PRINCE ALFRED IN CANTERBURY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 295, 24 April 1869, Page 2

PRINCE ALFRED IN CANTERBURY.

THE CHILDREN'S TREAT. The third annual treat of the schools in Christchurch took place, yesterday evening in the Drill-Shed, and shared in the uniform success which has attended the demonstrar tions on the occasion of H.R.H's visit to the province. The building waa crowded by a very large portion of our juvenile population, a considerable number of their seniors also being present.. The exterior of the building was decorated with evergreens and Chinese lanterns. In the interior, a large platform had been erected, and a curtain arranged for the exhibition of dissolving views; on the right of this was another platform occupied by members of the Christchurch Vocal Union. In the centre of the shed was a raised dais with chairs, &c , for the accommodation of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, who had graciously signified his intention of being present. The doors were kept by members of the Christchurch Battery C.R.V., assisted by some of the Engineers, the Engineer Cadets furnishing a guard of honour at thje north entrance, by which H R.H. entered the building. Prior to the entertainment, the children taking part in it mustered at their respective school-houses, and marched thence to the driUshed, under the care of their respective teachers. By 6.30, the time fixed for commencing, there were not less than 1500 children, and 1000 adults present. At this time H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor and two members of his suite, entered, and was ushered by Mr Stansell to the dais. Although the Duke's intention of visiting the fete had previously been intimated by an orderly, his coming was almost a surprise to the committee, who had for the previous hour been hard at work arranging the children, and who had not reckoned on such punctuality. Immediately on the Duke entering the building, the Catholic School children sang a song entitled •*' Welcome," most effectively. The following address from the school children of Christchurch, illuminated on parchment by Mr John Davis, of the Survey Office, Christchurch, was then presented by S. T. Stansell, of the Wesleyan School, Durham street. "Tp his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh:— "May it please your Royal Highness to permit us, the scholars' of the Christchurch schools, to present to you bur most hearty welpopie upon this -your .first visit to Canterbury. """ ' ' "We canrot fully express the sorrow and disappointment we felt when we heard of the

unhappy circumstances which deprived us of the pleasure of greeting your Royal Highness on your former visit to these Colonies. "On tliis occasion we would record our gratitude to that kind Providence which • shielded your Royal Highness in the hour of danger, and spared your illustrious parent the deep sorrow of a second bereavement. " We most sincerely welcome your Royal Highness to these shores, and trust you may long be permitted to adorn the lofty sphere in which you move, and that you may encircle the name of Alfred with a brighter glory. " We desire, through your Royal Highness, to express our affectionate loyalty to our dearly beloved Queen, trusting she may long be spared to reign in righteousness and peace, surrounded by a loyal and happy people. "We feel deeply obliged to your Royal Highness for condescending to favour us with your presence this evening, thus increasing our enjoyment, encouraging our kind friends, and very considerably assisting the cause of the poor and afflicted." A very handsome Bible, purcliased hy subscription among th" scholars attending the Christchurch schools was then presented to the Prince by Mary Florence Willis .Addington School. On the fly leaf was the following inscription :— " To His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, &c, &c. Presented by the children of the • Christchurch Schools on the occasion of his visit to Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 1869." The Prince made the following reply:— " Children of Canterbury — " The reception which you have just given me is amongst the most pleasing I have met with since my arrival here. • " I thank you for your address, and for the Bible you have presented to me, which will always be a pleasing memento of my visit to Canterbury. " I hope that by reading the same book you may grow up to be what your parents are, a people fearing God and honouring their Queen." Mr Stansell then called for three cheers for the Queen, for His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, and for his Excellency the Governor, all of which were heartily responded to. The distinguished visitors then retired. The Vocal Union then gave Bishop's " Hail to the Chief "in capital style. This was followed by a fantasia on the flute by Mr Rowley, accompanied by Mr Ziucgraf. The Catholic schoolchildren then sang " The Violet" very beautifully. After the Yoeal pieces, Mr Seager exhibited dissolving views, 'several of them being new photographic slides. The Rev W. J. Habens explained the views in a very clear manner. A photographic likeness of Her Majesty and one of Prince Alfred closed tbe series; the latter was instantly recognised hy the youngsters, and was .saluted with hearty cheers. AH present then joined in the National Anthem, and the entertainment terminated. A similar entertainment will be given this evening, as there was only room for a portion of the school, children last evening. The following are the schools represented at the entertainment last night and the numbers present:— St. Michael's, 100; St. John's, 100; St. Luke's, 80; Heathcote, 30; Wesleyan, 100; Presbyterian, 100; Mrs Alabaster's, 40; Papanui Wesleyan, 30; Papanui Church School, 30; St. Alban's, 30; Addington, 40; Avonside, 30; Congregational (Sunday), 100; Catholic schools, 100; Baptists, 30.. T«tal, 940. The remainder of the children attending these schools will be present to-night. Theßevs — Chevrierand T.Buddie were present during the entertainment. THE BALL. . The ball given in honour of the visit of his Royal Highness the Duke of Kdicburgh may be said to have been a success. It was to be regretted that the I rovincial Council Chamber was not larger, for its dimensions were far too limited to afford accommodation for the very large number of ladies and gentlemen who were there to receive the Queen's son. It would have been better, perhaps, if a temporary ball-room had been erected on the quadrangle, and the Council Chamber turned into a supper-room for the occasion. In order to afford as much accommodation as possible under the circumstances, the old Council-hall was turnecl into a subsidiary dancing room. It was tastefully decorated with bunting, and being well lighted, looked remarkably well. There was very little in the way of decoration in the Chamber, which, indeed, does not require it. The benches of hon. members had been removed, and the metal grating over the heating pipes was hidden from view by a strip of handsome stair-carpeting. Chairs were placed round the Chamber, and the building was brilliantly lighted with gas. At the North end gas jets representing the letters "V. R." were displayed over the Strangers' Gallery, and ou the opposite the letters "A. A." shone out most brilliantly. A supper-room was erected for the occasion, in the quadrangle of the Government buildings. Mr Jenkins, of the Canterbury saw mills, was the contractor, and the decorations were carried out by Mr J. C/St. Quentin, the whole being under the superintendence of Mr Alexander Lean, architect. The tables were arranged by MiLean, after a new and improved fashion. A crimson canopy was placed about midway on the western side of the room, and chairs were placed underneath for the illustrious visitors. The tables radiated from the main in such a way that every visitor might almost be said to have faced his Royal Highness. Three chandeliers shed a brilliancy over the room, and the effect produced was at once animated and beautiful. In the vacant space opposite the canopy a fountain was kept in continuous play, and the ferns and other indigenous plants which were profusely displayed at this part 'of the building added consideral ly to the general effect. ► : The band, under the direction of Herri Zincgraf, occupied the reporters' gallery! The Public Works Office was set apart as a '

ladies' cloak room, and the map room was placed at the disposal of gentlemen attending the ball. About 300 ladies and gentlemen attended. His Royal Highness did not arrive until a quarter-past ten o'clock. The Engineers were present in the lobby as a guard of honour, and presented arms when the Prince entered the Chamber. He was escorted by his suite, his Excellency, and liis Honor the Superintendent, to the upper end of the Chamber, the band playing the National Anthem. After a short interval, the ball was opened by His Royal Highness and Mrs Rolleston, his Excellency the Governor and Mrs it. l. Lee. The dresses of the ladies were iv remarkably good taste. An adjournment to supper took place after midnight. Ihe supper was provided by Mr George Oram, and the wines by the Ball Committee. Dancing was kept up until an early hour this morning.