THE-ROYAL TOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12533, 21 June 1901, Page 5

THE-ROYAL TOUR.

[FEOM OCK COV.RESrOKTDENT.] p WELLINGTON, June 20. ! To-day iias bc-en the fh;si really 'off day ) Royalty has had on shore in New Zealand. ; Owing to the threatening y/tiather over ! night, tie trip across the Rimutaka incline was abandoned. As a consequeinee, with the usual cussedness of tilings inanimate, tha day turned out fine. An unofficial scratch programme was arranged instead, comprising a visit to Petone, where the woollen mill?, the Gear Company's works, and the railway workshops were visited. In the afternoon the Wellington Hospital and. Ohiro Home were visited, "No ceremony attached' to any of the functdons. Fifty thousandfeet,of timber and twelve thousand yards of fabrio were w.ed in the decoration of Government Buildings, and for the last week 150 carpenters and assistants have been at work. It is estimated by a competent authority that the Government's little bill' for the Royal Tour will tot up to £70,000 or £BO,OOO. In answer to Mr Haseiden, S.M., SubInspector Wilson stated that the crowds in the street were most orderly. This is confirmed by visitors, who state that there has been much less disturbance at night than in Auckland. The Ambulance Brigade stationed on various parts of the route were requistioncd several times to attend to feinting women. One injured baind also was dressed. ; Several presentations were made to their I Royal -Highnesses yesterday. A beautiful ' fern album was haaid-ed to the Duchess by i the Premier on behalf of himself and the : Ministry. On his own behalf the Premier presented two valuable ! fcadahas to the Duke and Duchess. The taiahas had belonged to the celebrated chiefs Motu and Koliu, and both are of great value. The Premier banded the Duke for presentation to the King a large nugget from Baton River, , Nelson. Thj> Duke 'himself was presented with some nuggets obtained from a claim at Kumara,- -in which -Mrs Seddon is interested, while the Duchess was presented with some rich quartz specinffans from the Mahalripawa district. The Ministry asked tike Duke to present the King with a beautifully carved ,wal]ring stick. The -Duke and Duchess received from Mrs- Sieddon a boulder of greenstone from the West Coast weighing about 2cwfc, and 1 from the Government an album of New Zealand' views. The Premier also presented their Royal Highnesses with a copy of Mr John Plini- i mer's memoirs. The. Duke andi Duchess I were' delighted! with the various gifts. The Tarawiera and Corinna, leaving to- i morrow afternoon, will convey a large body of troops to Christehurch for the review. At the Empire Bazaar, there is on view a large framed remnant of ike King's co- , lours, belonging to the 58th Regiment, car- ! ri-ed -by them in- the Egyptian campaign under Sir Ralph Abercrombie in 1802. It is a handsome and picturesque> relic. A smaller frame encloses a portion) of tihe regimental colours carried in the 1 Peninsula War by the 93rd) Highlanders in 18081812. Still a third franco has a largo autograph picture of Lord' Roberts. lb is intended to raffle this interesting trio, confining tickets solely to volunteers in New Zealand, on the -im-fatanding that the winner shall place them as an honoured ,trophy at the district headquarters, of his troop. Already there is considerable iemukition among tiro volunteers locally to tsecure these -historic relics,; which will bo sent south- to-morrow for exhibition, during the review. The winner wiE also be given an autograph-photograph of Lord Roberts, , TPer Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 20. After a preliminary shower, the weather turned fine, and tie sun shone out for almost the first time this week. Owing to the rain.and fear of slips, the projected tap over. the Rimutaka .-was abandoned, and their Royal Highnesses paid a visit to ■the factories at Petorie instead. They inspectedl the Woollen Mills (this being the first time the Duke has - seen one), the. Gear Company's Meat Works, and the Railway Workshops. At the meat works, they not only went through the freezing., chambers, but tasted preserved meats. . A number of presentations to officials and others were made. The Woollen Company presented the Duchess with a rug, having her arms worked upon it. The Royal visitors appeared \o take great interest in all that they saw. The residents assembled in great numbers to welcome the party, and received them with hearty cheers. Great precautions were taken that there should be no accidents on the line, no fewer than four hundred mm being employed on special service for the occasion. For the general jubilee in town, there was an acquatic display; arranged by 'Mr J. Moore, of the Missions to Seamen, principally' o* behalf' of <men-o'-warsmen. The programme comprised boat races of various kinds, and comio displays, and was watched by a large number of spectators from the shores. Three submarine explosions formed part of the procedings. Two boats and , a. beer 'barrel were blown up with guncotton, and the performance was voted a great success. , It may. he mentioned that the Royal party were greatly pleased with the musical programme at the reception last night, and- the. Duchess specially complimented Mr M'Laughlin, the conductor, on the result of the performers' efforts. It is .generally.conceded that the illuminations surpass anything that was expected, /and visitors from outside, including people who. have seen displays on a large scale at Home -and elsewhere, are loud in their praise. The Post Office is admittedly the finest sight of the sort that has been seen in the colony, and many never get tired of looking at at. Infinite pains have been taken m perfecting the display, and the time and labour involved must have been enormous. Those who are responsible for the work deserve every credit for the result of their efforts. THE rLLUMINATIONS. