JUBILEE SERVICES

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 February 1928, Page 2

JUBILEE SERVICES

AT GREYMOUTH CHURCHES

' -; Tributes to the Pioneers

Special services in commemoration of the Grey district s /Diamond Jubilee were held in the Greymouth churches < and appropriate sermons were delivered, the keynote being praise of.the enterprise and courage of the - West Cbast pioneers, and thanksgiving for the progress , made by the district during the past sixty years. The congregations of each denomination were large.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH. ' The official service was held at Holy Trinity (Church .yesterday morning, and the congregation, which practically filled the building,, included the Prime Minister .(Hoh. J. G. Coates) and Mrs Coates, .who were accompanied by Mr Seddon, M.P., and Mrs Seddon. About n ? eii from Vertflnca were .also present. The serSriee.was conducted by Archdeacon York, formerly of Greymouth, and now of Bleriheljri, who was assisted by the Rfeyl W. Beil, Vicar of Cobden, the Cobden parishioners combining with Greymduth. Appropriate lessbhri,;psalm,and hymns were selected for the 1 occasion, while the voices of thd-junior choir rang out sweetly in a “Song of Praise,” arid the senior choir sarigtheanthem,“Send Out Thy Light.” The Choir Was under the baton of Mr F. Smith. Miss Marie Parfiit{Ws. the organist. »*I hth vriry pleased indeed to have the privilege of being here to take priftW/thid service of thanksgiving.” salt! Archdeacon York, in opening his is i long time to look back;'sixty years, since this municipality: formed. It is a longer time to look fiacit tri the. first introduction of humtfn tidings to this part of New Zealiihd;;':' Therb were a few Maoris here ih the Very .early, days, but in 1865 or 1'866 men came, from other parts, beheard about there being gold In this locality. From that time dnvif'afd td this, the place has been steadily improving arid being populated, from one end'of this Coast to the qihWLririd',We cannot but, thank God for . what we may look, upon as the •Wjestfbbqst spirit. I think I have imbibed a little of it by living here about fifty.years. It was a spirit of entercourage,, arid endurance that the pioneers brought away with them from trig did Country to New Zealand. It was. a yehfuresome faith on the part of who left the Old Cpunti[y into the hew land. They went.‘.(forth, not knowing what to expect. _ The? old pioneers of New ZeaIdrid •were-.a. grand stamp of men, and Virdm&n; They.were the very pick of lands The timid and the cqwardiy.. had ho desire to leave the Old Country;’. Sometimes, those who want- ' .leave ; were dissatisfied with the cpndjti’pp pt things. They were ambit-fqim;-.ais wppted to launch out in a hew. land, so they directed their steps iniithip , direction. I hope you will ex.introducing a little personal reminiscences, into this address. One cap hardly do otherwise. I am sure that-alb the people, on this special occasion? .cannot help but talk over the papljA My grandfather came out to New Zgaland.in the ’forties. My father had ris-<hihAcabin mate the late Mr Mackley;? the first settler, in this district. I often feel sorry that my father, riever came-this way, but he settled in Nelsrih. ?I- r.emerhber Mrs Mackley toll-, ingame that it took her a fortnight to from here to Waipuna, where MtfMackley had taken up land. There was; rib,track.alongside the river, and there were rapids to negotiate, and she could only make slow progress. They had to undergo in the early days a ■gresit' many hardships. I suppose that some of you looked in the paper Irish night and saw the long array of photographs of the early pioneers; sonib of them not very beautiful; but dll of them good and true, desirous of talcing their part in founding a new colony.” The Archdeacon went on to draw a ScHptutal parallel; taking as his text the words of Elijah to Elisha, his body servant. When Elijah was about to gd tip to salvation, he said to Elisha, “Agk- what I shall do for thee, before ,I be taken away from thee.” Elisha srild; “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” He loved his master; and knew that his master had power with God, that God answered: his prayers, pouring- out rain in abundance, and protecting Elijah in tiriife of famine. It could be imagined how closely Elisha walked along with his master, in order that the mantle of God’s servant might fall upon himself. Then there appeared a char’ot of fire, and. horses of fire, and parted them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven. Elijah’s mantle floated down, and was taken up by Elisha, who went back to the bank of the Jordan. He wrapped the mantle together and smote the waters, and t|iey divided for him; as they had done for Elijah. What an enormous amount of faith it must have taken for him to, follow and do what his master did, believing at the same time that God ,

