Napier Proclamation Recorded As Illuminated Address

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23207, 20 March 1950, Page 6

Napier Proclamation Recorded As Illuminated Address

(P.A) NAPIER, March 20. The best wishes of the Government and people of New Zealand for the prosperity and happiness of the country’s newest city were expressed on Saturday by the deputy Prime Minister, Mr.'K. J. Holyoake, when he read the proclamation' by the GovernorGeneral, Sir Bernard Freyberg, recognising Napier’s city status. Mr. Holyoake paid a tribute to the courage and public-spirited work of the citizens in their long uphill effort to make good the losses suffered in the disastrous earthquake of nearly 20 years ago. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. W. A. Bodkin, also paid a tribute to the public spirit of the people of the new city. Ten thousand people heard Mr. Holyoake read the proclamation, which he then handed in the form of an illuminated address to the Mayor of Napier, Mr. T. W. Hercock. The Mayor said that the citizens could look forward to future progress and prosperity with the utmost confidence. The procession of floats, two miles long, took two hours to pass from the Marine Parade to McLean Park, where the proclamation ceremony was held. In the evening the procession, fully illuminated. returned to Marine Parade where the largest gathcimg or the day thronged for the evening festivities. I which' included an open-air fancy-dress j skating carnival and a display of fireworks. Tiie celebrations arc to con- [ Unue for a week.