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 20. Thousands of people, thronged the harbour frontages to-night to witness a fireworks display, which was carried out from the hulks lying off Queen's Wharf, and from the Government steamer Tutanekai. The display from the hulks was provided by the local Reception Committee, and although lacking somewhat in variety, proved very successful. The fact of it being a Gne, .calm night contributed largely to the enjoy-ment-of the scene. Later on iii the evening the streets were crowded with people viewing the illuminations, which again were in full swing. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 20. Tho Government has made presents of gold nuggets and greenstone to the Duke . and Duchess. THE VISITING JOURNALISTS. [Psr Press Association.] .." WELLINGTON, June 20. . The English journalists at present in Wellington, and Sir Donald' Wallace, ■■ of the Ducal suite, were entertained by tbe locnl branch of Ihe Journalists' Institute to-day. The visitors expressed themselves highly delighted with tho attention received in New Zealand, *and expressed a-fear that they would-ibe-killed.-with.kindness before tfewc

THE VISIT TO WELLINGTON. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGSA VISIT TO PETONE.

left. Some of them, to their surprise, found old acquaintances among ■ those present. xney expressed considerable surprisa and pleasure at the high status of newspapers » the colony.THE FOUR CITIES. A COMPARISON. [Fsoii Otjb Correspondent.] DUNEDIN,-June 2t>. A member of the Dunedin " Star" staff, who was with the Royal party in Wellington and Auckland, and passed through Cliristchurch yesterday, says that the contrast is greatly in favour of Dunedin, The arches are far more substantial and costly, and judging by the streeti decorations already- in hand, this city promises, as in tho case* of the departure of the contingents, to take first honours. T-ks order in, point of merit is likely to be—Dunedin, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Of course Wellington will take the- cake Ini illuminations, thanks to the lavish ■ expenditure on electric lighting of the Government Buildings. The police have enrolled fifty special con* stables for service here during-'the Royal visit. CHRISTCHURCH ARRANGEMENTS. The Mayor's visitors' book will bo available in the City Council Chambers during the Rcyal visit. Mr T. J. Donne has telegraphed to tha Mayor asking that -provision should to made for carriages to cross the barricaded street* at the intersections after the procession, hag taken place. The Mayor intends to make an official visit to Rear-Admiiral Beaumont ai; Lyttelton to-day. In accordance with.a request from Mr T. J. Donne, the Mayor has given instructions to the police for all Governm«nt carriages to pass" the barricades. The Secretary to the Oamaru Bamd ha* telegraphed to the' Mayor that his- band will not be able to attend the functions. The committee in charge of ibhe Poultry Show propose to invite the Duke and Duchess to inspect the exhibits. The Provincial Council Chamber, where the addresses will be presented, is being refurnished and fitted up. The' old seats have been, re-covered with crimson, leather, and, the wholo of the floor has been carpeted. The old age pensioners' address, which ha« been printed and handsomely illuminated by, the "Lyttelton Times" was on. view at* -the Canterbury Chamber of Com"' merco yesterday, A. quantity of superb grapes of -tho Gross Colman variety arrived in ChrJstcJnpch. ■ yesterday from Mr W. E. Ivory's R&ngßora vinery, to the order of Mr Davies, £o£ tha Royal dinner ■ table. The grapes, a fair sample of some hundreds of pounds growij, . in the vinery, were on a special vine for the purpose, and it is safe to pay, that no finer fruit of the kind, bo& at ja« gards size and flavour, has been prodoaedia the colony. , The detectives and policemen 1 ,, nuraberaag about 100, who have been appointed for special duty in* connection withi tho Royal visit, will arrive in Christchurch on; Saturday morning. __ _. The Government Commissioner, Mr Jy A. Cassidy, will announce in &nbnr3&y morning's papers the precise mode of entry for guests to tho stands ins yictoria Square and! Hagley Park. Accommodation! has been. provicM OH the Government stands in, Hagley Park for two relatives of each South African trooper, receiving his; medal on Monday.- Application for seats muso be made before 5 p.m. to-day to Mr J. A. Ca'ssidy a* tho Commis* sioner's office, in, Cathedral Square. The By-Laws Committee of fche; Oity Council particnlarlv' urge upon the citizens * to refrain.