would answer his prayer. The waters divided, and Elisha went over dryshod. He made the venture of faith. “To-day,” continued the Archdeacon, -’’when. We are thinking of those who made the venture of faith and left the Old Country to come to this far land, we think of the mantle they left behind. It is being worn to-day by their daughters. The spirit that, rested upon Elijah in the days gone hy, We : pray. Will test upon those of today; ' West Coasters have been noted past for their Indomitable cohrvision, and powers of ehdiirahcb, but specially for their coihtadeShip, for the brotherhood of affectionthat every West Coaster

to another. It does not mattjfei'i’..Whei'e ,you go, if you are a West Chaster: they shake you by the hand. Tilby /say sbriietinies, ‘Come and have a’ riitiie" refreshment.’ At this particular pbHdd. of the year, we mu'sL'remembbt. ifidtiit is the Lenten season, and al .little.sblf-deniai should be exercised. in What direction I mean. I abrupt speaking, now about the old majority of whom have Thhir mantle has fallen upon tftyfc families, arid they have that siSe'' feeling, of affection, one towards Those who arc trying to idiMer-tlielt parents are succeeding, ',’tlihy i*bly upon the God of otir God, our help in ages be our God. The pibiieerii had a difficult time, but set i iiibllr-fricbs like a flint, and endured diivkliidS of hardship. What is it to- 1 with then? The day ;

before yesterday I came from Nelson by motor-car in a few hours. 1n.1885, When I first came to the Coast, it took us three days to come down from Nelson. There were three punts between here and Nelson, and they caused long delays. The metal on the roads was about the size of one’s head. Waggons drawn by six. or eight horses, carried all the provisions up to Reefton. I remember I could never keep a horse more than three months before it was lame. Yet things were far better in my time than in the ,’sixties and ’seventies. There were few bridges in the early days, and, in the very early days, done at all. One of my predecessors, Archdeacon Beadmont, had the whole of the Coast under his charge, and Walked the district bn foot. Perhaps he held services only once a year in some places. He went through many a great danger. The Rev. G. T.'N. Watkins also had charge of the parish in the early days; his name is evergreen. He did all his travelling on foot. In the earliest days, men had to live ih tents; then came the shan- ’ ties with tin chimneys; then the wooden houses, and now we are getting fine buildings and broad streets, streets that you may well be proud of. Greymouth is beginning to look like London, with its rows of cars, its soldiers and sailors, and its crowds. We have made advancement all along the line, and we are to-day uttering our thanks and praises to God for what He has done for us in the past. We are having much better times than oiir predecessors. Even when I came here there was still pioneering work to be done. I had the privilege of hplding the first prayer meeting at Runanga, before there was a township. It was primeval bush over there, and the surveyors came along and carried their lines through the trees. Then we drew lots for the sections. I drew one of them, and pht up the first little shack, that held ohe so well-known to many of you—the Rev. T. F. Taylor, Padre Taylor, who was curate here and laboured to hblp me in the building of the church. It was not an easy matter to build a church in bush country. We had to gbt a working bee, and I had to. buy ah axe —fortunately, I knew how to use it a little. I had blistered hands afterwards; but what did it matter? It was grand to be doing pioneering work. I went up to Blackball before there was a township there. We had great trouble to get ouj- horses un the cheek. We pegged out sections there, intnding to have a church and vicarage. Shortly afterwards, I had to leave the Coast , for Dunedin. The miner’s right was never kept up, and we lost the section, but we gained others. and later on, when the township started, we had a church, and another at Waiiita. . I have seen the end of some of the places on the Coast, because the gold was worked out. The church was pulled down at Maori Creek. The Corist produces not only, gold, but coal, timber, flax, cattle, and a few sheep, and there are sighs of all around us. We give thangs to God- that it is so. How has the church proceeded past? The church has never neglect ed her people. The-command had been given, and from, the earliest days the clergy have been found to hold ser? vices ahd to'tell the glorious tidings of salvation. JesUs Christ came into the world to set an example, to suffer and die for our sins. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ means salvation. God is a spirit, and our Lord Jesus Christ had within Him the spirit of the living God. He came to manifest God, that the people might understand something of what God is. It has been our privilege to do what Marsden did when he came here to New Zealand. He took as his text to the natives: ‘Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” It has been a grand thing for the clergy since to have that message and to preach it. Let us be endued with power from on high. May the mantle left behind by the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon us all. His spirit is the spirit that we believe was felt by the old pioneers, and enabled them to endure. They did not make much profession of religion, but they lived it. They loved one another; they were a brotherhood. I could leave my place open for a week at a stretch in Brunner, and come back and find that nothing had been touched. Unfortunately, it is not the case to-day. I have every reason to speak with gratitude of the publicans—not publicans and sinners associated together—but of the little hotels around the district that opened their doors to me in the days

