City’s Celebration of Centennial

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 109, 11 May 1939, Page 6

City’s Celebration of Centennial

ARRANGEMENTS IN HAND la connection with the celebrating of the Centennial in Palmerstoa North, a meeting of the celebrations committeo was last evening with the deputy- 1 Mavi r, Cr. G. Tremaine, in the chair. The Manawatu Hockey Association wrote suggesting a summer hockey match during the sports in February, 3940.—Referred to sports committee. Reporting for the procession committee, Mr. W. G. Black said it was felt too early to give definite outlines and until those outlines were available, the estimated cost could not De ascertained. However, it was recommended that the following be recommended in the interim: —(1) A procession of decorated floats indicative of the progress of Palmerston North and district to include tableaux of the Maori race, flax industry, coming of the railway, coming oi the butter and cheese industry, domestic

scenes of the various decades and the like. (2) A procession illustrating community life and its progress, such as the evolution of transport from the bullock wagon to aeroplane, progress of the defence forces and equipment, fire-fighting in days gone by and to-day, and social services. (3) A procession of private and business floats. Mr. Black said very lengthy and complete arrangements would have to be arrived at between the committee, City Council, schools and all others interested, in order that the whole of the procession might be conducted as an historical outline of the growth of the district and city. The committee was looking for suggestions. The committee's recommendations were approved. Mr. J. A. Nash forwarded suggestions for the entertainment of the old identities, the qualification being 50 years of residence. The proposals were approved as a working basis. Reporting for the sports committee, Mr. J. Eagle said it was too early to say what athletes could be induced to come to Palmerston North in February bat something more definite could be ascertained by next meeting. Mr. J. T. J. Heatley, reporting on fireworks, recommended a certain display at £IOO. This should be preceded by a torch-light procession. Delegates voiced a realisation at this stage that the confining of the celebrations to one day and night had been a mistake. Mr. Eagle pointed out that it would be better to hold the evening sports at the Sportsground instead of the Showgrounds, while Mr. Heatley directed attention to the fact that it would be no use holding a sports meeting at one end of the town and fireworks at the other, on tne same night. He gave notice to move at the next meeting that the decision to limit the proceedings to one day and night, be rescinded.

The dance committee reported that the date of the dance was too far ahead to report on costs. The only

thing to be done at the moment was to book the hall and the meeting agreed to do that. A dance on the same lines as that held during fitness week was approved. The various committees were given power to add to their numbers. The next meeting of the committee will be held in June.