THE VISIT OF LORD KITCHENER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13646, 1 February 1910, Page 5

THE VISIT OF LORD KITCHENER.

THE CIVIC RECEPTION

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE.

The committee appointed at the public meeting of citizens held some little time back to consider the question at a civic reception to Lord Kitchener met yesterday at the City Council Chambers. , The .Mayor presided, and there was a large attendance. The Chairman said that it would be recollected that at the preliminary meeting of citizens he was asked to communicate with Lord Kitchener as to the nature of tno entertainment he would like to have. Ho had seen Sir Joseph \\ard, who had undertaken to communicate with Lord Kitchener. A telegram was subsequently received from Sir Joseph Ward stating that his KxceUuncy the Governor had received a reply from Lord Kitchener, stating that he would accept a civic reception with pleasure. .Notching, however, was said as to the nature of the reception Lord Kitchener would prefer, so that practically they were just where they wore at the last meeting. As to the nature of the reception, he had learnt from enquiry amongst the people there was a widespread desire that as many as possible oi the citizens should have au opportunity of seeing Lcrd Kitchener. It had been suggested that a large conversazione should be held in the DriiLhed, when an address of welcome could be presented and Lord Kitcbener reply. A bond might provide music, and there might be a small military display. Other suggestions as to a luncheon and a banquet had also been made. He would be glad to hear the opinions of the members of committee present. Lieut.-Colonel Coqper said from the arrangements already made Lord Kitchener would only be free from his military engagements on the evening cf his arrival or on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Gundenscn asked whether it would not be possible to arrange for a reception on. the evening of the arrival of Lord; Kitchener? He thought that the civic reception would come more ap;vpos on the evening of the arrival of his LordJiin in the city than some time afterwards.

Major Richardson moved : —"That the reception take the form of a luncheon on the Tuesday."

The Hon. H. F. Wigram said that ho thought it would be as well to put scverai suggestions before Tx>rd Kitchener. If his Lordship did net care for a banquet, they might arrange for an address to be presented to him in the Drilkhcd or in Victoria square, or, in the alternative, which would : be a much smaller function, a reception by the Mayor in the City Council Chamber. Major Hobday seconded Major Richardson's .proposal. He d'd not think it would be possible to hold a reception on the evening of the arrival of Lord Kitchener. Lient.-Colonel G. J. Smith thought Lcrd Kitchener would rather have a banquet on the Monday night than a ii'i.cheon on tho Tuesday afternoon. He thought that tne best way would be to ask Lord l Kitchener -which would suit his convenience best, a banquet on Monday, a luncheon en Tuesday, or a civic reception at any time which wouH fall in with his arrangements.

Mr John Anderson thought that their first duty was to consider tho convenience of Lord Kitchener as their guest. IHe therefore was strongly in favour of the course proposed by Hon. Mr Wigram. viz., that Lord Kitchener be asked which would best suit bis convenience—a banquet, presentation of an address, or civic reception. Mr Wigram moved as an amendment —"That an invitation be sent to Lord Kitchener, through his Excellency the I Governor—(a) to a banquet to be- given in his honour, (b) to receive an address of welcome from the city, (c) to attend a civic reception by his Worship the Mayor. Lord Kitchener to bo asked in cither case to suggest the dote and hour ' most, , convenient to himself." Or. Sorerisen seconded the amendment, which was agreed to, . Major Richardson withdrawing his motion. Messrs F. I. Cbwlishaw end Robert Hay were added to .the General Committee. On the motion of Mr Marriner, the following gentlemen were elected as an Executive Committee to act on the roccptiom of the answer from Lord Kitchener:—Hons. H. F. Wigram, G. J. Smith, Majors Hobday and Richardson, Cr. Dougall, Rev. I. A. Bernstein, Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes and John Anderson.