- from utilising their verandahs aa _ platforms. , , The spell Eng of the Celtic wdccfmo' ove? Mr P. Burke's Tatt-ersaJl's Hotel has caused considerable discussion: in the city. A reference to Moore's poems settles the question', as it is there spelt " caedi ' miiHe failthe," and means "a. hundred thousand welcomes." The St Albans Borough Council has given notice- -.of the suspension, of vehicle ■ traffic on the Carlton Mill Road on Saturday from 12.30 p.ra. until the Royal -procession, has passed, and in the" evening from' 9.15 p.m., also on. Monday fromi 9.45 until the Royal party have left for Hagley Park. ' THE MILITARY REVIEW. [Pes Pbess Association.] AUCKLAND, Juno 20L Thirty members of the A Battery of Aw lillery have resigned, owing to the exclusion of the corps from the Auckland contingent for the Cliristchurch reviewi, The Bat* tery considers it has beeß must! unjustly; treated. The Auckland contingent,- totalling oveu 400, including ten returned troopers, 'raader Lieutenant Bosworth, left by the Botoiti this afternoon. Tho Naval and Garrison - Artillery are under Captain Parker, audi tits' • infantry undor Captain Reed. rFBOM Otjb CosaESPONBENT.I DUNEDIN, Jun» 20.. Colonel Robin left for Christchurch, thil . morning to take charge of the mountedmen, of whom 1900 are expected to participatf in Monday's review. The district orders for Voltmlteers iiaking! part in the Royal via* proceedings! axa published in this issue. Accommodation has been provided uponl the Government stand, at Hagley Park review- for relatives of each troopetf receiving a medal. Applications -for tickets '. must be made to the 1 Government Coitt-ni-issioner, Mr J. A. Cassidy, National Mutual Buildings. There will bo a rehearsal of jthe Voluiu teer ■ march through the streets of thel city and along the line of the procesSionl at 3 p.m. to-day. Also, on Sunday, at 3 p.m., all the Volunteers will fully rehearse the review manoeuvres to be performed on Monday before the 1 Duke and Duchess. THE CADETS. Nearly 700 cadets from Wellington, Blen* heim and Nelson were landed at LyiJteltoni yesterday morning from the s.s. Corinna, which was berthed at No. 2 wharf at a quarter to ten o'clock. They were entrained promptly in sixteen carriages which were in waiting, and after several trucks of baggage had been attached the train left for C Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., having - waited a few minutes to allow the 3.0.20 ordinary train to get sufficiently far ahead.., The cadets were under the command, for the jouraev, of Major Foster, of the Wellington Suburban Cadet Battalion, and Cap.; tain Cowles was adjutant. They consisted of the following corps:— ',' Mount Cook Cadets, 43 lads, one officer.-, .'".: Wellington City Schools' Cadet Battai.■_•.; lion.—Clyde Quav Cadets, 44 lads, 3 offl' ■ cers; Mount Cook School Cadets, 39 lads',, ,-;, one officer; Newtown Cadets, 50 lads,' 2'•;- : officers : South Wellington Cadets, 49 lads,., - 2 officers; Te Aro Cadets, 61'lads,a'.o%»; cer; Terrace School Cadets, 44 lads, J-.:} Thorndon Cadets, 50 lads 4 J .c&i-..';

- eer; Petoue Cadets, 39 ladsj 3 officers. Total, 366 lads, 14 officers. Wellington Suburbs Cadet Battalion.— Kilbirnie Cadets, 23 lads, 2 officers; Johneonville Cadets, 28 lads, 2 officers; Kaiori ' '. Cadets, 22 lads, 1 officer; Brooklyn Cadets, 26 lads, 1 officer. Total, 99 lads, 4 officers. Nelson College Cadets, 51 lads, 3 officers. Nelson Central School Cadets, 61 lads, 3 " officers. , Blenheim Borough School Cadets, 44 lads, 2 officers. Staff, 2 officers. • Grand total, 664 lads, 29 officers. The lads presented a somewhat heterogeneous appearance, on account of the variety of uniforms, and of the fact that many of the companies, district school cadets, had no uniforms at all. As far as .could be judged from se-eing them march from steamer to train their drill was creditable enough. The boys varied in size as • much as in uniform, ranging from the tall strapping lads of the Nelson College Cadets —.an exceedingly fine corps —to little Urohins scarcely ■ longer than their rifles. Many of the corps, it may be here interpolated, had the dummy weapons supplied • oy ?he Government for drill purposes, bub Others had carbines. As a rule the lads looked as if they were enjoying themselves, the wet weather notwithstanding, but a few_ were decidedly upset by their journey. They hod been crowded ch the steamer, jsact strong complaints were heard as to the transport arrangements made in Welling-' ion. All concerned, however, had nothing but praise for 'the treatment of the lads ■ on • board the vessel. They had been lodged in the 'tween decks, where plenty »f straw, covered with sails, was provided for them to sleep on. The meals were good and plentiful, and the officers and ■towards of the steamer did l their utmost to mate everything comfortable. Captain WDonald, on the steamer's arrival, dressed • /.iher with 'bunting in complimen/fc to his pas- .; #engers. , The Nelson Cadets, who went in the Corinna to Wellington, under Captain Littlejohn of the Nelson College ■ : ■ Cadets,' had a very rough trip to Pioton, the run occupying thirteen hours. The use of the East Christchurch school ''• has been granted rfor 'the accommodation of the visiting cadets. It is expected that 1 about 1000 lads -will be located there. The . ichool children have been granted holidays until Wednesday morning. A second and larger contingent of North ' fsland Cadets arrived by the s.s. Mararoayesterday, which came alongside the. . wharf, shortly before 1 p.m., with her bulwarks crowded with uniforms and young faces, and with the drums and fifes of one company, the Rangitikei Cadets, playing " Partant-pour la Syrie." fThia contingent was upwards of a,thousand ■' itrong. The following was the strength of the Yarions corps: * Hawke's Bay and •Wairarapa Provisional "Battalion.