AMBULANCE DEMONSTRATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9171, 20 August 1908, Page 5

AMBULANCE DEMONSTRATION.

POSTPONED UNTIL TO-NIGHT. NON ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR YESTERDAY. RESULT OF A MISTAKE. Disappointment was in store yesterday for the energetic band of local ambulance workers, who had gone to some trouble to prepare for the visit of the Governor in connection with the demonstration to have been giveo last evening, and the presentation of certificates.' Through an un fortunate mistake his Excellency had prepared to visit Masterton to-day instead of yesterday. Elaborate preparations had been made for his Excellency's reception. Bugles had been sounding at various points ail the morning, betokening an event of unusual moment to service men, and quite a gay array of the mounted riflemen and cadets was drawn up at the station to form a guard of honour. Members of the Ambulance Association themselves, in the uniform of the corps, were also present | in force, while the Mayor and Borough Councillors, and a numerous ' gathering of the public also went to the station lo take part in the welcome ceremony. It was not until after the train had arrived that it was discovered the Governor was not on board, and considerable surprise was naturally occasioned. The Secretary of the Ambulant Association (Mr A. J. Parton) immediately got into telephonic communication with Wellington, and there ascertained that his Excellency was under the false impression that the proceedings were to take place to-day, and he had made arrangements accordingly. Captain Gath-orne-Hardy, A.D.C., expressed sincere regret at the unfortunate mistake, and asked if the function could not possibly be postponed until today. Mr Parton replied affirmatively, and stated that the Ambulance Association would endeavour to make the best possible arrangements for today. The demonstration will therefore be held this evening at the Town Hall. The afternoon tea arrangements made for yesterday will pertain for to-day, so that those who found it inconvenient to accept the invitation extended for yesterday may attend to-day. It is natural that some inconvenience has been caused through the non-arrival yesterday of His Excellency, but the Association anticipates that the ceremonials for to-day will be very successful. The Governor telegraphed an apology as soon as the mistake was discovered, the telegram stating he would arrive in Masterton to-day at 11.40 a.m.