THE ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12532, 20 June 1901, Page 5

THE ROYAL TOUR.

[Feom Otto Corkespondent.] WELLINGTON, June 19. She is a dishevelled jade to-day, this Wellington, : and there is em inevitable suggestion of suffering recovery about her splashed) and bedraggled draperies. It has been the first really -wicked day of the Royal tour, for the rain has poured down almost unceasingly, some of the passing showers being of tropical violence. The wind has whipped tie festoons of bunting into wet ropes, flags hang limply, coloured draperies have run into an unholy mess, the greenery is withered and splashed, everybody is wet anacintoshed both as to raiment and temper, the Ophir lies coaling, sootily at the wharf, and' everything! is miserable enough to .touch even the re* joicing heart in! Auckland. Tha day lias been one of set ceremonial functions of" a desperately uninteresting and formal character, and -which! were put through with, the utmost haste compatible with decency. At 11.20, at Government House, 1 the Governor presented ith© Post and Telegraph Rifles with the Ranfurly Cup for rifle-shooting. The ceremony was brief as first love, and not half so interesting. His Excellency spoke a! few platitudes about the usefulness of good shooting, embellishing them, with some ornate sentences anent the bonds of Empire and the thin khaki line. This done, he presented the cup, smiled an all-enfolding smile for partition among the corps, and retired gracefully. At 11.30, the Duchess was presented with a model of a Maori bouse, subscribed for by the ladies of Wellington. This took place in the drawing-room at Government. House, a sanctumi sanctorum to which only the representative of the associated Press was admitted., ■ At noon, the Duke presented medals to tlie returned troopers. ; Both the Duke and the Duchess attended the function, and despite the beastly weather, the general public also rolled up in force to do honour to the men. ' There was more interest attaching to this function and more enthusiasm than at. others. The .presentation l itself, was somewhat formal, the medals being rolled off at the rate of about five and twenty a minute. The Duchess displayed especial interest in the proceedings, although a private joke with his Excellency and the Premier occupied much of her attention, and moved the trio to such irresistible and f open laughter as to. provoke a curiosity which had needs to go un allayed. In the afternoon the Friendly Societies and other bodies were presented by delegate proxies, and their addresses were handed in, the Duke responding. Sfca ceremony was almost an exact replica of that at Auckland. To-night the Government reception, to which all and sundry are bidden, will be held. The fireworks display, which was to have taken place, has been postponed until to-morrow night, on account of the inclement weather. • ' ' .' THE WELLINGTON CELEBRATIONS. PRESENTATION OF MEDALS. ' [Per Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, June 19. The only - function connected with the Royalties open to the public to-day the presentation of medals to returned soldiers at Parliament Buildings. Heavy rain fell during (the-night and morning,, but had almost ceased at the time appoint-' ed for the ceremony. . Great pains were taken to ensure the rapid dispatch of the business on hand, and the men were arranged in the:order in -which they were to come forward, so that no stoppage should occur. They were drawn up on' the lawn, and- lall the surrounding spices and streets leading to the Buildings were; crowded, by the public. In'the portico of Parliament House seats were provided for officials and members of Parliament. Staging had been erected,: on either side and the steps and approaches' were carpeted: Bands 'were in attendance, and salute after salute..was' given as the'.Ad-. miral and Governor, and finally the Duke and Duchess, drove up.' The Ministers, ducal suite, officers of the fleet,' and other officials made up an assemblage which would have presented a (handsome sight had the sun only deigned to shine. Their Royal Highnesses arrived punctually at noon, the Duke arrayed in scarlet and the tall busby of the .