—Napier High, School Cadets, ,48 lads, 2 officers; Napier District School, . 110 lads, 5 officers; Port A'huriri, 44 'lads, 2 officers'; Hastings, SO lads, 3 offijers; Taradaie, 29 lads, 3 officers; Church .Lads Brigade, 76 lads, 3 officers; Wai- • ' *}awa, 38 lads, 1 officer; Masterton, 40 , ads, 2 officera; Fern Ridge, 9 lads, 1 Officer; Carterton, 36 lads, 3 officers; ■ ■ Ifeatherstone, 43 lads, 3 officers; Greyjwd,, 44 lads, 2 officers; total, 567 lads, •fO officers. Taranaki and Wanganui Provisional jiattalion.—New Plymouth Cadets, 43 lads, 3 officers ; Hawera,' 60 lads, 2 offisers; Patea, 18 lads, 1 officer; Wanganui, 78 lads, 2 officers; Rangitikei, 59 lads, 2 officers i Palmerston, (Campbell Street), 46 \ lads, 3 • officers; Palmerston (College Street), 24 lads', 3 ' officers; Palmerston (Terrace End), 29 lads, 1 officer; Feilding, 29 lads, 1 officer; total, 405 lads, 19 officers. - Wellington Institute Cadets, 60 lads,; 4 officers. Grand total, 1032 lads, 53 officers. Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, who for nine i years was officer commanding the Hawke'a Bay district, came down, in command of -the brigade. Captain Loveday, who is organising the Cadet Division, accompanied the force. The lads were a smart-looking lot, all, or nearly all, in uniform. They had been lodged in the hold, sleeping on . straw, covered with canvas, and their officera spoke highly of the manner in'which all had been treated on board. Fortunately, they had had a calm passage. After, they landed they had to wait oyer an - hour before they could leave for Christ-; church,, owing,'it was said to'tho arrange-: ments for their accommodation in the; city not being ready. - It rained' hard all; the time,' but shelter was found for '. lads in-No. 2 railway shed. At half-past . three o'clock ■ a train of twenty-five car- : riages bore .them, • somewhat wet and ,hungry, but cheerful, through the tunnel towards Christchurch. ,* . About two hundred and fifty Southland Cadets arrived by the express last even- ' ing, and were marched up to the Normal School for supper,, after-which they were quartered in the West Christchurch Schio'ol. '.'CAMP NOTES. The Addington camp was the scene of more than.- usual bustle yesterday owing to the arrival, on the previous evening, of the Ashtarton ' Mounted . Rifles, 87 strong, under the. command of Captain Buckley, brigade major, the Amuri- Mounted- Rifles, under the command, of Captain Chaffey, 63 strong, and the Cheviot- Mounted men, to the number, of 40, under command'of Captain Gee.. The Kaikoura men, numbering 19, under Captain Wood, also arrived, and 26 are, to follow, but they were detained owing to shortage of railway transport. These men had a trying march of 67 miles. The remainder arrived by the early morning . train. • Colonel fclater is in charge of the mounted camp, with Captain Buckley as brigade ■ major. No special orders were issued for yesterday's proceedings, owing to the expected arrival of several mounted corps. , The various corps were paraded mounted, and their, evolutions were noticeable foi ■iheir steadiness.^ iMr Burke lias a big staff, which is busy preparing for the large number of mounted aura expected in camp. Trooper Murray is acting as orderly-room clerk, and Corporal H. J. O. Harper is orderly to Captain Buckley, brigade major. The Waikari division of the Amuri Mounted Rifles, under Corporal Young, formed the guard for the day. The fatigue party of Rough Riders, under the charge of Sergeant Richards, was busy ' tent-pitching at the saleyards, for the reception of the visiting batteries, which are to camp there. Caterer Cook has a large number of men at work at tho South Park camp, getting ready for the several thousands of infantry who will take up their quarters there on - arxiva. 1 .. South Canterbury will be strongly represented by both mounted men and infantry. The former will be 300 strong, and leave Timaru by special trains at 10.10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to-day, while the infantry battalion will leave by special train at 9.15 pjm., picking up several corps en route-; The southerners are very enthusiastic, and the corps are vying with each other as to their relative companies' strength. It is expected that over 400 men wi'.l come from Timaru. Colonel Moore, commanding the South Canterbury district, will be in charge of the infantry battalion. Staff-Sergeant-Major Jones was busy to-day, ' making arrangements for the reception of the troops. Surgson-Major Thomas is making complete arrangements, in view of anything unforeseen happening, and the hospital and ambulance conveniences will be in the hands of competent men. Major Young, V.D., is also in town, and may probably be attached to the staff. The tents in some instances let the rain in during Wednesday night, but after a