gone by. At Maori Creek, there were dear old McKechnie and his daughters. One played the organ in the church, and the,other provided, meals for any of the clergy that, went along. That is only ah illustration of what took place all around the country. There was a welcome everywhere, and open-handed hospitality. It has been a joy to me to meet, so many dear ones that I knew and loved in the days gone by, and I hope to meet others during the next few days. We hope that. God’s blessing will rest upon this gathering, and that the visitors will go away with'a good impression of the West Coast and its

kindly, hospitable people, and be endued with the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all summed up" in the one word, love—the love of God and our fellow men.” In the evening, the church was attended by an overflowing congregation. Archdeacon York was preacher and was assisted by Rev. W. Bell, Vicar of Cobden. Taking as his text, “God is a Spirit” (John 4, 24), the Archdeacon said there was much to be thankful for in the history of Grey mouth during the past sixty years and the wonderful advance of tb,e district where the pioneers had laboured so faithfully under the severe conditions which pioneering was associated with. Those dauntless spirits, some of whom had been spared to come back for the present Jubilee gathering, had given a heritage to rising generations which made it a prlvi-

lege to render homage to every pioneer at this time of festivity. He remembered when it took Archdeacon Beaumont a fortnight to travel from Ross, where he was stationed, to Nelson Creek, where he had a wedding to perform. Though he got a fee of thirty pounds for marrying a happy, couple the cost of travelling between the two points had exhausted the amount.' There were tremendous difficulties to be faced in carrying the Gospel to the outdistricts in the early days, but the hospitality of, the pioneers made it possible to do the work with some degree of success as well as comfort. He recalled that the present Holy Trinity Church had been built by a ship’s carpenter. The roof had always reminded him of a ship turned upside down. It was strongly built to withstand the strongest wind likely to visit Greymouth. He had been delighted to read a copy of the Jubilee number of the Grey “Star” and find there the photos of so many pioneers with whom he had been personally acquainted and who had been the men to open up the district and riiake possible the comforts enjoyed to-day by those who had succeeded them. True, a great advance had been made in life and all that surrounded it, nevertheless it was to the whole band of pioneers who came to the West Coast and opened up the various settlements that a great debt of gratitude was due. He had, during his ministrations, shared the joys and sorrows of many of the fast diminishing band of pioneers and perhaps their sorrows had brought him into more friendly touch with the pioneers than anything else. The pioneers had not a bed of roses yet they were steadfast and resolute. He was glad to see those who required looking after were so well provided with a home in the Greymouth Old People’s Home which was worthy of those it was theie to shelter. He saw evidence around Greymouth of a period of wonderful progress which showed that the present generation was walking in the footsteps of those who paved the way. The Jubilee celebrations were reminding those who took part in them of the Great Being to whom we owed our existence, and the progress made since the foundation of Greymouth sixty years ago. One heard so much of the hospitality of the West Coast. There was a brotherhood on the Coast which existed nowhere el&e, and it owed its existence to the preservation of the spirit of the early pioneers. He expressed the hope that the future would carry many blessings and that the progess of the district would be worthy of the pioneers who suffered privations in every shape, little dreaming of the heritage of progress and happiness they were destined to bequeath to their children and grandchildren on the West Coast.

