THE RECEPTION TO THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12087, 4 October 1902, Page 5

THE RECEPTION TO THE PREMIER.

AN OPEN-AIR GATHERING.

TREATING THE CORONATION CONTINGENT. PROTEST BY DR. BAKE WELL. The Executive Committee in charge of the arrangements for the reception to the Premier on his arrival from England met in the City Chambers yesterday afternoon. The Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd) presided, and there were also present: The Hon. T. Thompson, the lion. J. A. Tolc, Messrs. Arthur Myers, •I. Savage, Moss Davis, John McLeod, W. Coleman, H. Brett, W. Bcehan, J. Patterson, P. .T. Nerheny, P. Diguan, T. W. Leys, and Dr. Bakewoll. The Mayor reported the work of a, subcommittee appointed to arrange for a hall ior the reception. The committee recommended that a public reception be Riven to the Premier in the Drill Hail at half-pant two on .Saturday, October 25, leaving the question of whether the evening function should be a dinner, supper, or otherwise to the Executive Committee. The seating capacity of Hi© Drill Hall was 1300. Colonel Davios had no objection to the Drill Hall being used, provided it. was by that time handed over to him by the Public Works Department. He had also communicated with Colonel Davios regarding the turning out of the volunteers, and Colonel Davie* suggested that the day might be devoted to the formal opening of the drill-shed by the Defence Minister, otherwise the volunteers would not he able to attend the meeting, volunteers in uniform not being allowed to attend public meetings. A general discussion ensued on the report. Several members of the executive expressed dim opinion that the Drill Hall, even if they did not put seats in it, would not bo nearly large enough to. hold all those who would wish to welcome and hear the Premier. The -Metropolitan Grounds were suggested also the ground behind the Drill Hall, and the space in front of the .Municipal Buildings. I .here was also some discussion on the proposal to leave the afternoon for the opening of the Drill Hall by the Defence Minister, which meant holding the public reception to the Premier in the evening, hut it was agreed (bat the matter of the opening of the Drill Hall was not within the province of the committee, and that phase of the subject being dropped it was unanimously decided tlmt an address be presented to the Premier or. the . afternoon of Saturday, October 25. Some further discussion followed as to the most suitable place for the reception and presentation of address, and it was eventually decided unanimously to recommend the space in front of the Municipal Buildings, where a platform could be erected, and if the weather was unfavourable an adjournment could be made to the Drill Hall. Every member of the committee present then subscribed a guinea towards the expenses of the reception. the question of the form of the evening function was then discussed. Mr. Myers moved in favour of a. banquet, but Mr. Beeban and Mr. Nerheny opposed this, on the ground that the expense would debar many from attending, and on a vote being taken it was decided to have a supper in a hall capable of holding 600 to 300 people the CO mi of the ticket not to exceed 7s 6d. The Mayor pointed out during the proceedings that the New Zealand Coronation Contingent, numbering 150, were with the lrcmier on the Tongariro, and stated that if a reception was to he provided for them the nature of it would depend very much on the liberality of the public. Mr. Myers said refreshments for the contingent could be provided in tho lecture hall of the drill-shod.

Dr. Bakewel] said the members of the contingent would be stuffed up with boor and other things on board ship, and he thought they would be better to do without anything for half-an-hour. Lord Roberts had remonstrated repeatedly about treating soldiers, and he (Dr. Bakewell) was certain that if the members of the committee had seen what he had Been they would vote- against it He would vote decidedly against giving the members of the contingent anything in the shape of intoxicating liquors. There was no necessity for giving them a formal welcome. They had not come from South Africa, but from the Coronation festivities, and there was no particular merit in that. Mr. McLeod pointed out that all the members of the Coronation Contingent had seen service in South Africa. H moved, "That the contingent be entertained daring the afternoon in the lecture hall of the drillshed, and that a subscription list be opened lor the purpose.. The Hon. T. Thompson seconded, and this was agreed to, Dr. Bakewell' voting against Mr.-Moss Davis intimated that lie would subscribe £5 towards the entertainment of the contingent. All the above- resolutions will be submitted as recommendations from the executive to the General Committee, which meets on Monday,