DOMINION DAY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 2, 28 September 1937, Page 11

DOMINION DAY

Wellington’s First Celebration

Thirty years ago, on September 26, New Zealand was proclaimed <i Dominion of the British Empire. Until May 3, 1841, New Zealand remained a dependency of New South Wales, but on that day it was created a sep-' arate colony by Royal Charter. The record of formal government of New Zealand under the British Crown actually began with a proclamation issued by Captain William Hobson, R.N., on May 21, 1840. Except for the closing of several Government departments, the banks and legal offices, recognition of Dominion Day in Wellington this year was slight The city was much more jubilant 30 years ago. The actual proclamation ceremony was read -by the late Sir Joseph Ward, then Prime Minister of New Zealand, but it was at Newtown Park where the ceremony reached a dazzling climax of colour and vivacity. There the Governor-General, Lord piunket, reviewed a military display and this was followed by the consecration of the King’s Colours. These were then trooped, after which a Vice-Regal “at home” was given to more than 2000 guests at Government House. In the evening was held a torchlight procession and a huge meeting at the Town Hall, where speeches were made by the then mayor, Hon. T. W. Hislop, the Governor-General, and the Prime Minister. “We desire the bond which binds the Empire not to be dissolved but strengthened.” said the mayor. “This prompt acknowledgement of the justice of your claims shows . . . New Zealand has outstripped many of her elder sister colonies and now steps forward to receive—not as a favour but as a right—the title of Dominion, and a seat among the rising nations of our Empire,” said his Excellency. ’ “If it be no more, it is at least a recognition by the Motherland that we now have reached the status of a higher Statehood in the roll of the King’s great Dominion.” said the Prime Minister. In striking contrast were this year’s silent celebrations. Actually Dominion Day seemed to be marked by two hnppy events only—a beautiful day. and the annual inception of summer time. “The Dominion” made its first appearance on the first' Dominion Day thirty years ago.