CLOSING EVENTS OF CENTENNIAL

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26396, 14 April 1951, Page 2

CLOSING EVENTS OF CENTENNIAL

PROGRAMME TILL END OF JULY Although the official period of the celebrations extends till the end of July, the Canterbury Centennial Association and its officers are now beginning to wind up their affairs. The programme for the remaining three months comprises mostly conferences and other annual functions which are being held in Christchurch this year as a tribute to Canterbury. With most of the big .demonstrations ovejr, the association has been able to reduce its staff. Mr E. D. Bennett, who was secretary of the Centennial Association from the start of preparations, has retired and is now on his way to visit England. Clerical assistance has been reduced by three typists. The information bureau in Cathedral square is continuing to give such good service that the centennial executive is recommending to the City Council that it should be retained as a permanent amenity for visitors. , Accounting is One of the major tasks still in hand. Many charges have to be spread over various committees. The business of those organising some of the earlier celebrations has been almost completed. The Centennial Executive has now been able to decrease the frequency of its meetings to once a fortnight. The art and cultural committee is concerned with moat of the remaining purely centennial functions. In May there will be an exhibition on early books and the history of printing associated with a New Zealand writers' conference, followed soon after by the New Zealand Science Congress. There will also be an exhibition on the history and development of music. One of the main events toward the end of the celebrations will be the presentation of the original composition “Centennial Ode” by the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. A centennial ball for those’ taking part in the organisation was planned as the closing event, but it is doubtful whether this will now be held.