Rain Disrupts Waimate’s Centennial Celebrations

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27408, 22 July 1954, Page 10

Rain Disrupts Waimate’s Centennial Celebrations

(From Our Own Reporter)

WAIMATE, July 21. Rain continues to pour down on an already saturated Waimate. During this morning snow fell briefly but soon gave way for still more rain. Hail fell in outlying districts. Another blow was dealt the district’s centennial celebrations with the postponement of the week’s main event—the historical pageant in which scenes from the area’s early history will be re-enacted. On. the original programme the pageant was set down for Monday. The weather intervened and it was transferred to today. Now the celebrations committe has decided to hold it tomorrow—weather permitting. Rainfall over the district for the 24 hours ended 9.30 a.m. today ap-

proached three-quarters of an inch; nearly half an inch fell in the previous 24 hours. The surface of Kitchener Park, where the pageant was to have been held, has the consistency of old axle grease. Bunting, flax, and tussock, used in the decoration of thei town buildings, is bedraggled and sodden. Gutters run full. Indoors, however, celebrations proceeded. The only discomfort is in reaching them. Tonight the Waihao Maoris’ Social Club gave a concert of traditional songs and dances. If tomorrow’s weather is better—this evening a grey pall of rain still blotted out the area—the pageant will begin at 1.30 p.m. Early settlers will also gather at 10.30 a.m.