THE CORONATION

Grey River Argus, 22 April 1937, Page 2

THE CORONATION

Public Meeting PROPOSALS APPROVED. At the .public meeting held .last evening to consider proposals for the fitting celebration of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth next month, there were present: The Mayor (Mr W- Moldrum) who piiesidecQ Mr J- O’Brien, M-P-, Cr. AM. Carroll, Mesdames Meade , and Coumbe, Messrs P- J- McLean, W- M. Stewart, A- J- Fairmaid, G- E- Perkins, Rev Bro- Anthony, and representatives of sports bodies- Apologies were received from Cr. A- H- MeKane. Ven- Archdeacon J- A- JermynMessrs F- A- Kitchiugham and A- £• MorganOutlining the object of the meeting, the Mayor read the Acting-Prime Minister’s letter, and submitted a draft of the committee’s proposals- He said that in Westport the schools would not take part in the public function, and he. thought that that was only right, as the Acting-Prime Minister had made a liequest along those linesIt would not be much fun for the ! children to have to attend two similar functions in the one morning. It would not be difficult to have a sports meeting in the afternoon, and H seemed to be the general opinion that the day should be made as much a holiday a R possible. No formal ceremony except the gathering at the Town Hall at 11 am- when Mr O’Brien and the Mayor would deliver shoiit addi esses, would, be held. The meeting was called to approve of the programme and set up the necessary committees. No doubt, the great majority would be enthusiastic enough, but most of, the work fell to a few-

Mr Stewart said that lit the Technical School it was proposed to open a native wood gate and plant some native trees to commemorate the ceremony. He thought that 9.15 o’clock was early enough for assembling the pupil«, as many came by train and did not arrive before that time- He asked if any treatise .showing (he relationship of the Statute of Westminster to the present Coronat on-—the first, al which a King would be crlowned King of New Zealand —was available. Mr O’Brien said he did not know of any Government, publication. He agreed that it was inadvisable to ask the children to attend the puniic ceremony. Mrs Coumbe said that the Horticultural Society wished to plant sycamore trees round the Recreation Ground wherle there was at present no shelterThey considered that the town would he considerably beautified by the treesAirs Meade asked that consideration be given to having a piece of bush .land on’ the Taylorville. Road declared a scenic reserve- She understood it was formerly vested in the Cobden Town Board.

The Mayor said he did not know if it was now vested in the boitough.

Mr O’Brien said that if it was not a scenic reserve it ought to beThe Mayor said that -both matters could be considered by the councilSo far as trees on the Recreat on Ground were concerned, he did not think that the sports bodies 1 , especially cricketerls, would agree-

Cr- Carroll said that the trees there before had been cut downMr O’Brien: They were ring-barked to get rid of them-

It was decided to refer the matters to the '•ouncil for favourable consideration.

Air AlcLean said he had brought the suggestion of a shopping week forward-

er- Carroll said that the matter would be discussed by the Businessmen’s Association on Af.onday niyht.

Air T- O ’Donnell said that .the Rugby Union would hold a seven-a-side tou> ney lasting from 9 ami. to 5-30 p.m> on Coronation Day. Mr Perkins said that he thought a

sports meeting would be arranged at Victoria Park in the afternoon- Borne organisation would be necessaryAir K- E- Balchin said that a hockey flix-a-side tourney, or, alternatively, a representative match against. Canterbury would be. played in the afternoon-

On .the mot'on of Cr- Car roll ami Air McLean,) tho programme as submitted was approved, and the Rugby Union and Hockey Association are to be asked to carlry out their respective graihme.sRev Brother Anthony said that the Alarist School would have house football games 1 at Victoria Park in the morning. This was approved. Children’s EntertainmentAir O’Brien said that the children should be given fruit or sweets dm‘ng the day, which would not well pass without some small recognition to them. A dommittee could handle the mattei. The Alayor. said that the cost w„ould be considered by the council, and a grant would be madeAir O’Brien said that the Westland County Council had given £4O for the country schools, <ind it would be very nice if the Harbour Board gave the sameMi( AlcLean: We’ve already given .30 guineas for the Health Camps. The Alayor: We have all got to give to thatAir O’Brien agreed with the Alayor that there should be a distribution of fruit and sweets at the schools, and also at the sports'. One lo t would not last longThis suggestion was adopted, and it was decided to request the Harbour Board and Power Boai.d to supplement the Borough'Council ’s grantAir Perkins was appointed convenor of (he Sports CommitteeThe following were elected to the General Committee, with power to add: The Alayor, Air J- O’Brien, AI-P-, Cr A. H- McKane, Ale'-srls P- J. AlcLean. G- E- Perk'ns, W- II- Parfitt, and FH- Denton-