Cost of the Jubilee Celebrations

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 8

Cost of the Jubilee Celebrations

THE MAORI CAVALCADE

Reference to the expenses in connection xvith the diamond jubilee celebrations of the city was made at last night’s meeting of the City Council, when it was reported that at a meeting of the council, sitting in committee, Alessrs H. E. Bennett and R. Carkeek had attended and explained matters concerning the accounts relating to the Maori cavalcade.

Speaking in connection with the celebrations, the Alayor (Mr. A. E. Alansford) said the procession had been the best held in Palmerston North, but most of the people who followed it did not enter the Showgrounds, preferring to wait for the following Saturday, when the A. and P. Association held several attractions, which were extensively patronised.

Air. Alansford asserted that it had been made to look in the press that the whole of the loss was attributable to the Alaoris. Ho had been surprised to see that report appearing in the press, because he understood that they had been asked not to take any notice of it. However, it had appeared, and he wanted to correct any wrong impression as far as the Alaoris were concerned. Any unfavourable comment that had been made was naturally regretted. The committee had been told that the Alaori portion of the programme would not cost any more than £9O, and had no idea that this amount was being exceeded until the accounts started to come in. Giving figures in regard to the various items that appeared in the week's programme, the Alayor said the total loss had been £673, of which tho Maori cavalcade had been responsible for £163. Against all this, it had to be remembered that the city had entertained over 700 old identities, and 2000 school children had been given a day's entertainment. There would be on hand plant and other equipment worth about £230. Cr. J. Hodgens, M.P., said lie had felt that the Alaoris had been criticised unjustly, and he was glad that this had been removed.