AKAROA'S CENTENNIAL

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22197, 14 September 1937, Page 7

AKAROA'S CENTENNIAL

DETAILS OF CELEBRATIONS DISCUSSED Mr E. Longden presided at a meeting called by the Akaroa Progress Association to discuss the Akaroa centennial celebrations and the establishing of a large fund as soon as possible. The members of the executive of the Akaroa Centennial Committee, the Mayor (Mr F. R. E. Davis), Mr P. G. Riches, the Town Clerk (treasurer), and Misses E. Le Lievre and E. Jacobson were also present. The chairman said that the association would welcome an open discussion. It had been suggested that card parties and private card parties should be held, and he considered it was time something was arranged. Various suggestions were made, and it was decided to recommend to the centennial committee that a canvass of the whole district be made, and that the committee invite the three Peninsula counties to co-operate and I appoint representatives. The chairman said he understood | that the total amount to be aimed at would be about £BOOO. The building of a town hall, with Borough Council offices, as a centennial memorial, was one of the main proposals. It was hoped to procure substantial help from the Government, probably a £ for £ subsidy. There.were three years to raise the money, and it was hoped that everyone would copperaia

The Mayor (Mr F. R. E. Davis) kindly offered to give the last quarter of his Mayoral allowance to the centennial fund, and his offer was accepted with thanks. It was decided to ask all the Akaroa sports clubs, as well as other district organisations, to cooperate. Mr Jacobson reported that he had seen Mr Tom Robinson and asked if the Peninsula Maori people would take their part. Mr Robinson had said that the Maoris were prepared to do so. They had organised a Maori concert party, tutored in old folk lore, songs, and customs. Mr Robinson's grandfather was at the hoisting of the flag in 1840, and his father and the Peninsula Maoris had taken their part in 1898, at the unveiling of the Green Point memorial, by the then Governor, Lord Ranfurly. It was decided to hold three card parties, bridge, flag 500, and euchre, and the following committee to make arrangements was appointed: Mrs C. Petterson, Misses E. Le Lievre, E. Jacobson, and I. Mabon, Dr. W. J. Edginton, Messrs E. Longden, A. G. Shuttleworth, and G. Le Lievre. It was decided to ask the Akaroa Borough Council to write to the commanding officers of HMS. Achilles and H.M.S. Leander asking if the ships' concert parties would give an entertainment during their visit to Akaroa' in November. It was decided to hold another com- I bined meeting on November 3 and dis-; cuss further proposals for raising funds. ]