GREY JUBILEE.

Grey River Argus, 11 January 1928, Page 3

GREY JUBILEE.

General Committee. ! PROGRESS OF ARRANGEMENTS. The General Committee of the Grey District Diamond Jubilee met last evening, Mr Jas. O’Brien, DeputyMayor, presiding, and there being also present: Mesdames Lindop, C. H. Rose, AV. E. Thomas, Bowman, Leach; Miss Lindop, Messrs J. P. Trvine, E. Ashton. T. Bond, R. IL .Barrowman, F. Jolmb st on, J. B. Kent, (). McLean, T. Clark, , A. A. Rouse, A. 'S. Robertson, N. Jones, . G. E. Perkins, T. P. Ryan, AV. D. A'l’urI ray, A. McCarthy, C. 11. 'Rose (Secrejlary), E. I. Lord (Organiser), Patter- | son and Hill. Apologies were received I from Mrs O’Brien, Messrs T. E. Y. ] Seddon, M.P., W. IL Parfitt, D. M. I Robertson, Archdeacon Carr and Rev. I meeting on December 20 were adopted, iAI r Brown. The minutes of the last | The Grey town Borough Council | wrote expressing appreciation of the [ invitation for the Mayor, Mr 11. G. | Reese, to attend t he Jubilee, and, while 8 regretting his inability to do so, ad- ' vised that the matter was being I brought up at the Council meeting on I January 17, so that the press would be mi a bled to help with publicity. Ashburton County Council wrote that the Chairman would do his best to be present for Jubilee Week. The matter had also been put before the local reporters, so that it would receive publicity in the press. The Secretary of the Blackball Pipe .Band (Mr Jas. Buchanan) advised that ’ the Band would attend the celebrations on February 28, and that a member had composed a. special piece which the Band had named ‘‘The Grey District Jubilee March.” LADIES’ COMMITTEE. The Secretary (Air Rose) read the ■report of the Ladies’ Committee as follows: The Committee met on Janu.’ary 9, there being present: Alesdamcs Lindop (chair), Thomas. I). Al. Robertson, J. Tonnent, C. 11. Rose, Phillips, Denton, Fairhall, Dixon, Barrowman, Leach, Inkster, Seabeck, Misses Lindop and Pankhurst. Re Jubilee Ball.—After discussion, it was decided that it would be preferable if the United Club or some other Club would take in hand and inn the ball for Race night, for the Jubilee. Airs J. Brown was appointed

convenor .for this. Re Afternoon Tea.—lt was decided that the Committee control the afternoon tea on Tuesday. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and that same be a counter tea, charge 6d. Airs Rose was appointed convenor. Re official luncheon for Governor, this Committee decided that this be catered for, and that local public bodies z be asked to defray the expense of same. Re Ihe pioneers’ dinner, it was recommended that this be catered for. Re A r ice Regal Ball, it was decided Io carry on the ball and Airs W. E. Thomas was appointed convenor. Re the Children’s Ball, Airs O’Brien was appointed as convenor for this. It was decided to meet again on Alonday, 23rd. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair. The report was adopted. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The Secretary (Air Rose) read the report of the Executive Committee as follows:— The Committee met on December 9. there being present Messrs Jas. O’Brien (chair), A. 11. AlcKane, Thos. Clark, AV. Gieseking, R. J. Williams, 1 Jas. Kent, A. Naylor, W. 11. Parfitt, F. J. Parkinson, Al. Keating, G. D. Smart, P. J. McLean, C. Uddstrom, J. Walton, Ger. Perotti, E. 1.. Lord, C. IL, Rose. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Minister through Mr T. E. Y. Seddon in reference to validating local body expenditure, on the motion of Air Kent, seconded by Mr O’Brien. Re Sub-Committee for Children’s Day.—On the motion of Air McKane, seconded by Air Kent, a sub-committee was set up consisting of Messrs AV. H. Parfitt, R. J. Williams and E. I. Lord, for Children’s Day, to go into the matter of catering, etc., in connection with Hokitika and other outside ’school

committees and report to this committee. The Secretary was instructed to communicate with Air Conning (Hokitika) immediately and find out what arrangements were to be made. Re the Ladies’ Committee Meeting. —The ’Secretary reported regarding the Committee which had been held that afternoon and same was approved. Re for Functions.—Messrs McKane and Lord and Secretary were appointed to assist the Ladies’ Committee and report regarding catering for the different functions, such as the dinner and luncheon which are on the programme, and to report re the menu and cost.

