ARRANGEMENTS IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11650, 11 May 1901, Page 5

ARRANGEMENTS IN AUCKLAND.

THE ARCHES

Good progress is being made with the erection of the Government arch at the intersection of Queen and Victoria Streets, and the Harbour Hoard arch at the head of the. Queen-street Wharf, and yesterday a gang of workmen commenced putting in Venetian poles alongside the street opposite the railway station. The poles are of kahikatea, 30ft Inch. sin square at the base, and tapering to 3in square at the top. It was at first intended to erect them in barrels, but their height required some firmer support, and so it was found necessary to sink the bases in the roadway. The poles are painted hematite colour. At the meeting of the Art Committee, held yesterday, the tender of Mr. C. P. Newson (£B4), for the erection of the municipal arch, opposite the Free Library, was accepted. Other tenders received were from Messrs. Ellingham (£96), John Hill (£127), J. Stevenson (£109). and S. White and Sons (£93). THE MANCHESTER UNITY. The question of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows taking part in the reception, as suggested by Mr. Holmes,, is being considered by the district officers, who are very strongly 'in favour of the idea. It is anticipated that there will be a large influx of members from the country lodges. It is the intention of the district officers to bring the matter up at the next meeting of the Management Committee, which will be held next. Wednesdav evening. As the total strength of the Oddfellows of the Manchester Unity in Auckland is over 2500. of which number more than 800 are members of Auckland lodges, a good number should assemble if the proposal be taken up heartily. The district officers being strongly in favour of Mr. Holmes' proposal, hope C> see the idea taken up at next week's meeting.

SUGGESTED ADDRESS FROM THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The Premier has telegraphed to Mr. J. McLeod suggesting that the friendly societies should present, an address to His Royal Highness the Duke of York on the occasion of his visit to Auckland.

DECORATING BUSINESS PREMISES. The Reception Committee are somewhat disappointed that there have not been more evidences of activity on the part of business people occupying places along the line of route, and particularly Queen-street, with regard to decorating and illuminating on the occasion of the Royal visit. So. far there Las not been that general preparation which the nearness of the Duke's aixival seems to warrant. A general invitation has been issued asking the public to decorate their buildings, and though the committee do not, of course, anticipate any refusals, they feel that the short time available is not properly realised. Several of the larger institution?!, such as the New Zealand Insurance Company and the South British Insurance Company, have intimated their intention of making displays, and it is to be hoped that other business places will follow their example. Intending decorators should apply to the committee if they require any greenery, .13 it is intended to secure a supply from the bush, on the Helensville line.

THE PROPOSED ATTACK ON THE FORTS.

At a special meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board, held yesterday, a letter was received from Captain Archer, referring to his proposal for a night attack on the forts on June 12. Mr. M. Niecol, who was in the chair, said he was certain the public would appreciate this if it could be arranged. Captain Archer had gone into the matter very fully, and he knew what he was talking about, and probably he knew what the , chances were of the Admiral accepting the proposal. His Excellency the Governor strongly approved of the idea, as also did : Mr. Holmes, the Government Executive i Commissioner. He moved. " That the Board i send a recommendation to the Executive : Committee in connection with the Royal reception, asking them to give the matter farther consideration. Mr. Cozens seconded. Mr. iStichbury stated that the Executive ; Committee refused to recognise the proposal, i because they thought it was exclusively a ; Government matter. Mr. Napier supported i the motion, and said it was also suggested | that there should he ;> mine explosion, which i would he something many citizens ami country visitors had never seen. The motion was adopted.

MEETING OF THE ART COMMITTEE

The -Art Commit lee met yesterday in the Municipal Buildings. Mr. D. Goldie presided, and there were also present : Misses Mowbray. Kissling, Dr. .1. L. Campbell ft he flavor),' Messrs. .1. .J. Holland, J. L. Hoiland, 0. Arnold, and the secretary (Mr. .11. H. Hunt).

It was reported that Mrs. Philson had very kindly agreed to delay delivery of her property (the vacant 1 allotment opposite the library, now for sale), in order that it might be used by the committee as a stand for the children, who are to sing the National Anthem. The committee decided to thank Mis. Philson. Originally it was intended to erect- a platform at the buck of this property for sightseers, but the idea was abandoned, as it wa.-s considered to be too finback from the road for .hat purpose. The committee agreed to call tenders lor the erection of a platform on the reserve above the Wellesley-street school.

The work of carrying out the decorations from Lower Queen-street to Lome-street is in the hands of Messrs. Pay ton and Wright. Mr. J. L. Holland agreed to take from Lome-street as far as the police barracks in OTlorke-slrcet, and the women of I'arnell (through Misses Mowbray and Kissling) from the barracks to Government House gates, Mr. I. Alexander to be asked to assist. '

Mr. G. Squirrell was appointed to assist the ladies in charge of the arrangements for the "living Union Jack" on Mrs. Philson's allotment.

The offices of --ill the solicitors practising at the Thames, Paeroa, and Waihi, will be closed from June 10 to June 15 inclusive, during the celebrations connected with tue visit of the Duke and Duchess of York. Our Huntly correspondent writes : Ice Ngati Mah-uta- are discussing the matter of assembling at Ngaruawa-hia in honour of the Duke of York's visit, I hear that Mr. W. b. Graham and Mr. Henare Kaihati are to meet the king and his chiefs to-day in order to decide some means of affording the natives a, fitting occasion (in accordance with thendesire) to hold a native welcome celebration. Some of the natives do not favour the invitation of jhe. Auckland Maritime Committee. They do not wish to go to Auckland, as they say that there are indications that Government does not particularly favour their going to Auckland. It seems at. present very probable that a _ demonstration in honour of the Prince's visit will be held in Ngaruawahia. I understand that the Waikatos are to do something in a big wav among themselves. They are communicating with the Government. I was told this 'morning that the natives would hold a loyal demonstration in any case, and that the visitors will be incited.

FRENCH WARS RIP. Thy telegraph.— association.] Wellington. Friday. The French Consul has been instructed by "M Deleave, Minis' for Foreign Affairs, to" express tegret that it will be impossible to send a French warship to New Zealand duriii" the visit of the Duke of Cornwall.

ARRANGEMENTS AT DUNEDIN. [By TELEGI'-ArH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunkdin, Friday. The Royal Reception Committee resolved to-nig' t to onlv invite to the stands to be erected, the Mayor, chairmen of the county councils, and Mayors of suburban boroughs. For the remaining space 10s 6d per seat will be charged. At a conference of representatives of suburban boron "lis it was resolved to recommend the respective councils to vote a, quota of £1000 to the guarantee.