THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160641, 3 May 1920, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

.WHEREI THE PRINCE IS

STAYING,

By the courtesy of Mr McKenzie Forbes, the popular host of the Imperial Hotel, a “Herald” reporter this morning had an opportunity of inspecting the arrangements made at the hotel for the visit of H.RJI. the Prince of Wales.

Briefly, it may be mentioned, that for some weeks past Mr McKenzie E’orbes has been exceptionally busy supervising the large number of details that were necessary to ensure the comfort of the distinguished visitor. To have all the necessary details carried out was no light undertaking, and anyone who has had the privilege of being shown over the hotel lately must admit that the proprietor has acquitted himself with credit. The reporter was first shown the private dining room set aside for the Prince and distinguished guests. On entering the room where the table., had been set for eight, it is at once apparent that great artistic taste has been displayed in the general arrangements. The colour scheme is of rose and cream and the furnishing Queensland Maple. The table, chairs and sideboard are light mahogony, while the carpet is super wilton with sprig design of small roses. A very pleasing effect has been arranged per medium of a screen behind which will ho electric light to show the rose tones. A number of very choice pictures, specially selected by Mr McKenzie Forbes, are also distributed around the room. These include one of the historic Carnarvon Castle, where the Prince was invested. It is not necessary to go into details of the table settings, and it is sufficient to state that they are in keeping with the general elaborate arrangements. The silver ware is all the property of the proprietor, and it is of the very best. The breakfast service is white and gold Doulton ware, and the (Sinner service of the best Wedgcweod, with pink floral effect, harmonising with the general arrangements of the room. The finger bowls are cut glass; there is also a Queen Anne coffee service. The glassware is also of the best English make, Mr McKenzie Forbes being able to procure this locally. It was most appropriate that the Prince of Wales Feathers should be included and for this emblem the well-known native fern has been chosen, being given a special position near the window, where it may be seen to good advantage. Pink roses and maiden hair ferns were used for the table and other decorations.

It is interesting to mention that all the rooms set aside for the Royal visitor are fronting the Avenue. Rooms No. 27 and 28 have been specially reserved for the Prince’s bedroom and dressing room. The colouring effect is in Royal blue, while the carpets arc beauvois Axminster. The floral Madras curtains harmonise with the wall paper. These rooms are adjacent to each other, with a draped entrance between. The suite of furniture in both apartments is of English period oak design. This suite is the property of the proprietor, and it is interesting to mention that it was the first oak suite to arrive in New Zealand. Everything possible has been done in these apartments to ensure the comfort of the Prince. The bed linen is of the very best procurable and is all hem-stitched, and the blankets of New Zealand make from the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills.

The large sitting room at the end of the passage has been set aside for a State room. Here again the furnishing is magnificent and the effect extremely pleasing. The colournig effect is of Royal blue and gold throughout. The main feature is the specially upholstered threepiece suite of blue and gold. The lighting effect is also very pretty. The carpets are super Wilton with small conventional design and glorious colourings. In keeping with the dining room, a number of valuable pictures have been included in the furnishing. The bathroom has been fitted up with every possible conveniences and is carpeted with white Indian carpet, giving a most inviting appearance.

On the landing is a large picture of the King surmounted by crossed swords. The suite of apartments for the Royal visitor is divided by Royal blue drapings, and the floor is covered with Axrainster carpets of grey and rose design. The stairs are also carpeted with allover design and leaf pattern of rich colourings harmonising with the mahogony finish.

Great transformation has been worked in the main dining room on the ground floor. The tables have been arranged in square formation with a decorated pillar in the centre of the room, on which is artistically arranged foliage and berries. The blue curtain scheme and other arrangements lend a tone to the general decorative effect. The whole of the space around the tables and in the centre of the room has been carpeted with blue imperial Axminster runners. A number of large mirrors are also distributed around the walls. The silver ware used is all the property of the proprietor. It may be also interesting to note that all the utensils in the culinary department are of copper. The arrangements in the main hall are in keeping with those on the first floor. The entrance has been carpeted with hand-made Indian rugs, while the curtains are of blue titian cloth with borders of Indian tapestry. The pictures used are mostly very fine prints. The lighting in the interior of the building is by gas and on the exterior by coloured electric bulbs. Mr McKenzie Forbes desired it to be specially mentioned as a special tribute to stocks carried by Wanganui businessmen, that all the furnishing and other extras he required he was able to obtain locally. The painting and decorating was carried out by Messrs R. and ETingey, and the carpets, drapings, upholstery, etc., by Purser's, Ltd. The catering for the Prince and other guests is entirely under the supervision of Mr and Mrs McKenzie Forbes and his staff.

WELLINGTON’S WAIL. WELLINGTON, May 3. Wellington seems likely to bo tho chief sufferer by the alteration in the Prince’s programme. Pain and wind are playing havoc with tho decorations, and the greenery will be faded before the arrival of His Royal Highness. The catering for balls and tho children will be much embarrassed and much of tho provisions prepared will be spoiled.