HOKITIKA JUBILEE

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 December 1934, Page 11

HOKITIKA JUBILEE

PIONEERS’ DAY PROCESSTON (OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, December 28. The continuous fine weather. , has been one o£ the main factors in the success of the Jubilee festivities which were continued yesterday.. Success, however, cannot be achieved without proper organisation, and this has evidently been thorough. The huge procession, yesterday morning, was a sight to be remembered, drawing one of the largest crowds seen in Hokitika. Old time representations were well prepared. Cass Square, the gatheringpoint was thronged with people. Messrs. W. Jeffries, F. McGregor and R. Lynn acted as marsnalls. The long procession was headed by a representation of a Maori poi canoe, “Tairea, a very fine creation, which subsequently was awarded first prize. Then followed a number of pioneers on foot and on horse-back, then vehicles cf a.l types and ages. The Kumara Pipe Band, the Hokitika Municipal Band, and the Kokatahi Band were sandwicncd in at intervals. The procession paraded the main streets, finally halting before the Government buildings, where cameras clicked and the Maor is performed a haka, gave a song of welcome, and their effort was good and thoroughly appreciated. Opportunity was here taken by the Mayor, Mr. Perry, and Mr. Jeffries (Chairman or the jubilee Committee), to thank the Maoris for their fine display, and all who had participated in the proceedings. The awards for best exhibits were announced, the Maoris being first. Cheers followed the announcement. Mrs Cropp, mounted in old-fashionbd riding habit in side saddle, was given second prize, and Mr. W. Wilson was awarded the prize for the most original outfit, “A Miner’s Home,” a camp fitted up on a lorry: and “the bride” (Miss Knight) 2nd prize. The Kokatahi Dairy Company had a fine exhibit, as also did the Central Factory, while many lorries were gaily decorated. The' Fire Brigade engine and other equipment, added to the diversity, the siren being given vent at intervals eu route. Following the procession came the pioneers’ luncheon at the Soldiers’ Hall, where the usual compliments were paid to those who “blazed the trail.”

The sports meeting on the racecourse in the afternoon, drew a big crowd, over £7O being taken at the gates. When the fact is taken into consideration that all children and many adults had free admission, the size of the crowd can be imagined. Possibly the most exciting of the sports events were the two and threemile cycle races, in which the Greymouth rider (P. Duffy) showed splendid judgment and staying powers, winning both events from the back mark. A cool breeze helped to lessen the effects of the sun, which had made the race meeting the day previous very trying.

The collection made by tne Municipal Band on Christmas morning amounted to £53, with some promises still to be paid. SPORTING' EVENTS.

There was a large attendance at the racecourse yesterday to witness a sports carnival held in conjunction with the Hokitika Jubilee celebrations. P. Duffy, Greymouth, virtual scratch man, was successful in winning the two principal cycle events, and securing a second and third in the other races. Results were: — Half-mile Cycle Dash.—First heat: S. Taylor 110yds 1, K. Hewlett 65yds 2, J. Archer 90yds 3. Time Imin. 3 4-ssec. Second heat: A. Hutchison 110yds 1, M. Malone 110yds 2, P. Duffy 20yds 3. Time 1.0 2-5. Final: Hutchison 1. Duffy 2, Taylor 3. Time 1.3 2-5. Mile Cycle: First, heat.—S. Taylor 210yds 1, D. Morland 150yds 2, J. Archer, 170yds 3. Time 2.18. Second heat: M. Malone 210yds 1, W. Hutchison 21,0yds 2, P. Duffy 40yds 3. Time 2.16. Final: Malone 1, Hutchison 2, Duffy 3. Time 2.16. Two Mile Wheslrace: —P. Duffy 80yds 1, K. Hewlett 260yds 2, D. Johnston 280yds 3. Time 4.51 4-5. Three’ Mile Cycle.—P. Duffy 1, L. Hogarth 2, D. Johnston 3. Time 7.32 2-5. 220 yards Handicap.—E. Lewis 1, J. O’Leary 2. Time 23sec. One mile Handicap.—J. O'Leary 45yds 1, R. Shellock scr.,< 2.