ROYAL VISIT TO CITY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30043, 30 January 1963, Page 10

ROYAL VISIT TO CITY

Arrangements Nearly Ready

Ar-nigm inis lor the eMe Amotions during ths visit to Christchurch of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh bad been completed yesterday except tor one or two smell deterie whirh would require another meeting of the committee, arid the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) last evening. When lhe oounMtee met yesterday it aypewd arrangements made by the two sub-commtoteee looking after the two civic functions <he

welcome at Lancaster Perk on Saturday, February 16, and the visit to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday, February 17. To show the Queen and the Duke that Chrtotahureh

was truly a garden city, the Mayor asked again dmt people living along the route to be taken by the Royal visitors should decorate their homes and gardens. In the Botanic Gardens, he said, many of the flowers would be at their best, and Her Majesty would also see a big floral carpet and 15 floral set-pieces provided by firms and individuals. The council welcomed the cooperation that had been shown in the provision of these displays, he said. Afternoon Tea Arrangements had been completed for the afternoon tea to be served to the 1000 guests at the gardens—about half of them the “senior citizens” of ChristchurchMr Manning said. Her Majesty and a small official parity of 15 would be given afternoon tea in a marquee which would be open to give a general view of the gardens. Mr Manning said that officers responsible for the Royal tour had asked hum to request guests ait the gardens to refrain from using cameras dose to the Queen. To allow hospital patients a chance to aee the Queen, it bad been arranged that Her Majesty would leave the gardens by the “hospital walk.”

Few arrangements have to be completed for the Lancaster Park welcome and the ceremonial drive from the airport. The council has received about 900 applications from elderly persons who want seating in the shade of Bealey avenue, where the Royal party cars will slow to a walking pace. Arrangements have also been completed for cerebral palsy patients, war amputees and crippled children to assemble in parties along the route.