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH. Crowded congregations were the rule at St. Patrick’s Church yesterday. The special Jubilee service was held at 10 a.m., when Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Brodie, assisted by Rev. Dr. Kennedy (Administrator, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Christchiirch), Rev. Father Quinn (Greymouth), Rev. Father T. O’Regan (Christchurch), and Rev. Fathei- J. Long (Administrator, St. Patrick’s Church, Greymouth). The choir, under the baton of Mr H. F. Doogan, sang Hammerel’s Mass. The congregation included about 60 Territorials from the camp atiOmoto, and a number of ratings from H.M.S. Veronica.

His Lordship took the following text for his address: —"And they remembered that God was their helper, and the most High God their Redeemer.” (Ps. 77 —33.) “In the words of Psalm 77” said the Bishop, King David enumerated the blessings God had wrought for His people, declaring the praises of the Lord, and the wonders which he had ■ wrought. In keeping with the spirit of King David, the civic fathers of Greymouth must win for themselves wide commendation for their action-in inaugurating the festivities of the Diamond Jubilee of their town by appropriate commemorations by the members of various religious denominations. Their action is in keeping with the solemn scriptural admonition, “Unless the Lord protect the city, he watcheth in vain that guardeth it.” As ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of which Greymouth forms a part, I deem it my duty to accept the kind invitation extended to me, a. duty rendered more hallowed by the knowledge that family records relate the fact that my parents could claim the privilege of pioneer associations, inasmuch as they were married in Greymouth by the first resident priest in September of the year 1866. These considerations give me twofold pleasure in associating myself with the Greymouth community in their festive celebrations. The record of civic progress will be told by those qualified to relate it, so my words to-day, in compliance with the request of the Jubilee executive, will briefly outline the development from the Catholic viewpoint, from the small beginnings in Arney Street in 1866 to the well equipped parochial buildings of the present-day. “The divine commission, * “Go ye forth and teach all nations," still holds good, and, in the nineteenth, as in the first, century these words impelled priests with apostolic spirit to face the dangers of distant missionary fields. Thus we read of the advent of intrepid labourers in the sacred vineyard in the early days of Greymbuth. The work commenced by Father Royer in 1866, in which he was ably assisted by Father Walsh, was continued by Dean Binsfeld and Father Roland and Father Golomb, until succeeding years brought. Dean Carew, whose association with the parish bridged over a. long series of years leading to the pastorate of Father Aubrey, the immediate predecessor of Fathex* Long, who with his zealous assistants so abb 7 directs the work of this important parish. A priest, true to his trust, must be prepared to live for his flock and to die at his post of duty, and thus the death of Father Golomb, who met his death by drowning, serves only as an incident to illustrate the dangers our priests have to encounter, and their unfailing determination to fulfil all theix* parochial appointments, and their sacred purpose of being spent and spending themselves in the service of their Divine Master. The spiritual care of the flock exercised by the devoted priests likewise suggested the necessary material equipment of the parish. The first church in Arney Street gave way to the present substantial structure surrounded by the Presbytery, primary and secondary schools for boys, primary and secondary schools for girls, the convent, and the Marist Brothers’ residence —this development of the parish is crowned by the presence of a community of Sisters of Mercy who have laboured with marked success in Greymouth since 1883, and the Marist Brothers, who have nobly carried on the work of education of Catholic boys since 1891. This

