PRINCE OF WALES' BIRTHDAY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7812, 3 June 1909, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES' BIRTHDAY.

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Juno 3. The half-holiday is not generally observed to-day. Canterbury College has celebrated the; birthday of the Prince of Wales as Empire Day, with a gathering m the College Hall and addresses and patriotic songs. Lord Plunket presided. The route from tho\ street to the college entrance was lined, on either side, wih High School cadet corps, who presented arms on Lord Plunket's arrival. , Many representative citizens were present, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr Erwin^ and the Old Hundredth was sung. Lord Plunket delivered a speech, and thanked the College for finding it advisable to celebrate Empire. Day today, as it gave him a chance to be with them. He deprecated Jingoism m these celebrations, and it was/ better to realise the difficulties and responsibilities of the Empire. The Empire was one of tremendous strength, but stupendous carelessness had been displayed m arranging the Empire's forces. Recent events might therefore be a blessing m disguise if only m the result of the Naval Conference. He referred to the excellent spirit ac- j tuating the various colonies, and expressed admiration at New Zealand's 1 Dreadnought offer. Other attractions to-day are the trots at Plumpton, the representative football match (Wellington v. Canter- | bury), and other, football and hockey matches. The weather is perfect. WANGANUI, June 3. The holiday is being quietly observed here, and the only attractions consist m the shooting for the West Coast Battalion Shield, and representative football and hockey matches. The weather is fine.