REEFTON ROTUNDA

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1941, Page 2

REEFTON ROTUNDA

Centennial Memorial OPENING CELEBRATION. The opening or Reelion's Centennial Band Rotunda in King George V Bark took place on Sunday in line weather, heavy rain of tfi.e moinmg having ceased about mid-day. ine Rotunda is a circular structure ol reiniorced concrete, the floor being two feet six inches above ground. Eight substantial pi.lars carry the roof, also of concrete, finished hi piaster with an non rool. The pillars are connected with ornamental iron railings, and five concrete steps lead to th e floor. . The rotunda bears a very line appearance, and was very favourably commented upon by large gathering present. The County Chairman, Mr John O’Regan, conducted proceedings. After the National Anthem had been played by the massed bands (Hokitika, Greymouth and Inangahua), the members of the last named being augmented by members of the Brunner Band, Mr O’Regan welcomed the visitors, including Messrs J. O'Brien, M.P. for Westland; G. A. Perry (Mayor of Hokitika and Chairman of the Centennial Committee), and Mr D. J. Evans (Secretary ol the Centennial Patriotic Committee). Ho remarked that Mr Evans was a live wire in local bodies,, and all appreciated his work as wOl as his attendance that day. ' The County Chairman- then proceeded io declare the Rotunda open. Th° Centennial of the Dominion, said, wa s a memorable event ant worthy of celebration in a notaoli manner. New Zealand had been built in two generations, and was a striking tribute to the work of trie pioneers. The Government had do subsidies to erect suueb« memorials, and after discussion the County Council decided to _ erect \ band rotunda in Reefton. fifiis & gestion came Hom Cr. J - He had to congratulate Mr £cnnc j the County Engineer,, who designed the Rotunda; and Mr A. e ’ bbuilder, and to thank the men! for the subsidy which enable th ( > building to be erected, and which only one small payment remained to'be made. He had mticl .pleasure in declaring the Rotunda open. , t,;,. Mr J O’Brien, M.P., expressed his pleasure, at being ~ present, and thanked the Committee for the invitation. H e represented . the Member for Moteuka, Mr Skmner, who wa= at present in Egypt, and was doing his job well, and who had earned the best opinions of the officers there. They had come through a century in ‘New Zealand, while civilisation had wilted coloured races until some had almost disappeared. In New Zealand the Maoris were now increasing more than the white people, and no doubt they would have such a large number thgt the who.e Dominion might again become their's. The Maori; were their brothers, and every effort was being made to educate them as well as to" improve their conditions of living. He (Mr O’Brien) came to NewZealand some .36 or 37 years ago. and his first job was to endeavour to find a reef in Lankey’s Creek. and then, on looking over the country, he had wondered how the pioneers could have reached those almost inaccessible parts. He maintained that tho present Government had doubled the income of Ih e . inhabitants and that no real trouble was being'felt by the people. He wanted to meet the people of Inangahua and learn their wants, and shortly h ( > would spend some days in Reef-on when all could, see him and make known theT wanks. He hoped the Band Rotunda i would be well utilised. It was | set on a beautiful spot, and was an 1

idpal (place for holiday concerts, picnics, etc. He thanked the Committee for th e invitation to be present. I . , , , Inangahua Silver Band p.ayed Gold,enst ein (Greenwood) being the, first band to play in the Rotunda. The Grey Municipal Band played th e hymn “The Birth.’’ Mr G. A. Perry, Mayor of Hokitika, and Chairman of the Centennial Committee, said he brought a message of goodwill and congratulation on the completion of the memorial. He referred to the discovery of the Dominion and the visit of vessels of the Royal Navy which came to get kauri, the best timber for spars. They must work for the democratic principles of freedom and liberty, and must do everything possible to secure victory in the war. All not taking an active part at the front, must do their very best to assist, by production and industry. The memorial was one of 100 yetjrs of growth, ar he hoped it would long prove of benefit, to the people of Inangahua. The Grey Municipal Band played a selection from “H Traviata” and the Hokitika Municipal, “Musical Melodies’’ , Mr D. J. Evans expressed his pleasure at being present and Congratulated Inangahua upon the completion of the Rotunda, which was a most useful and beautiful centenarv monument. The centenary was an epoch in the history of th e Dominion, and the population had responded well, but he considered ths West Coast 'response was the best The West Coast court at th e Centennial ExhibitiorTin Wellington was one of the best, as it gave the people some idea of the minerals of the D«< minion. He thanked the Reeftoc School of Mines for their assistance in providing minerals. He pointed out that a Memorial Scholarship had been established for the youth of the West Coast, both boys and girls Last year it was awarded to Master Alister McLeod, of Runanga, but unfortunately hg took di in October and lost some schooling. He was. however, awarded a further scholarship on account of his splendid work and this time he' was sent to tha University. The Centennial Committee now was nearly finished, and prr lically all that remained to’ be dome was in connection with accounts. He thanked the Committee for inviting him and also for their; pleasing reception. j Mr Collier, Conductor of th P Inangahua Silver Band, spoke on behalf of the conductors of the Bands. He said all agreed that the Rotunda was fine sounding, and the notes of each instrument could be plainly distinguished. It was decidedly better than playing on grass, which was hard on bandsmen. _ He welcomed the visiting bandsmen and thanked them for coming to Reefton The massed bands _then played under their respective conductors, Messrs Anderson (Grey), Deep Harmony; Ross (Hokitika), Invercargill March; and Collier (Inangahua) N.Z. National Anthem. This concluded th e proceedings, and the massed bands proceeded to the Band Room, via Church and Bridge Streets and Broadway.

The visiting bandsmen, with Messrs Jas. O’Brien M.P., G. A. Perry, and D. J. Evans, the Chairman, and members of the Inangahua Countv Council, were entertained at tea at the Band Room by the Inangahua Band members. Some 150 sat down to a fine meal managed by the Ladies’ Committee of the Band. Mr Perry thanked the Band for the invitation extended to the party. f r °m the Rotunda opening and congratulated the Inangahua Band on its fine Band Room, and its excellent appointments. H P hoped that many more happy functions such as had been held that dav would be held.

Mr J. O’Regan (County Chairman) in expressing the appreciation of the Band in having visits from both Greymouth and Hokitika Municipal Bands, welcomed th e visitors, and

hoped they would again come to Reefton for a band gathering. Mr Ross (Conductor of Hokitika Band) thanked Mr O’Regan and the Inangahua Band: for their hearty welcome, and for the hospitality extended to their members. They fif’d enjoyed the day, and hoped to have a visit from the Inangahua Band. Mr T. Freeman (for Greymouth Municipal Band) also thanked Reefton Band for their welcome and Mr O’Regan for his good wishes. They had appreciated the invitation to come to Reefton, and had experienced a happy day. Mr Morgan (for Brunner Brass Band) also spoke, and extended aninvitation to the Inangahua Band to visit Brunner* for th e opening of a: sport s pavilion during Eastertide. The Ladies’ Committee of Inangahua Band were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by the gathering, with musical honours . 1