MEMORIAL OR FESTIVITY?

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 8

MEMORIAL OR FESTIVITY?

PROPOSAL TO SPEND £40,000.

{To the Editor.) I have, received from the Chamber of Commerce a circular letter in support of the canvass of the Metropolitan Centennial Executive for £30,000 i.o enable £40,000' (including Government subsidy) to be'spent on "pageantry, sporting, military, naval, aerial, marine historical procession, • native assemblv and other events." It talks, not very cogently or "hallowed history against a background of deep symbolism,", affording "the people a unique opportunity ... for an invigorating stock-taking of past achievement-in its tionsliip to future endeavour." It is further urged that these proceedings will attract to An ok la nd large numbers of tourists from Australia and elsewhere. Is it seriously sunposed that overseas tourists will sail the stormy Tasmaii* to view our little games? Itappears certain that those able to travel would prefer to visit the world'exhibition at Sail Francisco, or, even if coming to Xetv Zealand, the exhibition in "Wellington. Tig experience of Australian centennials in this' respect was most disappointing. lam surprised that the Centennial committee should' be capable of \piitting forth such proposals clothed in such language,'and astounded that our Chamber of "Commerce, constituted of ; •business men, should support it. Bereft of. senseless talk, all it amounts to is, "Let us eat, drink and be merry." The •benefits may accrue to/ those who cater for the festivities; the share of thosei providing the huge sum of £40,000 will, he the merriment—processions, festivities and speeches, which will all be completely forgotten within a year. It would appear hardly necessary to point out that not only would the squandering of this big money leave nov asset whatever to show, for it, but that, the raising of it would preclude the provision of a dignified and adequate memorial. I there-, fore strongly urge. all sober citizens to withhold tlisir subscriptions until the nature of Auckland's memorial is decided. Then let subscribers say how mucli of their money is. for festivities and. how much for a memorial for the use and benefit of all succeeding generations and to remind them of the AucMj land and the Aucklanders of the first century. .*. COMMON SEtfSE. . •