THE ROYAL VISIT

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 February 1920, Page 5

THE ROYAL VISIT

PREPARATIONS MADE. MEETING LAST NIGHT. In connection with the forthcoming visit of .his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales a conference composed of representatives from throughout the district was held last night in the'Council Chambers in order to •make arrangements for the proper reception or 'our Royal visitor. Captain Tabu Rhodes, Military Secretary to his: Excellency the Governor, was also present. The Mayor in open ing the meeting stated that all were present to be enlightened upon the proposed itinerary of the Prince by Captain Rhodes. lie was satisfied tliat the country folk would hov.. , > town and that the townspeople would be present in full force in order to give bis Royal Highness, a genuine West Coast welcome, a welcome that would be. marked with loyalty and respect.

Captain Rhodes, detailing the itinerary of his Royal Highness, stated that lie would arrive in Greymouth from fieefton by rail at 10.30 a.in. leaving again at Noon for Otira, thiiM spending one and a half hours in Greymouth. The Prince would travel by special tram and most like lv luncheon on the train on"the journey to Otira. He had expressed the opinion that he especially wanted to see the children and returned soldiers.

Mr. Skoglund proposed that a, civic reception be given the Prince at the Soldiers' Club after -meeting him at the station, and at the same time for his Royal Highness to cpen the Club.

The Mayor was in favour of a procession marching to the Victoria Park, the Prince to open the Club on his return to the station. Mr. Smith thought" that the idea of having the gathering at thp Park was the better suggestion. The space in f ront of the Soldiers' Club was hardly sufficient.

Mr. ParTitt representing the School committee stated that the school children and teachers were busy preparing for tho visit of His Royal Highness.

Mr. Steer thought that the procession should be cut out to ;:r'ow more time for the Prince to visit the Park. The procession wor.'d take up considerable time. A pfatform should bs erected at the Park, and the children seated waiting to receive the Prince.

Mr. Wilson was of the same opinion.

Mr. Smith moved that the Mayor and,members 'of local bodies meet the Prince and that he be motored to the Park. Seconded by Mr. Steei" and carried. On the arrive! of the Prince at the V:\vk the address of welcome will be read.

Captain Rhodes suggested the (end hvx of one address for the whole district. Following on this suggestion Mr. thought that one address from the whole of Westland Electorate would be a, good idea. Mr. Smith moved that the matter V left in the hands of the Mayor to confer with representatives from other district;-: in the electorate. . Seconded by Mr. Irvine and carried. The decoration of the town was then considered and it was decided to decorate the town as it had never been decorated before. Mr. Smith moved that the meeting be called on a suitable date, after the various clubs and committees etc had been circularised in order to so into these matters.

This was seconded by Captain Cob clough and carried. The matter of "bringing in men from back" districts was brought up bv Captain Golclough and Captain Rhodes stated that men who cotild come to town and return in one day would be brought. • • Mr. Wilson moved that the Mayv interview the railway department with the view to making complete arrangements! for the extra trafVio that would result on the d iy iu question. ; Seconded by Mr. Armstrong and carried. „ ' -; The Mayor'on behalf of all present 'thanked' Captain. Rhodes for the assistance ; given,, \\fhich concluded the meeting.