N.Z. CENTENNIAL

Grey River Argus, 8 February 1940, Page 12

N.Z. CENTENNIAL

WESTLAND ORGANISATION. A meeting of the Westland Provincial Organisation of the New Zealand Centennial was held at Greymouth last evening, Mr G. A. Perry presiding. Those present included Messrs J. O’Brien, M.P., F. A. Kitchingham, J. Smeaton, A. H. McKane, J. A. Murdoch, J. Mulcare, W. B. Gilbert, R. McTaggart, J. Unwin, J. B. Kent, P. J. McLean and D. J. Evans (secretary). / The secretary reported that one volume had been filled with signatures at the West Coast Court at the Exhibition in Wellington from November 8 to January 11. It was hoped to have three volumes filled by the end of the centenary. It was a most interesting record and the idea was that the volumes be bound and deposited in some secure place. The Centennial Department, Wellington, wrote acknowledging report of Thanksgiving Service at Hokitika. The Department also notified issue of Centennial programme for New Zealand. The secretary, Historical Branch, New Zealand Centennial, Wellington, wrote congratulating the council on issue of “Old Westland.” It was stated that it was a fine production, which would stand as a lasting memorial.

It was decided to thank the “Star" and “Argus”, Greymouth, for forwarding newspapers daily to the West Coast Court at the Centennial Exhibition.

Master A. G. McLeod, Runanga, wrote expressing pleasure at being awarded the Centennial Scholarship, and stating he had passed the University Entrance Examination, and arrangements had been made to enter Lincoln Agricultural College. He thanked the council for its assistance.

The General Manager, N.Z. Exhibition, wrote extending an invitation to Mayors and County Chairmen of the district to visit the Exhibition when the directors would be glad to extend hospitality. The Kokatahi-Koiterangi Band wrote stating its intention to visit the Exhibition in March, and enquiring if any- financial assistance would be granted.

A sum of £5 was granted. The secretary, in presenting a financial statement, stated: The receipts to date total £3027 5s lid, and expenditure £2294 7s 7d. The credit balance is £732 18s 4d. Cash assets (estimated) are £371 10s, and subsidies anticipated, £352. The following accounts were passed for payment:— Whitcombe & Tombs, “Old Westland” (de luxe) £131; “Westland To-day” £163 10s; A. G. McLeod, scholarship £5O; C. M. Banks, Ltd., stationery £3 17s 6d; Dunford, signs 15s; Christchurch “Press”, blocks; for publication £3B 14s 6d; caretaker and petties £l4 0s 6d; total £4Ol 17s 6d.

The secretary said that the financial position was quite satisfactory, and he hoped there would be a surplus for the Centennial scholarship fund.