brief outline portrays the works of 60 years initiated by our worthy pioneel’ priests in the days of Bishop Viard and continued under his successor, Bishop Redwood, still happily reigning as Archbishop of Wellington, and Bishop Grimes. All honour to Bishops, Priests, Religious and the generous people who have done so much for the advance of Holy Faith in this, parish. “We extend heartiest congratulation to His Worship the Mayor, and the Councillors of Greymouth, and to our fellow townspeople of Greymouth. May the memory of the pioneers inspire all to continue their work, aiming at all that leads to true civic greatness and contributing in fullest measure to the advancement of our young nation. May our Jubilee festivities recall the spirit of the pioneers whose heartfelt love for their adopted homeland is so well conveyed in the words of New Zealand’s gifted laurate: — Men of every creed and race Gather here before Thy face Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free’ land, Guide her in the nation’s van Preaching love and truth to man, Working out Thy glorious plan, God defend New Zealand.

Owing to lack of space, the sermon delivered last evening by the Very Rev. Dr Kennedy has been unavoidably held over. It will appear in to-mor-row’s “Star.” PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

At the morning service in St. John’s Presbyterian Church; where there was a very large congregation including many visitors to the Jubilee celebrations, the Rev. T. N. Cuttie preached on the great work done by the pioneers who had passed to their rest, basing his remarks on II Kings, Chap. 13. Verses 20 and 21, in which the incident of the man being cast into the sepulchre of Elisha, and touching the bones of the dead man, revived and stood up on his feet, is recorded. In all ages, said the speaker, it was the works of the dead rather than the living that had the greatest Affect on mankind. Though men did great works in our generation} it would be for the next to realise the greatness of those works, and to. them would come the appreciation of their greatness, and their effect on the lives of those who were brought within the influence of those works. The deep spiritual truth lies in the fact that the power of life does not teririinate with death. The greatest power of life came from the grave. We were standing on a bridge between the past and the present. Those who were visiting Greymouth to take part in the Jubilee celebrations were here to revive the memory of the pioneers who had blazed the track —the fathers and mothers of (the residents of the West Coast to-day. The people who pioneered were laying the foundations for all time. In alpine climbing the rope to which all the alpinists were attached afforded protection to them and kept them, together. We too, were roped together, for no one could live or die unto himself. Personal influence must uplift or drag down. The immortal . dead among the early pioneers passed on their influence and so came into touch with the liking of to-day, and we at this time wbuld revere their memory and keep it green and fragrant by building on the sure foundation made and left by them.

.(Addressing the children, Mr Cuttie gave an appropriate discourse on the Jubilee, taking the letters of the word “Jubilee” and making a word which appropriately described the purpose of the Jubilee as well as imparting a lessen which the time of rejoicing and foregathering was wont to convey. He hoped that during the week the old Gj’cymcuthites who were visiting the scenes of their earlier days would have a. happy meeting with many* of their old friends.

ST. PAUL’S METHODIST CHURCH,

Jubilee services were held yesterday in St, Paul’s Methodist Church. The morning service was well attended and a | welcome was extended to men from H.M.S. Veronica, and to friends who have come from far distant places to renew friendships and to recall old times on the Coast.

The Rev. G. E. Brown spoke during his sermon of times past and reminded the congregation that this Sunday was the termination of the Church Jubilee, as well as being the civic Jubilee Sunday. He mentioned many incidents that occurred during the early years of. Greymouth history. Sixty years ago Wesley Hall was opened for public worship, and is now the oldest church building standing in the town. At the evening service Mrs Moss sang a solo “Abide With Me,” and the choir gave an anthem. Mr Brown, addressing a large congregation, spoke of Jubilee Sunday as a Day of Remembrance. “We look back over the past years,” he said, “and many memories of happy times and sad times, of prosperous years and unfortunate years, return to us. We also look forward to the future, however, and hope for better things and higher ideals than those which in the past were placed before men.”