little .attention by the fatigue party, the defects were soon remedied. Major Richards is taking a keen interview in tho welfare of the boys at the Normal School, and his frequent visits have the effect of increased confidence. The new arrivals have very comfortable quarters, thickly strewed with straw, and last evening they were comfortably settled in their new quarters. Owing to so many new arrivals, a little inconvenience is being experienced at meal times, and under present arrangements it takes something like two hours for. one meal, which is interfering very much with the discipline of the boys. It -is urgently hoped, in the interest of the boys, that better facilities will be arrang'Ed as soon ws possible for the more prompt feeding of this juvenile army. Tho chief cook, ex-Trooper Hannah, is doing his best To meet the requirements and has a large staff under his control, and everything so far, is working most satisfactorily. He estimated that there would be over 2000 for tea last night, and the writer saw 3000 pounds of meat being cooked for tea. The Waimakariri, Amuri, Cust and Melvern'Mounted 1 Rifles arrived at camip at the Show Grounds yesterday afternoon and evening. Some of the men and horses showed signs of fatigue, owing to the heavy state of the roads and the rain, which fell for most part of their several- marches. Colonel Robin arrived by last night's express to take command of the mounted troops. The Kaikoura and Ashburton troops paraded in the South Park yesterday, the former in heavy rain. •THE DECORATIONS. The rain which fell on- Wednesday night does not s - seem to have done much damage to the decorations, though some of the colours in the festoons and devices have begun to run, and several of -the former are very bedraggled in appearance. Men are now steadily at work all along the line of route.' Shields, bearing the coats of arms of all nations, are being fastened to the rows of masts. It is proposed that coats of arms of Sovereigns of England, from the time of Edward the Confessor, should be displayed in one section, in chronological order. Each shield will be decorated by flags or banners. The Royal Arms will predominate in the display. So far very little has been done in the way of private decorations, except, of course, in ; regard to the fine special displays representing the province of" Westland, and the shipping, frozen meat, and agricultural and pastoral industries. Work in connection with these is being pushed on. A few devices, extending a welcome to the Royal.visitors, have been erected on business places, and crowns and coats _of arms are to be seen occasionally on the line of route. Yesterday, festoons of greenery were displayed in front of the railway station,, and shields were placed in position. A canopy is in course of erection at the main entrance. Fern trees and other Native plants are being used for decorating the buildings. Ballantyne® and Co. have received instructions to decorate the post office and railway station at Timani for, the Royal visit,- and to embellish and furnish the rail-way refreshment room for the luncheon. A start was made \ with! the decorations yesterday. These will be distinct from the illumination of the Post Office. Mr Kent, Ballantyne and Co.'s manager, has determined to extendi the decorations along George Street, from the Post Office, to the railway station, and has obtained permission to make use of the telegraph posts for the purpose. A platform was being erected yesterday outside the railway station, for their Royal Highnesses to stand upon while hearing the. school children sing. The latter will have an enclosure fenced off for them, and about seven hundred are expected to be present. DECORATIONS AT THE POST OFFICE Considerable interest has been aroused during the past few days in the work of illuminating and decorating the Post Office- buildings in Cathedral Square, . and crowds have eagerly watched the work as it proceeded. When several transparencies were brought along and placed face to the wall curiosity rose to its height. However, when the first large' transparency was exposed to. the public gaze, the curiosity turned to disgust, and the onlookers were loud in their condemnation of it. It is understood to be a representation of King Edward. VII.- and Queen Alexandra, but lb might be taken-for anybody: In addition' to the absence of. likeness, the i colours are abominable and the painting itself nothing more or less than a gaudy .daub.' There is also another transparency equally' objectionable, which, is said to represent the Duke and; Duchess < of Cornwall. It is to be hoped that the Public Works .authorities will not allow these transparencies to remain on the Post Office. .'.,.'.'