many years; nor can I see that the undertaking would in any way interfere with a procession of boats on the Avon, which seems to have been proposed (P) in opposition. Remembering that the undertaking is for the recaption of our "Sailor Prince,"T feel sure as an old boating man that each member of a club who can pull an oar or hold the tiller lines must be anxious to show his brotherhood by doing his best j and knowing that the watermen of Lyttelton intend turning out twenty boats and ohe hundred men, I must beg to ask your support of my views, in order that we may not look back and say—" We might certainly have stretched this little point in preparing for the son and representative of our Queen. In conclusion, I have little doubt that any request from his Honor regarding Christchurch will be readily acceded to; and if his Worship the Mayor of Lyttelton would grant a little time, the clubs, as previously suggested, would probably reconsider their views, lam, &c, Gig Lamps. Christchurch, April 5,1869.