“Stand Behind Centennial Activity”

Northern Advocate, 25 May 1939, Page 3

“Stand Behind Centennial Activity”

-MR. H. T. ATKINSON

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] PAIHIA, This Day. “I cannot appreciate the fact that people say they are too busy to participate in Centennial activities,” stated Mr H. T. Atkinson, at a public meeting held in Paihia to discuss the Centennial memorial for the district. As chairman of the Bay of Islands sub-zone executive, Mr Atkinson attended the meeting to assist local residents in Centennial affairs, and to advise them on certain matters.

He pointed out that the public had to find time to participate in Centennial affairs.

“Without being egotistical in any sense, I may say that I have been appointed president ,and chairman of at least six prominent public bodies,” he stated, “and yet, in my capacity as chairman of the Bay Centennial subzone, I still can find time attend to other matters, such as this meeting.” Continuing, Mr Atkinson made an urgent appeal that all should stand behind every Centennial activity, wherever located, to push forward the work in connection with the celebrations.

“We are only going to celebrate the one Centenary, and the very fact that you and I can sit here tonight with evidence of comfortable living around us, is a reflection to the credit of the pioneers of this district and Dominion,” he stated. “Most of us live busy lives, but it is not asking so very much that we should sacrifice some of our time, our money and interests in the next six months to ensure that the spirit of remembrance will be rekindled for the sake of our pioneers,” he concluded.