SYDNEY FESTIVITIES

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 115, 9 February 1938, Page 10

SYDNEY FESTIVITIES

Gratification At New Zealand’s Interest / SPLENDID RESPONSE The Minister in charge of the celebrations, Mr. J. M. Dunningham, is specially gratified at. the great interest which is being shown in the 150th anniversary celebrations by the people of New Zealand, states a statement issued by the Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, Mr. C. E. Critchley. Not only did hundreds of New Zealanders visit Sydney for the opening of the celebrations, but the New Zealand contribution to the “March to Nationhood” pageant was considered by the judges worthy of a first prize. The response by the public to New Zealand’s entry was overwhelming and was a -further indication of the great regard that Australians have for their cousins of New Zealand. The visit of H.M.S. Achilles was also greeted with enthusiasm by Australians, who are now looking forward bo meeting the 2000 returned soldiers who will be visiting Sydney for the great Anzac Day reunion in April. In Sydney a special, committee consisting of representatives of various New Zealand interests was formed to assist generally in the entertainment of visiting New Zealanders, and the arrangement of appropriate . enjoyment. Great success attended their effort and nothing was left undone to make the stay of New Zealanders an enjoyable one'. With such close ties existing betvZ*en the two countries, Australians will look forward with enthusiasm to participating in the New Zealand centenary celebrations of 1940.