■... THE ILLUMINATIONS. Several trials were mado of erectriq illuminations last evening, when it was evident that the display on Saturday evening will contain-some very fine'designs. Early in the evening the arch erected by the Freezing Companies in High Street was illuminated, and the effect was very pretty, the-varied coloured electric lights blending harmoniously with the white: and frosty appearance of the arch itself. At a late hour a trial was also made of the.illuminations on the Cathedral tower, and these showed, to great advantage, the additions recently made making the design more complete, and showing up the tower to. perfection. It had been arranged that a searchlight should be thrown on the cross at the apex of the tower, but it was found that the reflectors belonging to Canterbury College, upon which the committee had relied for the purpose, had been lent to Messrs Lucas Bros, for illuminating their premises on'•Saturday evening, and at' one.time it was decided to abandon the project. However, Messrs Lucas Bros, kindly undertook to forego their display in order that the cross might be illuminated, and handed the reflectors over to ,the Decoration Committee. THE HOLIDAYS. Although every endeavour has been made to coire to an amicable arrangement as to the holidays to be observed by tifos retail traders of "the city during the Royal visit, it appears that the arrangement to close ■ up during the whole of Saturday and Monday was not unanimous, as several shops of various kinds were closed yesterday afternoon, and this indicates that they will remain open during Saturday as usual. Although a good many retailers signed the. agreement promulgated by the committee of the retailers' branch of the Canterbury Employers' Association, which fixed certain hours for cosing on Saturday, the majority- of these, finding that they were in the' minority amongst the business people, withdrew their names from the list, and agrred to fall in with the arrangements for closing for the whole of Saturday and Monday, and therpfore l remained open yesterday afternoon. It is evident, however, that the two days' holiday will be kept by the great majority of retailers, wMki the whole of the wholesale houses will close their doors for the two days. THE BONFIRES. Some apprehension has been felt that the bonfires on the coast and at Sumner on. Friday evening might be a causo of danger, as thev might be mistaken for lighthouses. The Illuminations Committee has taken the advice of the harbourmaster and the chief pilot at Lyttelton on the subject, in order to allay any feeling of this nature, and those officers say that there will be no danger.

THE PUBLIC STANDS

IWG'BT OF THE ARCHITECTS ASSOCIATION. ABSOLUTELY SAFE. Yesterday morning Messrs S. H. Sealer (president), F. , J. Barlow. R. W. England, jun., J. Wbitdaw, W. A. P. C'.arkson, and R. A. Baliantyne, members of the Architects' Association, inspected' the- public stands in

Victoria Square and Hagley Park, about the stability of which some discussion has taken place. After making a thorough inspection, the architects have come to tine unanimous conclusion that the stands will be absolutely safe as finished and passed b'y the Surveyor. They are perfectly satisfied, and have nothing further to suggest beyond what Mr A. D. Dobson, the City Surveyor, intends to do. PLATFORMS COMMITTEE. A meeting of tne Platforms Committee was held in the City Council Ghaombers yesterday afternoon; ' W. H. Cooper (.chairman), the Mayor, Messrs W. Jacques, A. W. Beaven, R. M. Macdonald, F. C. Raphael and B. P. Manhire. The Chairman said that he had arranged for insurance of the stands in Viotoria Square on advantageous terms. He desired the opinion of the committee as to whether some covering should be provided for the seats. He had obtained an estimate of the cost, and submitted the price. He thought that it would tra injudicious to ask the ladies to sit on the bare boards, over which •boys had been scrambling with their muddy boots. The question was discussed at isome length, but ultimately it was decided that calico covering, provided it rained, would be far more objectionable to both sexes than the bare boards, which it was decided should be thoroughly cleaned before the public were admitted to the stand. , Mr A. Dudley Dobson, 0.E., City Surveyor, here attended, and stated that the Society of Architects had thoroughly .tested rthe construction of the stands in Victoria and Hagley Parks, and were perfectly satisfied that each would carry far more weight than it was possible to. put to it. The Chairman said he had seen Mr O. Calder, a practical builder, who had stated that the etands were capable of .carrying <from five to six times more weight than it was possible to crowd upon t'nem. Mr Pearce, chairman of the Builders' Association, had confirmed this statement, with an emphasis that they were quite equal to carry seven or eight times the number of people that they would seat. Messrs Olarkson, Ballantyne, xv. W. England, jun., Seager, Whitelaw and Barlow had all given a similar opinion, and ne thought there was not the slightest ground for the damaging statements that had gain ed currency. The Chairman's action in getting the stands examined and tested was cordially approved. It was re-salved to abandon the idea of covering the seats or the camera stand. Major Perry, who accompanies the 'Royal visitors, and is taking kinematograph views in tie various -centres, wrote asking that space should be allotted him within'twenty ifeetof their Royal Highnesses at, the foundation stone ceremony on the north side, and for passes to be issued to his three assistants. The request was referred to ttie subcommittee to deal with. The Chairman brought up the question of the stands, and ultimately at was decided that Messrs Beaven., Raphael and Manhire should make arrangements for th« disposal of the tickets in town to-day. The question of the approach to the stand after twelve o'clock was raised, and it was pointed . out that whil'e no doubt many seatholders would be in their places long before that time, there woulr l