IN MEMORIAM. Wreaths were placed on the entrance gates at Karoro Cemetery yesterday afternoon, in memory of the pioneers buried there. A representative attendance was present at the ceremony, which was of a simple but dignified nature. The official wreath from the Jubilee Committee, a beautiful production measuring about twelve feet, was placed in position by the Mayoress (Mrs J. W. Greenslade). Tlie wreath bore the inscription, “In grateful remembrance of our Intrepid pioneers. f 865—1928.” The Primo Minister (Hon J. G. Coates) placed on the gates a floral cross, made by Mts T. E. Y. Seddon.

OLD PEOPLE’S HOME.

The Jubilee Committee tendered a dinner to the inmates of the Old People’s Home yesterday. The Mayor, Mr J. W. Greenslade presided. Amongst those present were the Mayoress (Mrs Greenslade), Mr Coates (Prime Minister), Messrs T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., W. H. Parfitt, Jas. O’Brien, F. H. Denton (Town Clerks), Dr. J. F. C. Moore (Resident Medical Superintendent of the Grey Hospital), Dr. H. Dougjall (House Surgeon), and Miss M. Braidwood (Matron). The customary courtesy of an invitation to the Press to attend was not extended to the “Star,” thus we are unable to give a report of the proceedings and speeches. TRAIN FROM CHRISTCHURCH. Some dissatisfaction has been occasioned at the inability of the Railway Department to put on a special

train to Greymouth on Saturday in response to the application of the Christchurch West Coasters’ Association, the reason given by the Christchurch Traffic Office being that there was insufficient rolling stock available. The executive of the Association states that at least 100 would have made the trip on Saturday. As the Association were prepared to attend to the sale of tickets and other details the railway had little else to do but provide the train. A request for a similar train for next Saturday has also the Association understands been refused for the same reason —shortage of carriages.

GOVERNOR’GENERAL’S MESSAGE.

The following telegram has been received by the Mayor (Mr. J. W. Greenslade) from the Governor-General (Sir Charles Ferguson):—“l send hearty congratulations and good wishes to the citizens of Greymouth and district on the occasion of their Diariiond Jubilee.” JUBILEE VISITORS. Mr Job Stanley, one of Greymouth’s oldest identities is renewing acquaintances in connection with Jubilee celebrations. Mrs E. T. Robinson, widow of Mr E. T. Robinson, secretary and inspector of the Grey Education Board, arrived on Saturday evening. Mrs J. Addis, of Auckland (formerly Jessie Fincroft), has arrived in Greymouth for the Jubilee celebrations. Mr. W. J. Moir, the well-known athlete, who took part in many amateur meetings on the West Coast, in the early days, is visiting Greymouth. He is accompanied by Mrs. Moir.

Mrs. Thomas Anderson (Dunedin), widow of Mr. Thomas Anderson, who opened the Greymouth Abattoirs, is attending the Jubilee celebrations.

H.M.S. VERONIVA. The men of H.MsS. Veronica “cleared for action” during the week-end, and made ready to receive—but not to repel—boarders. The warship was one of the chief attractions to' the Jubilee crowd, the fascination of the navy making itself felt, as usual. The vessel was thronged from stem' to stern by enthusiasts, all thirsting for knowledge, and the Jack Tars were model hosts throughout the trying hours. Juveniles were very prominent amongst the visitors, and it is suspected that not a few of them temporarily adopted parents in. order to ensure getting abroad. The stream of visitors will probably continue until the vessel leaves the wharf, outward bound.

