THE ROYAL VISIT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 262, 16 March 1869, Page 2

THE ROYAL VISIT.

A meeting of the Provincial Reception Committee was held in the dining-room of the Government Buildings this day, at noon. His Honor the Superintendent presided, and in addition to the Mayors of Christchurch, Lyttelton and Kaiapoi, there were present Messrs J. C. Wilson, C 8., W. Montgomery, E. Jollie, J. E. Brown, J. O. Gflchrist, C. Hillyard, J. T. Peacock, F. W. Delamain, J. S. Williams, H. B. Johnstone, J. L. Coster, and It. 11. Rhodes. His Honor, in opening the proceedings, regretted that the day of meeting had proved somewhat inopportune, by reason of the English mail closing, but explained that it was entirely unforeseen by him. It was necessary that he should give a week or ten days' notice, in order that the country members might have the chance of attending, and it was then understood that the English mail would be closed on Saturday. Pie was still, however, glad to note that there was a fair number present, and he thought they might fairly proceed with the business in hand. He had drawn up a general programme, as the result of conversations with his Excellency the Governor, and, although not intended as binding on the committee, he thought it would prove suggestive of the one to be finally adopted.

Mr Wilson said the first resolution had been placed in his hands, and moved that the programme, as read, be adopted. This being seconded by Mr Peacock, the programme was discussed seriatim. The first clause referred to the landing of his Royal Highness, and his Honor asked whether the Borough Council of Lyttelton had yet taken any steps in preparation for it. The Mayor of Lyttelton replied in the negative. The Council were waiting the result of the present meeting. His Honor replied that the receptions generally would be in the hands of the respective districts in which they took place, but Lyttelton being the key of the province, Government would, to a certain extent, have to see that it was conducted in a befitting manner, and some assistance would no doubt be allowed ; at the same time, he would intimate that his Excellency had deprecated the multiplication of addresses and dejeuners. His Royal Highness was averse to too much ostentation. He apprehended that the committee would meet periodically, and receive information from the chairman of local committee, by which they would be able to arrange the times of arrival and departure in the various localities, and exercise a general supervision over the matter, so that any chance of clashing might be avoided. A lengthened discussion ensued as to whether his Excellency should be received by his Honor, on behalf of the whole province, at Lyttelton, or by the Mayor, on behalf of the Borough, and it was ultimately resolved that the latter gentleman and the Borough Council should act conjointly with his Honor in arranging the point, together with the presentation of an address on behalf of the, town. The reception and procession in Christchurch were also, after some conversation, left to the Mayor and Council of the city and his Honor. A protracted debate ensued on the presentation of an address by his Honor on behalf of the province, the point of dispute being as to whether it should take place immediately on TTia Royal Highness landing or in Latimer Square. The original resolution was, that His Honor and the Executive prepare the address, and make the necessary arrangements for presenting it; but Mr Peacock moved that the words "at Christchurch " be added, and Mr Brown urgently opposed in favour of Lyttelton. The original motion was ultimately adopted, his Honor observing that the matter was thus left in the hands of the Provincial Government, and that he would consult with his Excellency the Governor before deciding. The advisability of a public or subscription ball was dwelt on at length, his Honor previously intimating that the Government would not give one out of the provincial funds, the sum voted for the reception being small, and barely sufficient for other purposes. The decision was ultimately in favour of a subscription ball. The programme as finally agreed upon was as follows :— First day— Landing at Lyttelton, arrival in Christchurch, procession, and volunteer review at 4 o'clock. Second dayLevee, races, and subscription ball. Third day — Driven to Kaiapoi and Rangiora.