HISTORIC AKAROA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 123, 23 April 1940, Page 8

HISTORIC AKAROA

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATED. ANGLO-FRENCH UNITY. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, April 21. With the re-enactment of the declaration of British sovereignty and the landing of French settlers as chief features, the principal Centennial celebrations for the South Island began, at Akoroa yesterday. The weather was fine though, somewhat dull. From early in the morning the streets of the usually quiet little township were thronged with thousands of visitors, who had gone there to watch or take part in the re-enactment of those historic scenes of 100 years ago. As was fitting to the occasion, Maoris played a prominent part in the celebrations. Speeches were given by the Mayor of Akaroa, the French Consul, who referred specially to the gift made to Akaroa by the French President (M. Lebrun) to mark the Centennial. Mr E. N. Le Lievre, senior of the direct descendants from the original settlers, Mr T. H. McCombs, member for the district, Hon. D. G. Sullivan and Lord Galway. The day’s activities closed with a reception at the. home of Mr Le Lievre, where afternoon tea was served to members of the Vioe-Regal and official parties from a shady lawn commanding a magnificent view of one of New Zealand’s finest harbours. HAPPY UNION. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry), who is in charge of all Centennial celebrations, gave the brief address- The happy union of French and British, an integral part of Akaroa history, was recalled by Mr Parry, who emphasised that this union, still firmer now, was the hope of the world against brutality and oppression. “This happy gathering forms no inconsequential event in many striking events which all have witnessed to-day with an interest in keeping with Akaroa itself and the important and picturesque part it has played in the celebrations of the New Zealand Centennial,” said Mr Parry. “The history of the start and growth of the settlement of both islands of New Zealand is remarkable to read and interesting to learn. Wherever in the pages of that history the student's eyes feast, wherever one’s eyes light on the land to-day .there is a picture which stirs the heart and the imagination. “I feel that we have had before our eyes in Akaroa to-day a picture that will not leave the mind. We have seen a re-enaetment in pageantry of the beginning of tho historic settlement of Akaroa, and we have seen the beautiful town of New Zealand it now is. “Over all the spirit and cordiality of the people of Akaroa, which predominated at the outset of Die foundation of the settlement, predominate to day. National spirit- and friendliness have grown throughout the world, and in this Centennial year of New Zealand. the power of the union of the British and • French and Maori is plainly known, fighting a common foe. which threatens justice, freedom, and civilisation itself. Long may the union remain, and with it come victory, bringing justice and liberty to our peonies.” During the week there will bo a procession, Maori entertainment, an old settlers’ reunion and sports. A special Anzac Day service on Thursday will mark the close of the celebrations. CHURCH SERVICES. Ceremonies in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches continued the Akaroa centennial celebrations to-day. At the Kaik Onuku Maori settlement toward Akaroa Heads the chief event of the celebrations of the Anglican Church was the re-opening of the Maori church, which has been restored after being closed for 12 years. Onuku is the village from which the Maoris were first summoned to attend the ceremony of hoisting the British flag 100 years ago In the morning. Archbishop West Watson, preaching in St. Peter’s Church, Akaroa, referred to the history of the Anglican Church in Akaroa since the establishment of the first mission 88 years ago. After a further brief service in the afternoon, relays of men carried a torch lit at the altar candles of St. Peter’s three miles to Onuku. There the Bishop of Aotearoa preached, other church dignitaries present being Archbishops West Watson and Averill, Rev. J. Lawson Robinson (Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly), and Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt fconnexional secretary of the Methodist Church). A very large number of visitors was at Akaroa especially to attend the Roman Catholic South Island celebrations, beginning with a mass of thanksgiving in tho morning, attended by more than 1200 people. An address was given by Rev. Dr. Kennedy, the oldest surviving former parish priest of Akaroa. He referred to the bringing of the faith to Akaroa by the priests with the French settlers in 1840. Archbishop O’Shea, Bishop Liston, Dr Geaney (Provincial of the Society of Mary) were present. In the afternoon Bishop Brodie led the congregation on foot a mile from the church to the old French cemetery. where prayers were said for tho dead and the Benediction whs pronounced by Archbishop O’Shea. A combined service of thanksgiving was held at the war memorial where Mr Lawson Robinson gave an address.