Re Qualification for Invitations.—On the motion of Air Walton, seconded by Air McKane, this matter was referred to the Invitation Committee, consisting of Messrs AlcLean, Perkins and R. E. Wylde, and Chairman (J. O’Brien), Organiser and Secretary, to report to the next meeting. Ro Publican’s Booth.—On the motion of Air G. Perotti, seconded by Air Parfitt, it was resolved that the Licensed Victuallers’ Association and the Trotting Club be interviewed in connection with this matter, which is left in the hands of the Organiser and Secretary. Regatta Committee. —The matter of seeing the Harbour Board and Railway in connection with roping off the wharf was left in the hands of Messrs i J. W. Greenslade and P. J. McLean. Re Side Shows.—The Secretary was instructed to write to Alf Cooper and any others and get particulars and terms. Re Decorations, etc. —The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr J. W. Collins, Board of Trade and Industries, regarding illuminations and decorations. Re Dr Teichelmann’s Picture Lecture. —It was decided to arrange a date suitable to Dr Teichelmann. Re Boxing 25th February.—The terms offered by the Boxing Association to put on a fight on the 25th were accepted. Re Side Shows.—On the motion of Mr AlcLean, seconded by Air Perotti, the Organiser was instructed to get in with those locally who were willing to assist, and that we retain ;U.c

right to sell space, etc., and to deal with outsiders. Re Air Buick.—lt was decided to allow him space at £1 per day, and to advise him accordingly. The proposed Railway arrangements were read to the meeting, and on the motion of Air AlcLean, seconded by Air O’Brien, it was decided to ask the Railway Department to delay the outgoing evening trains every day. Re Newspapers. —On the motion of Air AlcLean, seconded by Air Kent, it was decided to draw the attention of the Printing and Publishing Committee to the lack of publicity in local papers, and try and have this remedied. The Organiser advised that an office had been got in the Town Hall and asked for an extension telephone, which was granted. Re Organiser’s Salary.—The Organiser brought up this matter, and on the motion of Mr R. J. AVilliams, seconded by Air Naylor, it was decided to hold over this matter until after the Jubilee Carnival, and the Secretary was instructed to take note and bring the matter up again. The Chairman said the Executive Committee had decided to have reports in future brought back quickly. The Organiser had reported to them that the public interest was not yet what it should be to ensure, the success of the Jubilee, the attendance at meetings not being full. In future it was therefore intended to meet more frequently, and the Executive would assemble weekly till near the Jubilee, when it would probably meet twice weekly. Greater public interest was essential. The Ladies’ Committee required additional workers, and doubtless would have a. big accession to its numbers from this out, for as yet the willing few had been left too much to do. It was satisfactory to see twenty pre-

sent at the Executive meeting the previous evening, and to see a. good attendance that evening. If the public now put their shoulders unitedly to the wheel, they would be assured a memorable success for the occasion of their Jubilee. Airs Thomas asked what was to be Hie finad decision in regard to the first ball on race night. It was thought three such functions in a week would be too many for the Ladies’ Committee to conduct. The Chairman said the Executive agreed with the Ladies’ Committee in tho matter. Air Ashton asked if sufficient accommodation for visitors had been arranged, as ten years ago at the Old Boys’ Jubilee, hotels were overcrowded. The, Chairman said those arrangements had been almost completed by the Organiser and Secretary, and were very satisfactory. Airs Thomas suggested that the United Club might run tho race night ball in connection with the Jubilee, and Alessrs Kent and Perkins proposed that the Secretary and Organiser approach tho Club with that object. Mr Kent said that if it were not arranged, Dr Teichelmann’s scenic pictures could be shown on the Alonday night. Air Lord said he could assure them that the Secretary and himself would lie able to arrange for the ball on the Alonday evening, as it would attract a very large assemblage, as many Christchurch people attending the Reef ton trots here would remain that night. The motion was carried. It was stated that a boxing tournament with a. professional bout would be held on the first race night. Air Kent said the Trotting Club had offered them the pavilion free for one of the balls, provided they held other functions there. Air Perkins said there was no qualification as to holding other functions there. Airs Lindop said it would be impossible to hold a ball at the pavilion the night of a race day. Air Kent said that every hall in the town would be occupied during the Jubilee.

It was decided that the Organiser and Secretary fix the date for the exhibition of West Coast pictures by Dr Teichelmann, of Hokitika. Air Barrowman asked what arrangements there were for Children’s Day. He could promise the School Committee’s help if they knew what was needed. Air Lord said well over two thousand children would bfo coming from Westland, f>nd there would be about five thousand children in all to handle. The school teachers had promised their help, and agreed to meet prior to the schools reopening. The Secretary stated he haff discussed the matter with Air Conning, Secretary of the Hokitika School Excursion Committee, but the latter was awaiting word from the Railway Department before it would be decided whether this would be tho rendezvous for the Hokitika School excursion on the Jubilee Children’s Day. If they came here tho Hokitika children would require only tea, sugar, milk and hot water lo be supplied, as their own Committee would provide otherwise for them. Air Conning would meet him later and advise exactly as to requirements. The Chairman said it would simplify matters for all concerned if the children made the day that of their annual excursion. At next Monday’s Executive meeting there ‘would be a special report on the whole matter.