-Irish Fusiliers, the Duchess, as usual, plainly attired ini black. S'Ke was presented with a bouquet' by Miss Dyer, the Premier's granddaughter, a little mate of, four, ©lad in white. No "time was. lost in proceeding with the object of the function. The Duke of Roxburgh* stood by the Prince,- and handed him packet after packet of medals, each enclosed in a white card-board case. Colonel Penton called the names in the order of the contingents, and almost as fast as he. could read, man after man, colonels, captains, sergeants and privates intermingled, stepped up, saluted, received the memento of the campaign, and as rapidly made way for their successors. Three hundred and eleven -irmedaLu were given, and the whole operation was a most 'creditable' display of military organisation and promptitude, as it only occupied seventeen minutes, and there was not the slightest hitch. Captain. Barclay was first called, and Nurses Mcnson and Warmington the last. . The ladies. were honoured with three lively cheers, and during, most of the time occupied by the ceremony a running fire of applause was kept up. ' The; various contingents were represented as follow:—-First 6?,. Second 91, Third 96, Fourth 24, Filth 28, miscellaneous .5. It is understood that medals for those dead will be handed to their relatives. -While the presentation was going on, Trooper Morgan, of Hokitrka, who had rendered some service to Prince Alexander of Teok in Africa, was introduced to the Duchess of York, who entered into conversation with him and inspected a ring wnichi her brother - had given him as a .memento. Prince Alexander, catching sight of what was going on, stepped over and shook the .trooper heartily._jhy the...band v When. Lieutenant Collins, came forward [his Highness spoke to him sympathetically about his wounded hand, and at the conclusion Colonel Collins was introduced. The Prince expressed to him his'satisfaction at his'son receiving a commission, hoped that he would be able to take it up, and that he would soon recover from 1 his Wound. .After a few minutes spent in conversation with the Governor and Premier their. Royal Highnesses drove away.. No sooner had they gone than a drenching rain squall drove the spectators to shelter too, but, notwithstanding this, knots .of happy, men could be -seen standing.about the lawn, with their equally joyous Avomen-folk pinning the medals on their breasts. According to present ararngements, which, however, may be upset by the weather,- the Duke will visit the FroßSn' Meat Wo-r 1 -* Afc TWicaift while

THE SECOND DAY AT WELLINGTON. A HEAVY FALL OF RAIN. OPEN-AIR ENTERTAINMENTS SPOILED, THE CEREMONIES OF THE DAY.

the Duchess will be- taken for a trip ever the Rimutaka. , During the afternoon his Royal Highness received numerous deputations, who presented' Mm with- addresses from the citizens and public bodies in the central portion of the colony. The deputation, in every case, consisted of four persons, They were received in the ballroom of Government House, where their Highnesses stood on. a dads,; with' Lord 1 and Lady Ranfurly, and members of this suite. After all the addresses had 1 been presented the deputations formed! a group close'to the dais, and the Duke made a speech in reply, •expressing his thanks for the loyal and kindly sentiments expressed in the addresses. Ho expressed tih© pleasure he bad derived from meeting the Maori people and viewing the voleanio districts of the North Island, and said that' he regretted that time did not permit of him visiting Marlborough Sounds. His Highn'ess concluded: "Wo will certainly carry away delightful and lasting recollection, of the beautiful Te Ika a Maui and its people. Kia ora." ' The levee at Government House to-day was largely attended. The Duke and Duch-ess-were received in the ballroom, and each shook 'hands with every person presented. The Governor and Counters of Ranforly gave the second- State dinner to-night to meet their Royal Highnesses. Among the guests invited, in addition to members of the ducal suite and office-is of the squadron, were Sir Joseph; aftdl Lady Ward and the Hon F. and Mrs Arkwright. ' Nearly three thousand invitations were issued for fthe parliamentary reception at the Parliamentary Buildings to-night, which was attended by their Royal Highnesses. The interior, of the building had been handsomely, furnished and decorated, the Legislative Council Chamber being used a>s a d!rawing-room, and the Lower House as a reception room. Their Highnesses arrived about nine o'clock and remained a fairly, long time. A STATEMENT CORRECTED. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 19. ■. The statement that the Duke of Yor<k will present colours to any' corps in, New Zealand is incorrect. It is desired officially that this misstatement should bo corrected. A PRESENT TO'THE DUCHESS. [Pee Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 19. This morning the "Duchess of York received from a deputation representing the women of Wellington a gift of a model carved . Maori house. The presentation was made by Mrs H. D. Bell, on behalf of the committee. The Duchess expressed her gr>eat pleasure in accepting the gift, and asked that her thanks should be tendered to; the donors. As the carving is unfinished, a model belonging to Lady Ranfurly was used, and the gift itself will be forwarded to England later on. NOTES AND INCIDENTS. [FnoM Oitb. Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, June 19. Four miles of new rope were used yesterday, for roping the streets. As the Royal carriage passed Te Aro House, one enthusiastic son of the Emerald Isle, waving his hat frantically, shouted, ""Are yez going to give us Home Rule."' At the reception last night, the Duchess wore a black chiffon dress, trimmed) with jet, and a very handsome true-lover's knot of diamonds. Her jewels were exquisite pearls, and her headless included a brilliant tiara of diamonds. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were the first presentations to Royally at the reception •last night. The Duchess is a good deal fairer than is generally known. The ladies of Wellington have discovered the reason why" she ■is never pictured in: profile, but whether this conveys a criticism on her personal appearance or hints darkly at some other feminine disability, it is impossible to state. A number of the. cadets left for Christchurch to participate in the review. The Hon R. J. Seddon did not refuse knighthood, as has k been stated. The position seems to have been that the question was asked: "Does Mr Seddon want anything?" and the reply was in the negative. Inspector Pender, of the Wellington police district, has an exceptional record, having been present in the Irish police force at the first visit of her late Majesty the Quean to Ireland, of having taken part officially at the landing of the Duke of Edinburgh in New Zealand, and now of having superintended the police provisions for the safety of the Duke of Cornwall and York while in Wellington. ; "It is very nice and it is very kind of you," remarked the Duchess to the ladies' deputation which presented the gift of the women of Wellington. The Duchess, general opinion states, is not at all like her pictures, which fail to express what is described as her " giriishness." At the presentation of medals, Trooper of Hokitika, who saved the kit of the Prince of Teck, the-' Duchess's brother, was specially sent for hy her Highness, who engaged in conversation with him for some minutes, and inspected with much interest the ring given to the trooper by the Prince,' in l remembrance of the Occasion. The Duke also shook hands with Lieutenant Collins, injured at Oitoshoof, and expressed, ai hope that this wound would soon heal. Nurses Monson and Warmington, who were the last to receive medals, got a specially hearty reception from the onlookers. Medals were presented to sixty-eight members- of the First Contingent, ninetyone of the second, ninety-seven of the Third, fifty of'.the Fourth,, also nine representatives of other corps. To-morrow's programme, so far as Royalty is coneernad, consists of a short trip over the Rimutaka incline to Featherston. There will he no official functions. A monster'water picnic in) town will engage the public attention.;... -.■'■■ Volunteers arebeiginning to leave in large numbers for the Christchurch review. Complaints of the Newtown camp here have been very general, and every day until today a protest, .signed bv all the non-com-misisoned officers, has been put in, complaining of the quality and quantity of the On lot of meat was so high chat the men held'a dead,march ceremony over it..- To-day they 'hired a sandwich-man, who paraded, the-.town with two rations of meat hung from' the ends of ai stick, with the legend, "This is the Newtown ration,"

inscribed thereon. The horses, too, have " been kept short of fodder, and the lines have been disgraceful. The animals have had to stand all night in. a puddle of mud a foot deep, and, as a consequence, three have - died: One sergeant told me this afternoon. . that with a flat-bottomed' punt the mud-v at the Park.would be quite navigable. The Ophir Band is to give a. concert to* ' morrow. The vessel will not be thrown j,, open to the public here, as she was coal- ; ~- ing to-day, and to-morrow will be required--' : - for cleaning. A conspicuous figure at the Maorilaod bazaar yesterday, was Captain Jackson .' Barry. ARRANGEMENTS IN CHRIST-. CHURCH. The work of embroidering the ribbon, for the bouquet to be presented to ■ the',," Duchess by tffie children: has been completed by Mrs Walker, of High Street, and is on view in the window of her establishment. It is of white satin embroidered in gold silk, and bears the inscription:— "H.R.H. the Duchess of Cornwall and - York, from the children of Canterbury." No word has yet been received with, regard to the time when the Ophir will Em>« bably arrive on Cape Campbell, on Frad&y, evening, when the bonfires will be and a telegram has been sent to Mr J* Holmes asking him if he can give any in« .