WESTPORT EN FETE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 78, 27 December 1926, Page 10

WESTPORT EN FETE

DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRA- ' TIONS. BY Telegraph.—Pbess Association. Westport, December 26. To-day diamond . jubilee celebrations, 1866-1926, were entered upon. Visitors poured into town by trains and cars, and wheh -tlie grand procession began at the lower part of the town, at 2.30 p.m.,' the footpaths were lined by intensely interested onlookers. ■ The procession was led bv the Westport 'Municipal Band, and following were over 50 cars and motor-lorries with pioneers nnd descendants, including a contingent from Denniston, with their own pipe band. The Salvation Army, Burnett’s Face, and Granity bands also took part in the procession, in which were representative's from the Returned Soldiers, Territorials, Cadets, Girl Guides, Oddfellows, Forresters, Druids, and ot*.er organisations, besides members of tb.e general public. The procession wended its way Up Palmerston Street, down Rintoul and into Victoria Square; where welcoming sneecbes were made bv Messrs. F S. Wood (chairman of the jubilee committee), J. Menzies (Mavor) J H Powell (countv chairman), H E. Holland, M.P., and the Hon W H. Mclntire, M.L.C. Replies for the pioneers were made by Messrs. 1. Il Gnthard, J. C. Brown, W. H Howater, T O O’Brien, and that of Mr. W. A. Flavell. which was tlie most keenest, was read, the ceremony concluding with prayer by Rev. 1. X. Termvn. To-night a’ sacred concert is being held, and festivities are arranged for the whole week, including axemen’s carfiival, races, sports meeting, concerts, jubilee balls, and other happy functions.