Air Clarke said the programme included a torchlight procession and fireworks, and asked if any sum had been set aside. Mr Lord said said that Pinkertons (Christchurch) had offered to put on a set display, and the Committee had let that matter stand over. The Chairman said it would cost £125. Air Clarke said they must cut down this expenditure to a minimum. Sets were too costly. Air Bond said that at a most reasonable cost they could obtain fireworks from Auckland. Air Rose said the idea had been to make a charge to see the fireworks. Air Kent favoured cutting out fireworks. The Chairman said a really good display would be costly. A few pounds worth of rockets might serve. Air Bond said £lO would obtain a good display of English fireworks from Auckland. Mr Barrowman said the display at the School Jubilee cost £2O. Air Clarke proposed that fireworks be dispensed with, and Air Irvine seconded, saying .it would be a waste of money. Air Lord said they could at least let the matter stand at present. ’ In other places displays had been very popular and effective. Mr Seddon had indicated there would be displays by the warships. Air Clarke said sone of the rockets last time were no good,, but really dangerous. Air Kent salt?

they could fix a limit, and he moved that not more than £lO be spent on a display. Mr Patterson seconded, saying nothing would so please the children. On the amendment being put to a show of hands, it was carried by a substantial majority. Air Alurray asked if any arrangements for a train from Christchurch on the Sunday of Jubilee Week had been made. Air Rose said that as the Band would now return on the Alonday, such a train would not be necessary. The Department had asked £2OO for a train, and £7O to fetch them from Otira, hv way of guarantee. If they had a train going away on the Saturday to Christchurch, it would take people away from the celebrations. Air Alurray said there was every probability of a train returning on Sunday, as tho Band’s Contest Committee were now in negotiation with the Department. The Chairman said there was no reason why they should not ask that trains be run lo 'Jrcymouth lo suit them. The Department had promised a train, to leave Christchurch at 9.30 p.m. on other occasions. Air Kent moved that they ask for a train on the Sunday. Air Rose said they did not want to do anything that meant sending away peopie on the Saturday. Air Kent said the Saturday train would not be theirs, and people going by it would go m any case. Air Alurray said lie had raised the question so as to avoid overlapping. The Chairman said that if th? Band were approaching the Department, the Committee could promise them the support of the Alayor and their Organiser and Secretary in the matter. Air Alurray said that if they could bring back in the Suudav train an extra 250 people, it would be all the hotter. Air Kent ’s proposal that the Secretary and Organiser confer with the Band ami the Reefton Trotting Club on Hie subject was adopted. Air Alurray asked what was being done to provide an Old Timers’ Ban.l. Mr Lord said there were two projects in this regard. He had arranged for a band of real old-timers, and Air G. Perotti was training an Old-Timers’ Band. He suggested tho two should combine.

Air Perkins reported on the sports, for which £445 in prizes is being provided. During the holidays he had been away attending six athletic meetings, and the athletes at all of these were very pleased with the programme, which would be the best in the Dominion at the time. They would get all the South Island back-markers here for cycling, running and field event.?. Old West Coasters also assured him everywhere they would be coming over for tho Jubilee. The ten leading cyclists of Now Zealand were coming. He was sorry AlcLonnan, the sprint champion, had broken down in health, and could not com?. He would go to Hokitika and urge the Club there to hold a sports meeting on the Alonday after the Jubilee, as it would have all 111'* crack athletes to compete, and prove the best thing for both places. A good crowd at Hokitika from all parts would be assured. At the suggestion of Air R. Wylde, it was decided that the Alayor and Secretary communicate with the Mine Alanagers’ Union and Co-operative Aliners, urging them to proclaim Jubilee Day a holiday. The Chairman said there would probably be mine holidays on the race days. Air Barrowman asked what holidays would be observed in Greymouth. The Chairman said Jubilee Day would be a general holiday, and. the Banks were closing. The Executive could consult the business people. The Organiser said that £2O was being devoted to prizes for the procession, consisting of medals valued at three guineas each for the following: Open competition for best display, to be known as the “Free for All”; best trade display; most original display; most humorous display, and best mo tor car display; while a medal, worth £2 2s, would be offered for the best juvenile display. Air Ashton proposed, and it was agreed, that the prize winners have the option of accepting medals or the monetary equivalent. It was also decided to charge a nomination fee of one shilling for each class, children to be free, and nominations to close a week in advance.

The Organiser reported the Aluscum Room had been renovated, and some fine exhibits had been received, including a Crimean War medal for the Battle of Sebastopol, dated 1854, received by the late Private Wm. Alclntyre, of the 57th Regiment, and donated by his son, Air F. Mclntyre, of Westport. Airs Thomas had donated a model of the cage used at the Teremakau River in the early days, which her father had designed. Pictures had also been received. Air Kimball (Un-der-Secretary for Alines) was donating coal exhibits, and the Hokitika Branch of the Forestry Department and Air Butler were giving timber exhibits. Steamer models were also to be received. He suggested that loading should be provided for the steamer Kennedy, the last of the “fast and favourite” steamers of the pioneer days, to com-3 here in Jubilee Week. They could approach the merchants to provide loading from Foxton, and they could here load her with coal for the return trip. It was necessary to induce the West Coasters’ Association of Christchurch to take a keener interest in the Jubiless. The Chairman said that Association would get going once invitations were sent. Air Rose, in reply to Air Patterson, said the Concert Committee would meet on Thursday or Fridays. Votes of thanks were, on the Chairman’s motion, accorded Air Alclntyre and Airs Tlwmas for their donations to the Aluseum. On the motion of Alt Perkins, it was decided that the GeuJeral Committee meet on Tuesday, January 24th.