■■ formation on the subject. The Riccarton Road Board have given - notice that the North Park Road amid Wceo Belt, from Carle'ton Bridge to the'Biccaxtan Road will be closed to vehicle traffic, on Monday, June 24, from 10.15 a.m. until the Royal procession has entered t2» Park-gates, and the Riccarton; Road, frow -. the West Belt to the hospital/will, be. closed tt'rom 12.45 p.m. until the procession has passed. In order to allow attendants tec take part in the festivities, alb visiting at StmayaMe Asylum will be suspended on Saturday amefc Monday next. Mo R. C. Bishop, at a meeting of the Executive Committee yesterday, eaid that a question had been raised as to whether" it would be considered etiquette for gentlemen at the Mayoral Reception' to wear . button-holes, as I*bey would be expected to be in half mourning. He understood thai' button-holes would not be allowed in th* hall. The Mayor said he had an impressioi that button-holes should not be worn, but he was not in a position to offer an opinion on -the subject. Wiffli regard to vehicles in the Park, it •. should be stated that they must be in the drive, on the northern side -of the Parity before 10.15 a.m. on the Monday. They will have to enter by the gates on the ' West Belt. ' *, The Committeemen's badges will be issued immediately. They are in the form of a large circular button. One half is coloured red, and the other blue, representing the Duke's colours. In 'the centre there 'is a miniature silven shield, with the . words " Royal Visit" on it. An extra'express train will be run from Timaru to Christchurch on Friday even-.' ing. On Saturday a special train will leave ' Timaru at 6.30 a.m., returning ab 10.30 . p.m. ; on Monday another at 5.35 returning at 8.20 p.m. Miss Scrivenor's String Band will jplay " the following programme of music-at the dinners at " Te Koraha " during the Royal visit:—Saturday—Lcs Deux Magots ' (Bouillon), selection (Garry), "n Trdvatore" (Volti), "Pomone" (W&ldteufel), selection (Cellier), "Volunteers' OwTf . March," "Les Sirenes-" (Waldteufel). ' Sunday—" Caliph of Bagdad" - (Volti), ' , "Holy. City" (S. Adams), "Serenade"(Gounod), selection, "William Tell" (Volti), "Lost Chord" (Sullivan), "Nar : cissus" (Nevill), march, " Silver Trumpets." Mohdav—" Albion's Wreath" .{Volti), "Mon'Reve" (Waldteufel), "Victorian Gavotte," "Fortagada" (Camillo Morena), selection (Cellier), waltz, "Euterpe" ■' (Llewellyn Owen). Visiting pressmeni and members tof the Victorian Legislature will stay at Coker'e "- - Hotel during ik<b Royal visit. It is understood that the Bishop of, . Christchurch will preach the sermon in the Cathedral on Sunday, morning on; the occasion of the Royal visit. The Royal Chaplain will be a guest of Bishop Julius at.; <Bishopscourt during his etay in Christchurch. It has been suggested that in connectiom ' with the Royal visit a special service for Cadets only should be told on Sunday ■' afternoon. The Bishop of Chrkichurda fully coincides with the idea, end. will give a brief address to'- the boy soldiers. Communications have already passed to the Premier and Captain Loveday on the subject, and the latter has wired asking Mr E. W. Seager to meet him this morning to discuss'■die matter with! a view to its ■ being put into effect. Should he approve . it is understood that the Wanganui and Auckland Garrison Bands and sUhe Invercargill Pipe Band will accompany the Cadets from the Normal School to tih«Cathedral and back after the service. The evening train from the north last - night was well filled with.passengers, most of whom were-bound for the Royal wit • festivities. Messrs R. Nairn and Sons have'been 1 , favoured with the order to supply the bou- [ quet which will be presented to the Duchess :■ of Cornwall by the school children of Canterbury ob Saturday, v " A meeting of the Children's Committee. " was held yesterday afternoon, Mr M. Murphy in the chair. There was a large , attendance of members. Mr F. H. Board the circular which had been sent to the teachers of all the schools thait were to be represented, giving detailed instructions. He also mentioned some of the arrangements, particulars of which have already been published. The Chairnian said that Messrs AulsebTook and Co. had very, kindly offered to do up biscuits and sweets in paper bags, sending them to the hall till ■„ ready for delivery to the children.. Tickets . would be placed at the back of the stand over the gangways, so that teachers would be -." able to see the lettering and go direct' to their appointed seats. Committee members would be stationed at the gangways, and would be told wliait schools had.to occupy their portion of the platform. The arrange- ■ ments made by the Sub-committee were approved. Mr "Murphy then retired, having business, and Mr Board Was elected 4oi : the chair. A hearty vote of thanks was.'