PORIRUA FESTIVITIES

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18, 22 July 1919, Page 7

PORIRUA FESTIVITIES

The Peace festivities af Porirua, commenced on Friday evening, when a reception was . given by the residents to Lieutenants Cobb, M.C., and P. Munro, Corporal Katene, and Privates J. Anderson, C. Russell, and J. Mepham. These men have all recently returned from the front, and speeches' of welcome were made by Rev. Mr. Walton and Rev. Mr. Earwaker, and Messrs. Windley, Mungavin, and, J. Wi Neera. Lieutenant Cobb, M.C., responded for the soldiers. Dancing followed.

On Saturday football patches were played between Johnsonville and Porirua, and. Maori v. Pakeha. In the evening a splendid display of fireworks was given on the Hospital grounds, and was greatly enjoyed by the patients and residents of the district. A united thanksgiving service was held on Sunday afternoon. Stirring addresses were given to a large assemblage by the Rev. Mr. Walton and Rev. Mr. Ea.rwaker.

Yesterday morning the scholars and residents, including the Johnsonville Band and a detachment of Territorials tinder Lieutenant Carter, gathered at the Public School. An honours board, with ovei- forty names, was unveiled by Mr. Windley, who spoke feelingly of those old boys of the' school who will never return. The "Last Post" was sounded in their honour. A tree was then planted by the scholars ; it is to be known for all time as the "Peace .Tree." A speech suitable to the occasion was made by Mr. P. Mungavin. The procession was then formed, and, headed by the band a ; nd an excellent imitation of a "tank," proceeded to1 the Hospital grounds. A feature was the excellent riding and appearance of several cowboys, bushrangers, etc. K. Wi Neera, splendidly mounted, carried an historic Umoit Jack, much prized by the Maoris of Por^rua. On arrival at the grounds, rain falling heavily,. and the Hospital authorities, kindly allowed, the use of the la.rge hall for further festivities, which included selections from the band, dancing, games, etc.