A PIONEER’S MEMORIES. “Sad and painful memories,” writes Mr James McLeod, who is visiting Greymouth, “came back to me on seeing the photograph in Saturday’s ‘Star” of the Rev. Father Colomb; who was drowned while crossing Nelson Creek. I was at the wedding dinner after he married Mr and Mrs A. McDonald at Half-Ounce Creek in 1871. I myself came from Half-Ounce Creek on Christmas Day, 1872, carrying the mail. Coming in sight of Nelson Creek, running mountains high, I stood still. The ferry man, standing by: Kinsella’s Hotel, waved to me to come on, and drove me a quarter of a mile towards the Grey River, in dirty yellow water to the horse’s knee, waving me back if I vfrent too hear Nelson Creek, running at my side at the junction of Nelson Creek and the Grey River. The water was dead still at crossing, and the horse had to swim five yards. Coming to No Town, I took the saddle arid bridle off, and crossed by the ferry boat. Arriving at Greymouth, the water , was twelve inches above the footpath at the site of the pr,esent Royal Hotel, the stone wall keeping the river back. I handed the mail bag to Mr Heaphy, the first Greymouth post boy, and it took him some hours to dry the. letters. The Ahaura. and Arnold road bridges were three months old at that time. “I landed in New Zealand by the ship Claud Hamilton in March, 1866, and came from Alexandra, Central Otago;. by coach to Dunedin, via Naseby and Palriierston South, transferring to the Oamaru coach at Waikouaiti. It was a thirty-passenger coach, and there was not a jibbing horse in the team of eight. There was. only one railway engine running in New Zealand that day, from Christchurch to Heathcote. We narrowly missed a bad accident. The bridle came off the leading horse, but the driver, pulling hard on the off leader, got him up. The late Dr Morlce, senior, was on the same coach from Clyde to Dunedin, and was also on the Claud Hamilton. lam very pleased to be with you to-day.” Mr McLeod is now a resident , of Christchurch, his address being 39, Albert Street, Linwood.

RAILWAY WORKSHOPS. As the result of representations made to hihi on Saturday by a deputation from the Greymouth Railway Workshops, the Prime Minister and Minister of. Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates) reconsidered to some extent bis previous refusal of a holiday on full pay to-morrow (Jubilee Day), and granted the men a half-holiday with pay. OFFICIAL LUNCHEON. Visiting members of local bodies are invited to the official luncheon of the Grey District Diamond Jubilee tomorrow. Tickets may be obtained before 10 a.m. at the Town Clerk’s office. THE BIG BLAST. The detonation of approximately four tons of explosives at the Cobden quarry to-morrow afternoon will provide one of the most spectacular features of the Jubilee programme. Preparations for the big blast have been going on night and day for a considerable time, a special tunnel being driven into (he heart of the limestone rock, and the explosion is expected to bring down a record slide of material for use in the harbour works. The shots will be fired by electricity, by the Chairman of the Greymouth Harbour Board (Mr J. Steer), thefiring ; apparatus being located on the balcony of the Royal Hotel, Upper Mawhera Quay. The explosion is timed ] for 1.45 p.m. sharp.

JUBILEE PROGRAMME.

RACE BALL TO-NIGHT. The first social event of the Carnival takes place to-night at 9 o’clock, the Jubilee Race Ball. It will be held at the Trotting Club’s Ballroom, Victoria Park. This function is under the direction Of the United Club, and they have spared no pains to make their ball second to none, with a specially prepared floor and a supper fit for

kings. Lawn’s Hokitika Orchestra has been specially engaged for the oc- t casion.

JUBILEE DAY.

