ROYAL VISIT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18921, 9 February 1927, Page 8

ROYAL VISIT.

THE GARDEN FETE. ARRANGING THE PROGRAMME. Mr A. P. Carey presided over an attendance, of about -0 members at yesterday's meeting of the Fete Committco set up in connexion with the Royal visit. The chnirmau read the report of a subcommittee, stating that thoso present at tho feto would include about 40 blind people- and attendants, IS disabled soldiers from tho Christchurch Hospital ajid J?nnnerdnlo Home, 20 members ot" tho Veterans' Association, 40 from tho McLean Institute, and 100 from the Jubilee Home. It was recommended that tho idea of afternoon tea for tho old people be not proceeded with. It had been decided to request that the Domains Board grant permission for the closing of the Botanic Garden gates between 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. on tho day of the fete. The report was confirmed.

A letter from tho Domains Board gave permission for the closing of the gates. The Board requested that tho planting of. the tree in tho Domain bo left in its hands. "It couldn't be in better hands." said tho chairman.

Mr G. Harper (chairman of the Domains Hoard) said the Board would liko to be represented as a body. The ceremony should bo invested with a Httlo dignity. It was not of a great deal of interest to the man in the street, but rather ns a means of retaining somo record of tho visit. He suggestod that it might bo possible to hold tho function separate from tho fete. Too Lato for Alterations. Tho secretary (Mr W. E. Leadley) said tho official programme had been sent to Suva, and another time could not be made. The best opportunity for the ceremony would be immediately before the Royal party left the fete. A rope could be placed round the space set aside, and cadets could assist in keeping the crowd back. Mr J. A. Flesher said the arrangements with regard to tho Trotting Meeting would not permit of thoir Royal Highnesses arriving at the feto at 3 p.m. Mr Leadley: We don't know that they are going to the trots. The request of the BcAird was acceded 1 to.

Derry's, the Municipal, Woolston, and the Caledonian Pipe Bands notified that they would be in attendance at the ceremony. The Veterans' Association notified its acceptance of an invitation to bo present. Sixty members would be able to walk, and seats would be needed for twelve. The Association would arrange transport. Mrs Hamber wrote on behalf of tho Welsh Society asking if its members might be allowed to take part in the parade. The letter suggested that this might be done in national eostumo. Mr W. E. D. Bishop said that to grant the request would be opening the door to similar applications. It was agreed to reply stating that the committee was not contemplating tho inclusion of national societies.

In reply to Mr B. A. Eenner, the chairman said the archery lawn would accommodate about 3000 people. The suggestion had been made that particulars of the route of the Boyal party be publishod, in order that the crowd should not be concentrated at one place. Eoute of Party. Mr Leadloy said the route . tentativel agreed upon was by way of Lincoln road, back of the Park and Park terrace. "We,must take them through Victoria square," said Mr J. A. Flesher. Ho suggested that the route include Oxford terrace, Victoria street, and Park terrace. •

The matter was referred to the subcommittee in charge of transport. Major Nicholls, O.C. Southern Command, advised .that a battalion of senior cadets had been ordered to parade at the fete. A letter received from the Hon. Mr Bollard, Minister for Internal Affairs, referred to a request made by Mr C. C. Harrison, of Sherbourne street, Christchurch, on behalf of Mrs Harrison and himself, that they bo extended sin opportunity of being presented to their Boyal Highnesses. It was suggested that the Mayor might make arrangements in accordance with, the request. The committee decided that it had no recommendation to make.

Leave was grantod the Girl Citizens to take part in the parade in conjunction with the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts.

The Transport Sub-Committee was asked to give an estimate of its expenditure. Mr Carey said that in the event of tho weather helng unpropltious, the ceremony would in all probability bo held in King Edward Barracks.