THE CENTENNIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1937, Page 3

THE CENTENNIAL

PliO VINCI A L OK G ANISATION A meeting of local body representatives to further the Westland Provincial Organisation for the New Zealand Centennial, 1940, was held at tho Town Hall, Greymouth, at 2 p.m. yesterday. In the absence of the Chairman, Mr G. A. Perry, Mr W. Moldi-urn, Mayor of Grey mouth presided. The following other representatives were present:— Grevmoiith Korough, A. H. McKane, Deputy Mayor; Westland County, N. H. Brown (representing the County Chairman); Greymouth Harbour 1 Board, P. J. McLean (Chairman), and J. Gilbert (Secretary); Grey Electric Power Board, ,J. Unwin; Boss Borough, John Murdoch (Mayor); Kumara Borough, A. B. Spiers (Mayor) ; Grey County Council, J. Mu lea re; Research Sub-Committee, W. Wilson, and J). J. Evans, honorary secretary. Apologies were received from Messrs Perry (Hokitika), Jamieson '(Westland), Kilkenny and Robertson (Westport). The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence approved. TNWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Under Secretary Internal Affairs, replying in regard to the connection with the National Historical Committee which would set up a bureau of information.—Received. From same, asking to ensure coordination in the historical work, a local committee be set up and a convenor be appointed.—Received. Mr W. Wilson of Hokitika, was appointed convenor. From same, accepting Mr Wilson’s nomination, and expressing interest in suggested official record for West Coast.—Received. From Wellington Historical Committee. forwarding copy of address ov T. Lindsay Buick at the inaugural meeting of the Committee.—Received. In connection with the foregoing correspondence, the Secretary detailed particulars of interviews with the Internal Affairs Department and the National Historical Committee when in Wellington recently, and explained the negotiations proceeding withj regard to historical research. Mr Wil- | son had undertaken his duties, and was in touch with the National Committee at Wellington.

Mr Wilson read correspondence detailing the particulars inquired in regard to research work, and read an interesting list of dates which had been authenticated. Mr ’Wilson lias thanked for the information supplied, and at bis request it was decided to appoint research workers in Greymouth, Westport, and lnangahua. Dr. McKay and Mr il. H iggins were suggested for the Grey district, and West-, port and Reefton were asked to select representatives. From General Manager, N.Z. Centennial Exhibition, Wellington, promising to forward /particulars ol space, etc., and welcoming proposal to exhibit. —Received. From Chairman of Directors, Centennial Exhibition, asking a representative committee be set up in each province, to organise for the exhibition to open November, 1939, to April, 1940,—Received and the Westland Provincial Organisation suggested. From Director Geological Department, Wellington, submitting conditions under which proposed essay on West Coast mining might- he invited. —Received. The suggestions were agreed to, and it was resolved to give the conditions wide publicity, the closing date being March 31, 1939. From E. I. Lord notifying visit regarding discussion about, proposed history.—Received. The Secretary reported Mr Lord had met Messrs Perry and Wilson and himself, and submitted outline matter and early day photographs. The matter was generally approved, but definite action was field over to consult the National Historical Commit!eo. That was done by the Secretary last month, and it was recommended a sub-committee meet Mr Lord at Greymouth at a convenient date to discuss, and if possible, finalise arrangements. This was agreed to, end action will be taken accordingly. From Mr McKay, agreeing to acton the Photographic Committee. Mr C. E. Shaddirk was appointed Westport representative. *

Financial. The Secretary submitted the following report:—Memorandum of Estimates. receipts and expenses for above REVENUE ITEMS. Contributing Popu- V- per 1% Bodies Jation Head Rev. County—

E:dJOB 15 0 £6BO 680 0 0 £2686 15 0* Government subsidy (unknown), expected to bo £l for £3, ANTICIPATED EXPENSES. £

The report was received, and it was stated the Grey and Westland Counties had accepted responsibility for the quotas allocated to the bodies, On the motion of Mr McKane, seconded by Mr McLean, it was resolved to ask the remaining local bodies to notify this decision as a basis for further action in the work. It was resolved also to risk local bodies to nominate suitable dates for 1c cal Centennial celebrations from Jan nary to April, 1940, and to indicate any special features proposed. The dates will lie reviewed to avoid clashing so that it will he convenient for the various parts of the Coast to meet together as much as possible during the period of eelebintion. Air McLean suggested the sporting bodies be asked to confer and suggest a, scheme. The matter was referred to the representatives of each district. Air Evans remarked as the whole of the West Coast had been purchased by Mr Mackav on behalf of the Government for 3CO sovereigns at a path tring of Maoris, at Okarito, it would be fitting to hold a gathering at the southern township to mark the historic event. it was stated the report regarding the photographic competition would be presented at next meeting. The Chairman and Mr McLean exi pressed thanks to the .secretary for the form in which the business was submitted which enabled important matters to he dealt with expeditiously. The meeting concluded at 3.25 p.m., with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding.

Bailor 63-15 317 5 0 InangalHui 3S 97 194 17 0 Groy 5705 285 5 0 Westland .. Borough-— 5535 276 15 0 Westport 4238 211 18 0 Greyniouth 8106 405 6 0 Brunner 908 49 18 0 Kumarn, 50!) 25 0 0 Hokitika 271-1 135 14 o Boss 453 22 11 0 Hunnnga ... 1646 .82 6 0

Harbour— Grey . 32500 325 Hokitika ... 2UU0 2U Grey Power Hoard 33503 335

Historical Research ... 150 Scenic and Photos Booklets ... 150 Thesis ... 50 Scholarship Fund (basis) ... ... 100!) Exhibition Court 1250 £2600