ARRANGEMENTS FOR BALL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25629, 19 October 1948, Page 4

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BALL

From the trotting meeting at Addington, Their Majesties would motor to North Hagley Park, where a welcome, organised by the Christchurch branch of the Returned,Servicemen’s Association, would be given. Former servicemen and women would participate.

King Edward. Barracks had been suggested as the'venue of the citizens’ ball at night. A special wooden floor would have to be laid, said Mr Andrews. As at all night functions which they would agree to patronise, Their Majesties would make a brief visit to the ball. “While arranged in their honour, the ball. like other functions, is being held to ’give the citizens an opportunity of displaying their joy over the visit,” said Mr Andrews. “All the functions are of welcome and of celebration of a visit of memorable significance. We hope Their Majesties will be able to attend.

“I would have liked to have seen a big display by the school children in honour of Their Majesties, but I am now doubtful if the demonstration of loyalty can be made as I had hoped because of the difficulties which the educational authorities say face them,” said Mr Andrews. “Questions of transport and other difficulties in arranging a display by school children from eight years of age from as far north as the Hurunui river, east to Akaroa, west to Arthur’s Pass, and south to Rakaia have been raised. A massed display does not appear to be likely. I am not so much concerned with the possibility that the display may not be held—further discussions have to be held—but that every possible child should havg a clear view of Their Majesties and Princess Margaret. They shall have that view.”