CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10954, 2 May 1901, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH.

DECORATION COMMITTEE,

A meeting of the Deooratiob Committee in connection with the Royal Visit was held yesterday, when Mr Roper presided. Mr R. Allan was added to tho Committee. Tit. Chairman said that the Committee bad. inspected tbe specimen arch, and it was for the meeting to decide wn.ther they agreed with it. Mr Seager said he proposed along Manchester street to foe in red, white, and blue, High street to fared and green, and from Colombo street to Market square purple and gold, the Duke's colours. There would also be Venetian masts betwean. It was proposed that the Clock Tower should be the centre of a scheme of decoration by Venetian masts. He submitted a series of plans, which he proposed for tho decoration of the various streets. A letter was read from tho Town Clerk, Christchurch, forwarding a letter from the Public Works Department, asking that the triumphal ol_h be erected by the•Committe. at a cost of £260, to be provided by the Government. It was resolved that the Committee, having had estimates, find that an arch built in tho orelinary way would cost £500, and it was doubtful whether it would be erected in time, would suggest that the £250 be spent on the platform in Victoria scjuare, in addition to the amount the Government proposed already to spend on it, the Committee proposing to erect a triumphal arch in the shape ol a pavilion over the foundation stone. The question of Mr Seager's proposal for j street decoration was considered. Mr Elliott urged that the placing of one scheme of colour for one street would prove too monotonous. He also objected to the side festoons, which would spoil the view al! along th. route, and would hide the' I decorations of tho buildings. He suggested that the side festo.His be left out in the streets where the decorations would be, and placed in those streets where none existed. (Mr Elliott moved—"That the scheme of colour be more varied than proposed, aud the...toons bs omitted between the arches aixl the Venetian masts, except in particular parts, i.e., that the festoons be at intervals, instead of continuing." Mr Allan seconded the motion pro forma. It was decided to divide th. resolution into two pruts—the scheme of colouring, and the question of festoons, and, after discussion, it was agreed to recommend Mr Seager to vary the colours somewhat. It was further resolved that the number of arches be reduced, two arches, taking the place of three, instead of reducing the festoons. On the motion of Mr Allan, it was resolved that te_„.rs be called for supply of material and erection of arches, to Income the property of the Committee, ami, in the alternative, the supply of material and erection of arches, to be removed. Tenders are to be called separately for the erection of tbe arches ; also for the dc-cr.rat.ions, and for ths Venetian masts separately. It was resolved to ask the Executive for power to provide electric lights for the different arches from Market square to Lichfield street. The citizens are to be asked to illuminate at night, but not to decorate their premises during th« day, except with Hags.