. passed to "Mr Murphy for his services. ; Seventeen members of the committee stated ; their intention of being present at the stand on Mondaj'. Mr Winny drew ai* tention to the last clause in the teachers" '-" circular, which states that "teachers and ; school committees are held responsible for the safety "of the children." Members of school committees, had not been invited, and '- he moved that invitations be sent to chair. ; men of school: committees to attend on- Monday. The motion was carried, being ««. conded by Mr Hughes. , Miss Dynes sng* gesfced that the xnother of each of the four- ' teen children that are to assist'at the pre*, " sentation of the bouquet be invited to the stand, but the committee thought that the ' space was already too confined. A Sub- ' committee, consisting of the chairman and ': Messrs Winmy and Morris was set up to undertake all details in connection with Monday's children's function. The meeting then closed. THE MILITARY BJSYIEW. - ,i ';' r. ■ f V„S\ ■>:*-, [From Outi Cojbuespondest.] "' *r.' WELLINGTON, June 49.' - 1 ' A large number d Cadets left for Chris*'-':', church to-night by the Corinna and Marac' ' roa. The youngsters were comfortab^T,':' berthed in the steerage and 'tween decks. "':■_ Something like a mutiny has been cauwdV; among the Volunteers here by reason of the]?, unsatisfactory state of rthe cominißSUijr»t.r;. Many of the men have expressed" their Jfr-C tention of abandoning the du&rtcftwri&l^l I trip lf*b there should be. a (repetition ;«f!^ 1 , . . . . •

- -what they 'have experienced here in the south. The Auckland! Navals and Garrison Band, under. Commander Clems, 134 strong, arrived to-day €'iii route for the south. [Per Eehss Association.] AUCKLAND, June 19. Owing to the large number of volunteers •who have offered 1 to go to "the Christchurch review, the available steamer accommodation is .inadequate.' Mr Napier, M.H.R., telegraphed 'to the Minister of Defence to see if another steamer could not be arranged for. / NELSON, June 19. ' The "Nelson College and School Ca- '- dets left for Christchurch by way of Picton »nd Wellington last night. The trip to Picton occupied over twelve hours. It is not known yet how many men will come from Otago to attend the review, but Colonel Robin has telegraphed asking now many mounted men are expected at the camp'by Saturday. .Tho Kaikoura and Amuri Mounted Rifles ' ' came in by special train from Culverdcn yesterday afternoon. The Cheviot ' Mounted Rifles also entrained in ' the same special at Waipara, the ' fmir carriages for the volunteers being thoroughly filled, while there were twentyseven trucks loaded with horses, thirty ; of which had to be left behind till to-day \ ' for want of room. ,"!, ■ .The Ashburton Mounted Rifles came down' yesterday afternoon, and were detrained at Addington. ■■" , -' ' THE CADETS. Yesterday morning Major Richards gave ■ the cadets a battalion parade in Cranmer Square. There is a marked improvement ;t in the boys' drill. They liotc never been drilled- together before coming to Christchurch, and some of them have never been ~' •" drilled at all. Under these circumstances ■-.. they are' making very-good progress. '• , The express last night brought the fol- .' lowing Cadet corps from Otago south:— •, ,' .Valley School 56 officers and men, George i v Street 45, Union Street 43, Albion Street ' ' 41, .Noimal School 38, High Street 53, '. Milton 30, Industrial 39, and 17 members ■-' '.■ ; of the band. The Cadets, who are under , ~ , the command of Captain Murray, are all '''*•■' in uniform, and present a .very neat and •oidierly appearance, so'me Naval Cadets ' '' looking particularly well. They fell in and -' marched to the Normal School, where they '. ' are to be lodged. i ' " 'i ■ —— [Peb Press Association*.] ' INVERCARGILL, June 19. '• ■_ • The Middle and High School Cadets left , for Christchurch to-day. ' j , FINAL' ARRANGEMENTS.' , - ,' MEETING' OF THE EXECUTIVE. A' meeting of the Executive Committea .- was held in the City Council Chambers \ • yesterday afternoon, to make final arrange- , ments. " ! The Mayor (Mr A. E. G. Rhodes) pre- j ' sided, and stated' that he understood Mr '- K/C. Bishop (Chairman of the Procession | Committee) had communicated with the .. ■. the bandmaster of the Ophir Band in re- , gard to obtaining that band's services. The ~ ' Mayor read a letter from Mr G. G. Stead, ! atatiiig that he, with the Mayor, had taken the ■ responsibility of voting an additional £BS for illuuiinating the Cathedral. Mr , M. Hart had written, enclosing letters pub- }% lisho4 in, the newspapers, suggesting that '■' " barmaids should be allowed to have ah opportunity to sec the procession. The Mayor stated that the executive had nothing to r do with, the matter, though it was desirable , that all employees should have an oppor- , tunity to get away, if possible. . , Mr E. \V. Roper,, Chairman of the Decorations Committee, reported what had been done with regard to work on the Cathedral spire. The extra money voted had been expended irs obtaining a number of extra lamps, and also a -search-light for the upper part of the spire. '. ' , He moved that the sum of £BS should be voted to the Decoration Committee. , This was .seconded and -carried. -v" Mr G. T. Booth moved that, in the , . opinion of the meeting, it was .desirable ■ that all employees should! have an opportunity to take part in the demonstration. : - Mr W: F. Waymouth seconded the motion,' which was carried. Mr F. Graham reported that