To-morrow, proceedings commence at 11 a.m. with the Official. Luncheon, which takes place at the Town Hall. At 1.45 p.m. the jubilee Shot will be fired by the Chairman of tlie Harbour Board (Air J, Steer). This will, be the signal for the ringirig of the town bells, symbolising the completion of sixty years, and. for. the comriience-, ment of the Jubilee procession. Special attention has been paid to the organisation of this part of the programme, . with the result that a display has been arranged such as has never before been seen locally; On arrival at Victoria Park, a civic reception to visitors takes place, after

which the procession parade takes place, and the winners in various sections will be announced. Following this is the Children’s Display, being a living representation .of the figures 1868, merging into, the figures 1928. The 1868 Group Competition is causing nd end of interest, very original displays having been nominated. The Jiibilee Baby Show, the ladies’ long hdir competition, the side shows, rabbit racing, the Merryplane, the Ocean Wave, and many other novel attractions’ will all assist in making a programme full of “pep” from start to finish; To-morrow evening, the procession will be repeated. On reaching Victoria Park, the Athletic Club will hold their Jubiihe Meeting—a 25 yards and 100 yards handicapwhile the two bike events, a half mile, •a mile local handicap will also take place. ' Following are the handicaps for the sprints:— 100 yards:—Jamieson scr., Lamont scr., Steel 4 yards, F. McEhaney 4; H. W. Brown 4, Griffiths 4, C. Fairhall 5, Preston 5, Anderson 6, Jones 6, McEnaney 6, Minchin 7, Negri 7. 75 yards:.:;—Jamieson scr., Lamont sei’., Steel 3 yards, F. McEnaney 3, H. W. Brown 3, Griffiths 3, C. Fairhall 4, Preston 4, Anderson 5, Jones 5, McEnaney 5, Minchin 6, Negri 6. Following this event,ahe Maori poi dancers, forty strong, will delight a Greymouth gathering for the first time with a series of their native dances. This troupe is coming especially from Kaiapoi to assist iri making the celebrations a success and will be ah attraction such as is seldom seen. The grand poster competition also takes place, being a post entry event. < At the Municipal Swimming Bath there wili be held the grand Jubilee Carnival to-morrow evening. Excellent nominations have . been received in this connection, and a successful function and a record breaking ‘house’ is assured.

CHILDREN’S DAY.

Wednesday is the kiddies’ day, when there will be gathered together on Victoria Park over 6000 of “the men and women of to-morrow.” At 1 p.m. on the same day the grand Reunion Pioneer’ Dinner takes place. when, even as with the kiddies, the “old folk” will gather in full force. At the park, at 2.30 o’clock, there will be played the Soccer match, H.M.S. Veronica v. The West Coast. This event is causing great interest, and a great game is looked forward to. In the evening the Old Timers’ Concert takes place in the Town Hall, while at Victoria Park, the Carnival will, as usual, be carried on. ’ ‘ REGATTA DAY. Thursday, March 1, is Regatta Day, when an excellent, programme, comprising ships’ gig races, speed boat races, arid sailing races will be presented. The fact that crews of H.M.S. Veronica will compete is adding interest, to the Regatta. At 8 p.m. the first Grand Empire Concert takes place. A specially arranged programme has been provided for, the different schools all contributing national items. At nine o’clock the Naval and Military Jubilee Ball takes place at the Ballroom, Victoria Park.

N.Z. CYQLE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

On Friday, the first day of the New Zealand Cycle Championships takes place. For the two days’ meeting, £455 has been given in prizes, and record entries have been received. Running, cycling, chopping arid sawing events are all included ih the fihe programme, which is the most ambitioris ever set on in the Dominion.

A grand Kiddies’ Poster Ball takes place in the evening, while, as ustial,

the Carnival is continued at Victoria ; Park. t FIRE BRIGADE CONTESTS. On Saturday, the Jubilee Fire Brigade Demonstration takes place ii) Boundary commencing at 8 a.m. No fewer, than nine Brigades have nominated for the various items, ahd hence the.success of. the fire-light.-ers’ section of the. progfariihie is assured. In the afternoon the second day of the N.Z. Cycle .Championships. takes place at Victoria Park, arid iri the evening a grand Carnival at the same location) concludes the celebrations.