ARRIVAL OF PILGRIMS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26120, 24 May 1950, Page 6

ARRIVAL OF PILGRIMS

RE ENACTMENT OF LANDING PLANS OF LYTTELTON COMMITTEE The Christchurch Division of the I Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve is to ; be asked to provide a guard of honour ■ for the Governor-General ‘Sir Bernard Freyberg), on the occasion of the reenactment of the arrival of the First Four Ships at Lyttelton oq December 16. Details of the proposed programme were given at a meeting of the Lyttelton Centennial Committee last evening. The Charlotte Jane, to which the hulk Darra will be transformed, will anchor in the inner harbour at 10 a.m. and those taking the part of the port medical officer and customs officers will proceed by boat to board her to grant pratique. The Governor-General is expected to arrive at 10.5 a.m. and after inspecting the guard of honour will be given a powhiri (a welcome) by a party of Maoris. A civic reception will follow. Boats will begin to transfer the passengers from the Charlotte Jane about 10.30 a.m.. disembarking them at the launch steps, an operation which should be completed by 11 a.m. The Pilgrims, after being welcomed by “Sir George Grey” will proceed to the band rotunda where a religious service will be held. The official luncheon will be hold in one of the Harbour Board s sheds shortly after midday and a procession will be held in the afternoon. Parking of the thousands of motorcars which are expected to be at Lyttelton fpr the the re-enactment has presented a problem that is being dealt with by a special parking committee. Passenger buses will be parked at Officers’ Point and also in the vicinity’ of H.M.N.Z.S. Tasman. A large number of Transport Department officers will handle the moving traffic. No craft of any kind, with the exception of those taking part, will be allowed to move in the inner harbour during the ceremony. The Harbourmaster (Captain A. R. Champion), will take action to ensure that the inner harbour is kept clear.