arrangements had been made for bonfires on the ' hills on Saturday evening, at 9.30 o'clock. [' A letter had been received iromi the Cashmere Hills Domain Board, which bad voted a sum of money, but had intimated that it could not make arrangements itself. The only fire visible from Christchuroh would be the one lighted ,>v Mr Heaton Rhodes. Apparently, the fires along the • coast as the Ophir. steamed down would be successful. The bonfires on the Peninsula on Saturday would also be successful. It had been arranged! to have oi bonfire at ' Sumner. The Mayor stated that the official proi gramme had been issued. It was a'very . handsome production. Copies on sdlk , would be supplied to their Royal High- - nesses. ' ' Mr R. M. Macdonald said that a slightly personal question had come up. It had been decided that only two members of the Executive would go -on the platform at the Jeying of the foundation stone, bub it was now suggested that others should be there, and that the architect should be present. He had so personal leeling in, the, matter, but, thought that -such an arrangement would be undesirable. The view of -the. public would be obstructed, and he "did not ■think that that' was right. • There should be the least possible obstruction on the platform. As there had, unfortunately, been a little friction in 'connection with the . platform, ' it was for the Executive to" say definitely who •hould be there. The gentleman who, it had been suggested, should be preicnt, had ;done very little,in connection ft-ith. the stone, as ■ there was very little -jrchdteeture called' for, though he ha<i done nuch in other parts in decorating the town. ffe moved that it 'was not desirable, that there,should' be,any alteration in the previous" arrangement. Mr J. Anderson seconded 1 the motion. Mr Booth -said that only two persons were to be considered, the Duke and the public, and he was sure that the public did not desire to see amy more persons on tie platform .than were necessary. The motion was carried. ROIAL BROOE,soiQN CARRIAGES. Mr M. Lane, of the Royai Carriage Repository, -has been entrusted with supplying the carriages to convey Prince Alexander of Teck and the Premier in the Royal procession on Saturday, and' has had both <the ■ carriages renovated and painted by Messrs Stevens and Sons. The carriage to be used by Prince Alexander ©f Teck is a handsome canoe-shaped landau, built by M'Naught and Co., of London. It is hung on elliptic springs, and has M'Kenzie's patent spring head fittings and folding step pads, and is also fitted with • powerful hand brake. The carriage is Eainted royal blue, picked out with vermilon, and fine lined with eleefcrio blue. It is npholstered in claret coloured morocco leather and royal blue cloth, the facings light blue and black silk lace. It will be horsed by a pair of upstanding bay geildrngs by Jupiter, standing sixteen hands, and the liveries will be in. buff. The Premier's carriage is a square landau, built by Messrs Hooper and Co., of London, in other respects being similar in construction to Prince Alexander of Teck's car- ■ riage. The body and wheels are painted a rich olive green, picked) out with centre

lines of amber. The carriage, which beans the Hon R. J. Seddon's arms on the doors, i; upholstered in green morocco and green cloth, and the liveries will be of the same colour. Ic will be drawn by ft pair of upstanding black sixteen-hand" geldings, by Perkin War beck. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CHAMBER. Captain Alexander, jrivate secretary to his Excellency the Governor, replying .to Mr Stead, one of the Reception Commissioners, telegraphs as follows : —"The Governor would be glad if you would find out from Lyttelton and any likely tow-n s if there are additional addresses to be presented at Christchurch. If any, they, must be telegraphed to him for acceptance. The Mayor and City Councillors may be present, also deputation of four only for each address accepted. The Reception Commissioners, three in number, also present, and Mayor' shall introduce deputation. They will be presented at the end. No presentation other than this was made in Auckland, but it .is quite possible, even probable, they will be presented." . THE MAYORAL RECEPTION. ■ At the meeting of the Executive Committee yesterday afternoon, the-Mayor (Mr A. E. G. Rhodes) read the following letter from Mr A. Appleby:—"l beg to tender my resignation as a member of the Royal Reception Committee (Finance). Since neithen that position, my own nine years' steady labour in the Council, until a few weeks since, nor my constant and present association in public matters, has rendered me eligible for an invitation to so large and public a function as your mayoral reception, it is useless to spend more time in the public service." Mr Rhodes said that he was very sorry Mr Appleby had resigned. Perhaps the .speaker was to blame, but it was impossible