The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1937. THE CENTENNIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1937. THE CENTENNIAL.

Preparations "have been taken in hand betimes to prepare lor an effective commemoration due to be celebrated in 1940. The central feature for the event will be in Wellington, where an international exhibition will open in November. 1939 (a little more than two years hence) and extend to the following April. The official celebrations will take nlaee at various points during 1910. Where possible important historic events such as the arrival of the New Zealand Company settlers at Port Nicholson; the signing of the

Treaty of Waitangi; the proclamation of British sovereignty; the first Governor in residence at Auckland \thc first capital) ; and the settlements established at Wanganui and Akaroa, which all occurred in 1840, will no j doubt receive special marks of attention. The various provinces have organisations at work on preparations for district celebrations, and it is the desire of the Government that all parts should co-operate in a general recognition of the first hundred years of colonial occupation of New Zealand. The South island rather lags behind in events in the very early history outside of Akaroa. But in 1842, the Nelson settlement was founded, and from that locality came the first European to probe the West. Coast. Gold was found at Collingwood in 1857, hut , it was seven years later before Westland became notable for gold production. It is the desire, however, that local early events of general interest should be marked in connection with the centennial year. In 1853 it was resolved to purchase certain native lands in the South Island, and Brunner set out the following year to do so, but bis mission did not include tlio southern portion of the Coast. James Mackav attempted the task in 1859, but it was February of the following year before he sot out to swag his way with native guides. It was necessary to proceed as far as the Lagoon Settlement at Okarito, and there on May 21, 1860, the West Coast was bought for £3OO, which amount was distributed in sovereigns among the natives present. This is an event worthy of recognition so far as Westland is concerned, and this starting point in tho great future of Westland, might well bo in mind when the time for celebration- comes, round. In other respects, each district may 'arrange its own form of celebration,, as also memorials to mark the occasion and no doubt representative local action will bo taken. The population since 1840 w«s shown at last census to have grown to over a million and 'a half, so that by the time 1940 is reached, the million and three-quarter total may be reached. The country owes everything to the liberal constitution laid down, and to the leadership given by Sir George Grey and other stalwarts in the' struggling early days. Sir George had In Ill’s mind “the unborn millions,” and those who have come into the heritage New Zealand is. have every reason to lie grateful for the farsightedness shown. What a sterling band the pioneers of New Zealand were, and how well they faced their difficulties. Gratitude for the past services will be the keynote of the coming celebrations, and a handsome tribute is due to the men of old who made our country what lias become possible to-day. New Zealand is a happy possession, and fortunate it is to be within tho all embracing circle of the British Empire whence came the original stock.