MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 28 June 1911, Page 6

MOTUEKA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) HARBOUR BOARD ELECTION. ' MOTUEKA, Thi s Day. The election of one member for the Harbour Board to 11 the vacancy of Mr P Q. Moffatt, lesigneS.' (now Secretary of the Board) resulted in the 'return of Mr*W. Ryder as a Borough member of the Board, on Wednesday. There were four candidates for the vacancy, but it was a foregone conclusion that Mr Ryder would be returned, as the other candidates had never previously taken a prominent part in local public affairs. The result of the poll was .as follows: W. Ryder 160, W. Mclnnis 49, J. Williams 26. and G. Rot ton 13. CORONATION CELEBRATIONS. The elaborate programme arranged by a large and enthusiastic committee representative of the whole district, was cancelled on Wednesday afternoon, owing to the continuous wet weather, and t 1 e out districts were informed accordingly. It was, however, decided that the celebrations should-take place at the various schools. On Thursday, Coronation Day, the programme carried out in the borough was carried out more enthusiastically "than the promoters anticipated it would be even on the morning of the day. A Coronation service was held in. the. new St. Thomas' Church of England, and the Mounted Rifles assembled under Major Deck, 0.C.. opposite the High School, and saluted th e flag, in the morning. At cne o'clock a procession consisting of the Motueka Brass Band, veterans, and returned troopers, Mounted Rifles, School Cadets of Motueka, Ri"waka. Brooklyn, and Whakarewa. Schools, children from the same schools, and Boy Scouts, paraded High street to the Horticultural Hrll. The street was decorated with lines of flags arid bunting was also displayed on places of business, etc., the Post Office being well and tastefully decked out in red, white, and blue and other gay flags. The large hall, where it was estimated altogether 1000 people assembled, presented .a really beautitiful appearance within. On the walls and over head were tree ferns and other, native bush growths. Seating accommodation was provided for about 500 school children, the Mounted Infantry dismounted, Boy Scouts, and School Cadets, etc.. being arranged in order in the centre of the large floor space, while the general ipublie found standing room also within the Imilding, At the head of the room a platform-with seating accommodation for the local "bodies and speakers was provided, the national colours and greenery beinjr predominant, and in the central background a large picture of King George V. showed out in relief, with the words in large gold ' letters, on a royal blue streamer. "God Save the King/' Patriotic speeches were ably delivered by the Mayor of Motueka, Mr F. W. Thorp; Messrs Canavan, Chairman of the District. High School; T. Pattie, Chairman of the Motueka Harbour Board, representing the Harbour District; and L. W. Easton, member of the Education Board. The speeches vrere and applauded. The Mayoress then unfurled the flag. The Brass Band the n played "God Save the King." the assemblage joining with vocal refrain. The Mounted Corps and Cadets, etc., marched past, and saluted the flag and re-formed in square. Following: this the school children were presented with Coronation medals by the Chairmen of their several Comittees. The youngsters "were well supplied with sandwiches, cakes, and fruit, and Mr F. Huffain entertained % them for an hour with suitable phonographic selections.' The Bnass Band also enlivened the day ■wi-fch patriotic tunes. Tn conclusion the Mayor thanked those who had taken part, in making the -celebration of the crowning of King George "V". and Queen Mary a success. He especially thanked the ladies' committee for providing the eatables and tea, and also Mr Jaques for the-yery «ble way in which he (had carried out the arrangements for decorations.

The affair 'was in every way a complete success., and the -assemblage dispersed at about 4 o'clock.