THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1940, Page 2

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS After the postponement of Saturday’s events, the Grey Centennial Celebrations were commenced yesterday with the open air thanksgiving church service, at the Children’s Park. ' Weather conditions, ah though fine, were not pleasant, owing to a cold wind, but there was- an attendance of about 1000 people at the service. ’ Three bands, the Greymouth Municipal, Highland Pipe and Salvation Army marched, through the streets and were in attendance at the Park.'/Rev.'F. A. Parry presided at the s.ervice and also on the platform were the Mayor (Mr.<F. A. Kitchingham) and the Mayoress, Hon. W. Lee Martin (Minister of Agriculture), Mrs. Lee Martin and Miss D. Lee- Martin, Mr. James O’Brien, M.P., and Mrs. O’Brien, Ven. Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn, Revs. H. L. Wilkinson. port), A. A. Bensley, Mr. R. A. Blampied and Capt. H. Manse Read. The service commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the hymn.’“o God Our Help in Ages Past.”' Mr. Parry then led the assemblage in prayer, meditation and an act of praise. The service, remarked Mr. Parry was a civic one and it was fitting that the Mayor and a representative of the Government should associate themselves with the people on such ah occasion. Pleasure at being present at the /first official act' of. the celebrations was expressed by the Mayor.’ He said that it was almost 100 years, since the ‘sovereignty, of New Zealand had passed from the Maoris to the British Crown, and from then onwards, the Dominion had made wonderful progress, with the help arid guidance of the Divine Creator. The eminence to which New Zealand had attained was not reached without trials, difficulties and sacrificesr on the part of the people. They entered on' their second century in times of danger, anxiety and difficulty, which demanded from the people of to-day the same fortitude as from those who had come here a century ago. Sacrifice would be demanded if the country and the town of Greymouth was- to improve, and he believed that the people would make every sacrifice needed of tlierii. The second century would be as happy if the people then could look back on the' efforts of their, predecessors of the present day as the latter could look back on their own predecessors, finding satisfaction in their efforts. It was appropriate at the present juncture said Mr. Lee Martin that we should count our blessings, even if only one by one. One, of the most pleasing features of the Centennial Celebrations had been the recognition of the influence‘of Christianity and its place’in New Zealand’s national of the influence of Christianity and its place in Nev; Zealand’s national life. Prior to the advent of the white people, missionaries had worked amongst the Maoris, and it was largely due to their influence that the Treaty of ’Waitangi was signed, and it was fitting that the work of the Church' and her missionaries should be recognised. But for the religious' influences in New Zealand in the past century, he thought it would be true to say that we could not have enjoyed the benefits we had to-day. In political, commercial and home life-, the Church had played a very wonderful part. During the last few years, the- legislators recognised tlie positiori of religion and its plea for social justice to those who were sick or afflicted and those who were aged, and the legislation placed on the Statute Book indicated the thoughts that animated those in control of the destiny of the country. Christianity stood for peace, and to-day they looked to the time when swords would give place to plough shears. That day had not come, but under. Christian influence, it was his opinion that it' would come in the near future. Mr. Lee Martjn concluded by quoting from the Methodist Times, an article which expressed hopes for an early and just peace. The hymn “Nearer My God To Thee,” was sung, followed by a scrip;, tui’e reading by Mr. Blampied and ari act of Intercession and'Tlianksgiving by Mr. Bensley. An act of Dedication was read by Mr. Wilkinson, and the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was sung.

Archdeacon J. A. Jermyn said that they had assembled that day to thank God for his gifts during the past century, and to dedicate themselves to the re-establishment of His Kingdom on earth. There could hardly be a more fit place to hold the service, he continued, pointing out that the gathering was being held close to hills and sea, with schools and old hoines nearby, and. with children playing in front of them. They hoped, for God’s help in the future, arid commemorated the work of , the pionee'fs and the pioneer women who had nutured a study ancf strong race;' they comniemprated' those who had sacrificed th’eir lives in the last way, and were thqnkful for'the heritage which was theirs. The challenge that d(iy was for a recall to the work of their Eternal Father, said the Archdeacon, who urged his hearers to carry on the work done by their forefathers. He also expressed admiration for those whose conscience''did not permit them to take part in the service, saying that their insistence of the highest Christian principles l rariked high amongst their many religious orders. He prayed for the time when they would, without compromising their principles,, be able to work together for the good of God. He also hoped that those of other denominations’ who had differences, would put aside those things which divided them in the past, and work together for the good of the country and of their Holy Redeemer. He concluded by urging his bearers to remembers that conditions were changing, .arid that it was necessary to build solidly for the future, particularly asking those of the reformed faiths to seek again Christ and His faith to rebuild their lives for Him. Whatever the future held for the Dominion, that future was, in God’s hands, and with God all was well.

The service concluded with the singing of “God Defend New Zealand” and the pronouncing of theßenediction. SWIMMING POSTPONED. The children’s swimming carnival, to have been held at the Municipal Bath this afternoon, anti the ■ senior swimming carnival set down for. this evening, have been postponed indefinitely, on account of the unfavourable weather conditions. CENTENNIAL DAHLIA SHOW. All classes are competing, including gladioli, dahlias, cut flower section, decorative sections and novelty

exhibits at the Centennial Flower Show being held by the West Coast Horticultural Society in the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Valuable trophies are beipg awarded, and competitions are also being held for various challenge cups. All proceeds are being donated to the Centennial Memorial Women’s Rest Room Fund. CENTENNIAL CONCERT - The. concert arranged for Thursday night will provide patrons l with a variety programme of musift, mirth and melody. The programme includes dancing,. instrumentalists, magic, comedy sketches, vocalists and the popular Lyric Four. Many wellknown local artists are appearing, and the public are assured of a. good evening’s entertainment. CENTENNIAL BALL. - ■ Arrangements for the Grand Centennial Bali being held'in the Trotting Club Pavilion, Victoria Park, on Wednesdya, have now advanced a step with the completion of the decoration of the' hall. This has been carried out in red. white and blue paper, hundreds of flags and an abundance of native greenery. The finished effect is most pleasing arid' speaks volumes for the untiring efforts of the Ball Committee. Special effort/has been put into the preparation of the floor, and dancers are assured that this will be in excellent condition. Music is being supplied by the Marina Dance Band.