STRATFORD JUBILEE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 23 March 1928, Page 5

STRATFORD JUBILEE.

,SPECTACULAR PROCESSION. : > GAIETY AND SPORTS. All Stratford is taking a keen-inter-est in the forthcoming jubilee, which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary- of the Stratford district. From March 26 to April 1 the town will be the scene of all kinds of entertainments, sports and contests. ' The Stratford Operatic Society contributes the first of these diversions'— a performance of “The Arcadians” in the Town Hall at 8 p.m. on Alarch 26. This pretty and tuneful play is bound to attract and delight large audiences. Then comes what is practically the official opening of the jubilee—the jubilee procession, which will set out at 10.30 on Tuesday, Alarch 27, for a tour of the principal streets of Stratford. No little ingenuity has been displayed by the promoters, and those taking part in the procession, and it is confidently expected that the spectacle will well repay the trouble that is being taken to make .it a success. ; At the head of the procession there will be displays symbolic of triumph and progress. _ Next will come the military band. After that will come a group of Maoris, representing the first inhabitants. These will be followed by surveyors and bushmen, recalling the opening up of the district. The evolution of transport will be demonstrated by pack horses, bullock drays,, horse-drawn vehicles and. motors —a picturesque and) enlightening spectacle/ The next detachment will represent the products of Stratford district, including fungus (the early settlers’ friend), timber, dairy produce, hides, skins, 'tallow, wool, cool, lime, bricks and tiles. After these will come the local authorities, representatives of the pioneers, friendly societies, fire brigade, groups of school children, Scouts and Girl Guides. Next there will be trade displays' and decorated, vehicles. Keen rivalry is being shown by participants, and the rear will be brought up by burlesque figures. At 1 p.m. a luncheon,' will be tendered to the pioneers in recognition of the * great debt this generation owes to-the courage and perseverance of the early settlers. The children will take part in a demonstration of sports at I p.m. at Tier toria Park, and it is anticipated that Young Stratford will, prove that the rising generation is worthy of the sacrifices made in the old hard days. ' In the evening the Operatic Society will give the second performance of “The Arcadians.” -