STATE’S BIRTHDAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 3 October 1936, Page 14

STATE’S BIRTHDAY

NEW SOUTH WALES THE 150th ANNIVERSARY “There is one matter in which we would like your people to take some interest and that is the celebrations we are planning in 1938 in New South Wales,” said the Premier of New South Wales, Mr B. S. Stevens, on board the Aorangi at Auckland. “In that year we reach our 150th birthday. Our desire is to celebrate that evening in such a way that will help us to be better known overseas and in New Zealand. We want to attract people to visit us. We have a strong and representative committee arranging the basis of our celebrations and I hope that the New Zealand people will take an interest.

“This anniversary is not merely of State importance—it has a distinct national significance. When Governor Phillip, on 27th January, 1788, hoisted the British flag on the shore of Port Jackson, he cherished a great hope that as he had taken part in a ceremony that marked the opening of a new continent, he would be enabled to lay deep and strong the foundations of a colony that would become a precious and important part of the new British Empire. In our own times we have seen his dreams come true. By the help of men and women of courage and enterprise, of foresight and endurance this land of infinitely great' resources and limitless opportunities has been peopled and developed, not only with the old British traditions preserved intact, but with new ideals developed and fostered. Under the hard test of the Great War Australia emerged into full nationhood, with proved ability to take a proper place among the sovereign peoples of the world, enjoying all privileges, and ready to bear all responsibilities. “The planning of the anniversary celebrations is being carried out as an expression of that national spirit, and cordial assurances of assistance and co-operation have been received from the Federal Government, from the Governments of other States, and from organisations of all kinds both within Now South Wales and in other . parts of Australia. Nor will the international aspect be overlooked. Distinguished visitors from overseas, representative of politics and industry, religion and science, sport and athletics will meet in New South Wales and the Government intends

that they will have every opportunity of seeing and being impressed by the beauties and resources of this State, so that they will go away friends of Australia, and ambassadors of people who have, as Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, described it a ‘continent for a nation and a nation for a continent.’

“I understand that you are holding your centenary celebrations in 1940. You may rely upon our friendship and our interest in those activities. When I was in Vancouver the Mayor of that city promised me that he would do his best to awaken interest in Canada in our celebrations, and I am sure that the New Zealand people will be only too glad to do that also,”