for him to ask all the exCity Councillors. ■ , ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS. As there can be ho doubt that the number c«f visitors to Christchurch during the Royal A'isit will constitute a record for 'the city, preparations on a> large scale are being made for their accommodation. Most, of ■ the hotels have received applications for more beds than they can possibly find, and ab nearly all of them " shakedowns" are being made for those who cannot be accommodated in the ordinary bedrooms. In several houses turned into temporary dormitories, while in others bedrooms -have had to be double,: and even treble-banked-. At all. the public' boarding-houses the same plan has had to be adopted, and it will be a difficult matter for any strangers who have not secured ac--commodation to procure it on their arrival. Most of the private boarding-houses are also fully taken up, and a large,number of visitors will stay with private friends. As it is evident that many of those who are fortunate to secure beds will have to go; out to restaurants for meals, the majority of these establishments are making every preparation for the inevitable rush which is bound to set in. Temporary diningrooms have been improvised, and the staffs have been cons: deraoly strengthened. They will be open during the whole of Saturday, and many of them for a few hours on Sunday, and again during the whole of Monday. THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. - The adjourned meeting of the delegates from the various Friendly Societies was held in the City Council Chambers last night, Mr H. J. Banger presiding. The Chairman referred 'to -the fact.'that four thousand members 'of ■, Friendly Societies had marched past the Duke and Duchess in Wellington, and hs deemed it essential that Canterbury should do as well. He hoped that, in" passing the Royal stand, they would give forth a lusty British cheer. (Applause.) The Secretary, Mr C. Foster, said 'that the papers had announced that the Elite Band had accepted engagement under the Orangemen, and others were waiting further instruction. ' He thought that there would be a sufficient supplv. Mr J. M-. Douglass said he would have "liked to -see every Society with a band to itself. He hoped that every bandin Canterbury would assist in the march past, so that each member thereof could look back an after years with pride to' the fact that they had taken part in this historical event. It was unfortunate that they had not definite replies from all the bands, but he presumed that they would turn up; and it Would devolve upon him and his co-marshals to. place them to the best advantage. The Chairman suggested that a letter bo sent to those bands which had not replied, asking them to say definitely if they would attend as bands, and requesting an early reply, to enable, the committee to complete its arrangements. It was agreed to issue an advertisement, inviting any and every band willing to assist in the"'Friendly Society's demonstration to acquaint the Secretary with that intention on or before Friday evening. It was resolved that all the members of the Friendly Societies should meet in Armagh Street, between Colombo and Manchester Streets, not later than twelve o'clock, to give the marshals proper time to make up the procession, and start punctually. At this stage a letter was received from the Engineers' Band, stating -that they would be present to do all in their power to make the Friendly Societies-' display a complete success. (Applause.) The letter was ordered to be acknowledged with thanks. This concluded the business. THE ILLUMINATIONS., The Bishop has directed Mr ' C. A. Seager, local mamager for Messrs Turnbull and Jones, to ins-tal a searchlight within the Cathedral -to shed its light through the western or "Rose" window across the Square,' which will materially add to the brilliancy of the other decorations. .. THE SCHOOLS. The various schools which will be 'represented on the Victoria Square stand on Monday, with the number of pupils from each, are as follows:—West Christchurch 520, Sydenham 420, Normal .410, St Albans 250, East Christ-church. 370, Lyttelton-Bor-ough 222, Addington 230, Waltham 250, Richmond 200, Burhiham Industrial 120, Kaiapoi 125, Maris* Brothers 110, Belfast 116, Sacred Heart 100, Opawa 100, New Brighton 100, Amberley 60, HarewoocLßoad 50, Riccarton 60, Burwood 54, Rangiora 70, Papanui 80, West Lyttelton 90, Spfreydon 65, Colombo Street Convent 80,' Fendaltori 70, Marshland 50, Killinchy 20, Lauristoh 20, St Matthews 17, St Michael's 25, Akaroa 30, Culverden 4, Southbridge 25, Raupalri Maori School 40, Oust 30, Mount Grey Downs 12, Dunsandel 30, Broadfield 25, Hornby 33, Southbrook 30, Greendale 30, Springston 17, Leeston 20, Waikari 30, View Hill 12, Greenpark 25, Ladbrooks 30, Burnham 11, Kowad Bush 12, Brookside 25, Woolston-,20, Flaxton 23,, Marawiti 6, Lincoln 30, Prebbleton 40, Sefton 