be considerable difficulty for those coming later to get to the stand, as the only possible Toute would be via Montreal and Armagh Streets, as the other streets would be blocked, and there would be no possibility of getting through the crowds. The Chairman stated thab he would have seen Inspector Ellison that day to secure the services of three or iour officers as the committee had desired, but he had not been able to see him'. In reply ..to a question, he said the ushers were men accustomed to, the work, and could .be relied on .to do their duty properly. It was decided that three or four members of the committee should be in the Square 'to set matters right, and the committee decided to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday. It was decided to advertise fully the route to the stand and the. time the sea'tholders should be in their places, the Chairman, Mr F. C. Raphael and the Secretary to draw up the advertisement. On the motion of Mr Beaven, it was decided to reduce the number of openings to the pufblic stand«• at Hagley Park to two, and .to arrange for a squadron of horse to act as guard to the stand prior to the opening of the review. Messrs R. 0. Bishop, W. Harris, J. Hay and J. Clark, members of the Procession Committee, waited on the committee, and the former stated »tha't as there would be a number of bands in Christchurch on Saturday and Monday night, they desired to know if they would give assistance towards a .band concert on the platform on those evenings.: The Old Age Pensioners' stood in the way of having the concert on tne Rotunda, but they thought' that if lighting arrangements were made in the centre of the platforms'in Victoria Square the bands would be well supplied with light, and the puolic have a good -concert provided for them. For his part he was prepared to supply the gas, lay the necessary mains and erect iseven or eight posts and fit them with the best lamps, provided the committee could see its way to let him have the work done on the following day. Otherwise he should have to trench; on his men's holiday on Saturday, and he did not want to do that. But, in any case he would put the lamp-posts up in a workmanlike way, and during the time of the foundation stone ceremony they could be appropriately draped'. In fact, they would assume the. shape of flagpoles, as they would be 12ft above the platform and constructed of 6 .by 6 V.D.L. timber, xi the committee approved, his men were willing to do the work, which included laying a main from Armagh Street and the erection of the posts and lamps. The Chairman thought they would have to consult the Commissioners before they could make any alterations. Ultimately it was resolved that permission should be granted to the Procession Committee, and tfhat the work be done subject to Mr Macdonald's approval. The question of securing the band accompanying the Royal party for a concert was deferred, as the only hall suitable for such a concert not available." In reply to Mr Harris, the'Chairman said .that 'holders of seat tickets would be protected, and provided they arrived in. good time no difficulty would occur. This closed the business. THE PROCESSION ROUTE. Messrs W. Harris (chairman), R. 0. Bishop, J. Jlarke, J. Hay, T. Maude-and G. Harris, of the Procession Committee, met yesterday, and' were driven over the route which will be traversed by the Royal party. Beginning at the railway station, the committee met Messrs Arthur and Ashley, of the Traffic Department. After surveying the decorations at the station, the party went up Manchester Street, to the Clock Tower. After some little discussion, it was decided to have a barricade placed from the High Street barrier across Manchester Street, to Milner and Thompson's, and to reserve the s T :ace thus afforded at the tower for Derry's Professional Band. The drive was then resumed to Cathedral Square, the decorations coming in for much comment en route, and a halt was made near the Godley statue. Mr Bishop said he had proposed to place the Stanmore Band in front of the Godley statue, and .this was agreed to. It was also decided to rope off the Godley statue enclosure. The party then drove down Worcester Street, along Cambridge Terrace, and round to Victoria Square, via Armagh (street. Here the position for the Duke's personal escort was finally arranged as from the end of the old age pensioners' stand to the centre of Armagh Street. It was' also arranged that the Royal carriage should drive up to the stand platform instead of to the foundationstone platform, as previously decided, and out to Victoria Street and around in front of the Rink stables, there waiting till the conclusion of the function. The driver (one of Haywaird's employees), of the Royal car-

