CITY CELEBRATES

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 125, 29 May 1928, Page 15

CITY CELEBRATES

, DIAMOND JUBILEE

CHRISTCHURCH FESTIVAL (By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Pnst'^ CIIEISTCHURCH, TMs Day. The celebrations in connection with the diamond jubilee of the city and the sixtieth anniversary of the proclamation of Christchurch as a borough commenced on Saturday with a civic reception to the many visitors from other parts of the Dominion present to participate in tho festivities. Chief amongst them are Sir Francis Bell aid the Hon. P. J. Eollestqn, Attorney representing the Government, the Mayors of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup), of Dnnedin (Mr. W. B. Taverncr), and of Wangiuiui (Mr. "VV. J. Rogers), and the Mayors of several other boroughs. The Mayor (the Rev. J. K. Archer) read a number of telegrams apologising for absence. These were from the secretary to tho Governor-General, the Prime Minister (Mr. J. O. Goates), tho Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. Mr. 0. J. Hawken), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. H. B. Holland, M.P.), Mr. G. Baildon (Mayor of Auckland), and a telegram of congratulation and greetings was received from Mr. E. A. Wells (chairman of the AVostland County Council),: and a cablegram from the Mayor of Christchurch, England. A children's fancy-dress ball was held at the Win't.cr Garden in the afternoon, and in the evening a largo-crowd gathered, in Victoria square, where • the Mayor,; assisted by several df the councillors,1 Jed the community singing to music supplied by Decry's Band. The ccntwvof the city was brilliantly illuminated arid Cathedral square was*a blaze of maiiy-coloured lights. Tho Municipal Buildings and tho old Provincial Government Buildings were also brilliantly illuminated. Sunday's events comprised special services in most-cxf tho churches, a dinner at the Old People's JubHee Home, Woolstoii, and n united civic service in the Cathedral at which the Mayor (the Rev. J. K. Archer) was the preacher. He created two records. He is the first Baptist'minister to preach in the Cathedral and the first Now Zealand Mayor to preach a municipal jubilee sermon. In the evening, after the church services, there was a sacred concert in the new Municipal Concert Hall. Tho weather was cold but fine for tho early proceedings, but rain set in on Sunday, and the conditions since then have been wintry and overcast, with an occasional light drizzle. Consequently when Mr. B. E. M'Dougall, donor of the. new £25,000 Art Gallery, to be erected shortly, laid the foundation stono on the site chosen in tho Botanic Gardens, there was an attendance of about 300 only. Subsequently a jubilee avenue of trees was-planted, the order of planting being SLr Francis Bell, the Mayor (the Key. 'J. K. Archer), Mr. G. Harper, chairman of the Domains Board,, tho Hon. P. J. Rolleston, Mr. G. A. Troup, Mayor of Wellington, Mr. G. W. Forbes, Acting-Leader of the United Part^, Mr. W. 13. Tavorner, Mayor of Duncdin, Sir R. Heaton RVodes, Mr. W. J. Rogers, Mayor of Wanganui, and Mr. E. U. M'Dougall. The official luncheon was held at noon yesterday. The official jubilco procession took place, comprising about a hundred trades exhibits and displays by friendly societies, and representatives of various organisations intimately connected with the life of the city. The weather was dull but fine, tfiul thousands witnessed the parade, which was one of the largest yet held in the city. Reminders of the pioneer days were two of Cobb and C'o.'s old coaches. ' The official jubilee dance was held, last evening. There are a good number of visitors in the city for the celebrations, which will conclude to-day with a children's day,-when there will be'a monster procession and display by thousands of school children.