27, Eskvale 15, Greta Valley 1, The Peaks 4, Sumner 40, Tai Tapu 45, Hornby 33, Bromley 30, Olarkville 35, Hurunui 18, Ashburton Forks 14, South Malvern 8, Ashley 16, Kaiapoi Island 20, Rolleston 22, Saltwater Creek 12, Kowai Pass 32, Leithfield 15, Halkett 20, Governor's Bay 14, Yaldhurst 30, Lowcliffs 20, Halsweli 25, and Ann at 12. Private schools are« sending altogether 317 pupils. Preparations for decorations are now general throughout the city, especially on the line of route. Cathedral Square is beginning to present a transformation scene, with the rows of masts, arches in, the distance up Colombo Street, festoons on many buildings, and devices, such as " God Bless the Duke and Duchess," placed in conspicuous places. Yesterday morning rain began to fall, and continued off and on all day, but little damage seems to have been done to tho decorations. Good progress is being made with the Westland trophy, opposite the City Hotel. Am obelisk has

been 1 set in position, and the erection of the trophy is creating a good deal of interest. Mr Renner has telegraphed from Kaikoura that Messrs Trolove, Murray, JohnEon, and others have arranged for bonfires, and that he will attend to bonfires on the Kaikoura Peninsula. THE VETERANS' LUNCH. Information has been received that the Duke will be present at the Veterans' lunch, on Monday. There will also be present members of his Royal Highness's suite, the Governor and suite*, the Premier, Sir J. G. Ward, and other Ministers, aa well as the local military authorities. 'lt has been announced in the official programme, and in the newspapers, that the lunch will be held in the Canterbury Hall. This is a mistake., as the Art Gallery has been <mgag ed for the purpose. The lunch will take place at 1.30 p.m., after the royal review in the Park. LYTTELTON. The Lyttelton Gas Company has offered to light the street lamps of the borough free of expense all night during the stay. of the Royal visitors iri Christchurch. The high wind.which blew at Lyttelton during the small hours of yesterday morning tore adrift the screen put to cover the illumination device at the Harbour Board Office, and before the flapping canvas could be secured, a score of the,- coloured inoandiescent lambs in the design were broken. They were, however, replaced yesterday. THE NAVAL OFFICERS. The following is a list of the naval offi-. cers of the fleet accompanying their,Royal Highnesses on their visit to Canterbury:— His Excellency Rear-Admiral L. A. Beaumont, Commander-in-Chief. Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, H. H. Share, R.N. Flag-Lieutenant, B. A. Pratt-Barlow, ■R.N. Secretary's Clerk and Assistant Paymas-' ter, W. J. Kiilpatrick, R.N. H.M.S. ARTHUR. Flag Captain, T. P. Walker; Commanders, L. E. Power (N) and W. Lumsden. Lieutenants, F. St G. Brooker (T), P. W. Oliver (G), W. O. Castle, G. H. de P. Chance, H. J. Orr. Major Royal Marines, W- S. Gumming, R.M.L.I. Lieutenant Royal Marines, W. S. Poe, R.M.A. Chaplain and Naval Instructor, Rev F. A. Sims, M.A. Fleet Surgeon, H. S. Crocker. Staff Paymaster, J. Maxwell. Staff Engineer, W. P. Mogg. Sub-Lieu-tenant, A. Gilbert. Surgeons, A. R. H. Skey, M. 8., and Cyril Snepherd. Assistant Paymaster, E. G. Chamberlain. , Engineer, H. D. Canning. Assistant Engineers, T. G. Proctor, C. A. Codrington, and CM. Weeks. H.M.S. ST GEORGE. Captain, P. W. Bush. Commander, A: L. Duff-. Lieutenants, C. F. Thorp, J. W. Grant,. P- A. Bateman-Champain, C. W. Trousdale, A. B. Humthrey." Lieutenant R.N.R., H. A. Edwards. Captain Royal Marines, C. L. Shubrick, R.M.L.I. Chaplain and Naval Instructor, Rev W. Hall, B.A. Staff Surgeon, Alfred Cropley. Fleet Paymaster, F. B. Pritchard. Staff Engineer, V. A. E. Hanning-Lee. Assistant Paymaster, A. Mudge. Engineer, A. E. Everitt. Assistant Engineers, G. M. Gay and R. D. Nelson. H.M.S. JUNO. Captain, H. P. Routh. Commander, A. S. Lafone. Lieutenants, W. D. Church, F. .1. Carvill (N), .0. B. Hampshire, F. R. Wood, P. H. Waterer. Lieutenant Royal Marines, J. Baker, R.M.L:I. Chaplain and Naval Instructor, Rev Hugh K. Moore. Staff Surgeon, C. Strickland. Paymaster, W. L. Davy. Fleet Engineer, W. W. Wlrjte. Sub-Lieutenant, A. G. Muller. Surgeon, W. H. Pope. Assistant Paymaster, C. Carter. Engineer, S. P. Ferguson. Assistant Engineer, F. M. Att-wc-od. Assistant Paymaster, R. F. Brown. - , H.M.S. ARCHER. Commander, J: P. Rolleston, R.N. H.M.S. PYLADES. Commander, Reginald G. O. Tupper, R.N. "■ , : H.M.S. SPARROW. Captain, Alexander Gillespie, R.N. H.M.S. TORCH. Commander, Norman G. Maoalister, R.N. ' v .. DUNEDIN. • [From Oub Co-respondent.] DUNEDIN, June 19. The New Zealand -Natives Association will take charge of Custom House Square. All. the work is well in hand, (though there is no sign outwardly, so far. The school children on Saturday are tomake garlands for the decorations. The City Council intends to suspend vehicular traffic on the nights of June, 25 and 26.