riage, rehearsed his part of the proceedings. The arrangements for the Friendly Societies' procession were next discussed, and it was decided that, upon the signal being given, the procession should enter the Square art the carriage entrance and parade in front of the Royal platform, passing out up Victoria Street into Durham Street north. Mr Maude stated that twelve carnages only would have the right of entry. The Chairman said the ground would be very much cut up before the Duke's carriage arrived, but in the face of the Government arrangements the committee could do nothing. The party .then drove up Victoria Street, Salisbury Street and Park Terrace to Te Koraha. On the way it was noticed that part of Park Terrace had been heavily metalled recently, and the meeting resolved to have it rolled. After visiting Te Koraha, the party returned through Kilmore Street, Montreal Street and Crammer Square to the Canterbury Club, where a formal meeting was held. Mr Bishop said that five Garrison Bands were coming, and in addition, there would be the Stanmore and Derry's Bands. He had arranged to 'have a promenade concert in Victoriai Square, each band contributing one piece.. The Southland Pipe Band might also be available. A charge of 6d a seat might be made at the stands ,aind the proceeds would provide refreshments for the bamds. The difficulty was regarding the lighting. He had offerered to place six lamp-posts around the Royal stand, each post carrying two globe lights, but the Decorations and Platforms Committees could not see their way to agree. It would be impossible to place the lamps in position after the laying of the foundation-stone, as there would not be time. The work would require to be started first thing to-day. There wa* a probability that the Ophir's Band, which was the Woolwich Marine Band, one of the finest in the Empire, might be induced to play on Monday evening. The Chairman said Mr Bishops offer was an exceedingly good one, and should be taken advantage of. He did not think there should be objections made to placing the lamp-posts in position. Mr Bishop said he was prepared also to decorate the lamp-posts. The matter was left to the chairman* and Messrs Bishop and Clarke to arrange ivith the chairmen of the Decorations and Platforms' Committees. The meeting then adjourned to the City Council Chambers to meet the City Surveyor regarding Park Road, and Mr Dobson promised to have blinding put down and the road rolled early to-day. This concluded the business. THE VETERANS' LUNCHEON. With regard to the luncheon tendered by the Government to the veterans and returned members of the contingents from South Africa, after the review on Monday next, separate invitations have been issued by the military authorities to the veterans and a general invitation to the function has been conveyed to all the officers, non-commission-ed officers and men of the several contingents in orders issued from the Defence Office. Further instructions will be given as to the parade before proceeding to the Art GaKery, when the men are drawn up to receive their medals. Miss Scrivenor's String Band has been engaged to play at the luncheon. THE OPHTR. Information has been received that the Ophir will leave Wellington at 4 p.m. today, and as she will steam at the rate of about-twelve knots an hour, it is expected that she will be off Cape Campbell at about 7.30 p.m. Yesterday afternoon, Mr F. Waymoutili, Chairmami of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, who has charge of the arrangements in connection with the landing of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at Lyttelton, with other members of the joint sub-com-mittees of the Harbour Board and the Borough Council, inspected the work in progress at the wharf. In consequence of the Royal train standing on the side of the vharf opposite to that at which the Ophir is to ba moored, it was found impossible to carry out a suggestion that the public should be admitted to the lower end of the wharf. In order, however, to allow a* many persons as possible to nave'a view of the actual landing, the barricade across the railway yard has been moved np close to the base of the wharf. Considerable space in the vicinity of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co.'s wharf office has thus been made available for the public. It was also arranged that the footway from the steamer to the Royal carriage shall only be covered in the event of the landing-.'being effected in the rain. The Mayor of Lyttelton has arranged for a peal of bells to be rung when the Ophir eaters the moles, which, it is expected, will be about 8.45 a.m. to-morrow. It is hoped bhat the ships in harbour will also ring their bells on the occasion. The landing is to take place at 11.30 a.m. Last evening,-Mr F. Waymouth, chairman of the Lyttelton-Harbour Board, received a telegram from Rear-Admiral Beaumont, stating that the Ophir will be berthed at No. 7 Wharf at 9 a.m. tomorrow. LYTTELTON. \ The Lyttelton Borough Council Building has been decorated with drapings of red, White and bLue along the cornice in a style similar to that of the adornment of the Post Office. The transparencies for the illumination of the latter are being put in position in the upper windows. DUNEDIN. fFBOM OUK CoRBESrONDENT.] DUNEDIN, June 20. ■The members of the Education Board resent the manner in which their chairman has been slighted by the Reception Committee. They passed a resolution yesterday that, the .notice of the committee should be called to the oversight, and suggesting that his official position should be recognised. THE VISIT TO CAPE COLONY. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. (Received June 21, 1 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, June 20. Cape Colony will spjnd ai hundred''thouscad pounds in welcoming the Dulc3 and Duchess of Cornwall and York. People are flocking into Cape Town from thousands of miles.