THE RECORD REIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10421, 20 April 1897, Page 6

THE RECORD REIGN.

PROPOSED CELEBRATION. ITS FORM. WHAT? As the time approaches for the celebration 'of the Record Reign of British History, the public mind becomes more and more concerned with the question, " What form shall it take?" That such an unique event should have fitting commemoration, practically, all agree. There may, it is true, be the two's and three's, here and there, who never would consent to anything. But taking such in the aggregate, they comprise so small a portion of the community, as to be out of the count. If ever there was unanimity on a point in New Zealand, it appears to attach to the resole that such an occasion shall itand out for all time, for the stupendous demonstration of loyalty towards the person of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, as representative of the unity of the Empire; and all are equally at one that the event should have permanent commemoration. Parades and fireworks may be all very well in their place, and doubtless they will be in their place at the proper time, but there must be some lasting memorial. Various suggestions have been made as to the best form this should take. A home for convalescents or for incurables has been urged on the one hand. The claims of lick children and improved hospital accommodation for them have been pressed forward. The necessities of the blind, and the desirability of having a permanent and substantial institute for them, have not wanted advocates. On the other hand, one wants some public improvement to perpetuate rocollection of the record reign. Another would like a municipal dinner. Nothing would please a third better than to see all the school children gathered together, and their minds so impressed that they would relate tbe incidents of that day of days to their children's children in the years to come. The question is simmering in men's minds- and in women's, too. The initial step towards a settlement has not yet been taken. It shortly must be, and we purpose giving representative opinions upon differing projects, so that there may be some base upon which Auckland's citizens may work. It is, and must be, a matter for the citizens alone— is generally conceded. MUNICIPAL MOVEMENT. Though the question of celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee does not, as a matter of fact, or of law, come within the scope of the City Council's functions, yet the members are representative, and their deliberations are presided over by the chief citizen. Rightly, therefore, a municipal committee has been appointed to meet this week and make the first move towards securing united action. Unfortunately the Mayor (Mr. Boardman) is too indisposed to take the outward lead his position warrants. He, however, is understood to have been in communication with the chief of the municipal executive on the subject, and in order to ascertain the exact standpoint of the civic authorities, a Hkrald representative waited upon Mr. P. A. Philips (town clerk) with two major queries—" What has been done ?" and " What is proposed to be done ?" to initiate the movement by the City Council.

"As you are aware," said Mr. Philips, " a sub-committee of the Council has been appointed to take the matter of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration into consideration. After that it is presumed that a meeting of citizens will be convened, if not by the Mayor, by the acting-Chairman as his representative. That meeting, it is thought, should be for the purpose of electing a strong and representative committee of citizens to co-operate with the Council committee and finally frame a scheme. As you know, two letters have been received, one from the chairman of the Charitable Aid Board and the other from Dr. Baldwin, suggesting a child's hospital. These letters will be placed before the committee. What action will be taken, if any, in that direction of course is not at present known. One lady, Mrs. Browning, has already forwarded a cheque for £50 for that object." " What is the trend of opinion as far as you have gathered ?" " Opinion, generally, seems to be divided between establishing a children's hospital and a convalescent or incurables' home—of course for poor patients." "The City Council evidently intend taking a stop. Can they vote any of their funds?"

"lies, but only to a limited extent. The matter must rest in the hands of the citizens, who will doubtless have their own views. Many years since it was the practice to give the natives a dinner on the Queen's Birthday ; perhaps something of that sort might be done as in the vicinity of Auckland we hare a large number of natives whose loyalty has been proved. The volunteers have already applied for the' use of the Domain on Celebration Day for the purpose of military sports and a sham fight. Probably naval men from ships of war in port will co-operate." " Has anything been done in the direction of a fete for the school children ?" " Nothing as yet, but it may be. It is for the citizens to decide. If anyone who desires to co operate or subscribe will forward their intentions to me we shall be glad; this will help to form a basis from which the committee can work." Mr. P. Dignan, who has acted as chairman of the Council since the indisposition of the Mayor, and who was also seen by a Herald representative, was strongly of opinion that a meeting of citizens should be called to decide the matter, seeing that the money would have to come out of the citizens' pockets. "If anything is to be done,' said he, "it should nob be a little pokey thing, but it should be done well. Doubtless tradesmen would go in, for their own sakes, for street illuminations; the task of the citizens should be, he thought, more to perpetuate the memory of the event permanently." Mr. A. Kidd, another member of the Council's Special Celebration Committee agreed in the main with Mr. Dignan that the ultimate decision must rest with the citizens, who would be looked upon to provide funds. Personally his experience of charitable aid would lead bin) to favour a convalescent home, or home for incurables, to a children's hospital. The last named, he surmised, would be constantly full of children whose parents could afford to look after them, while there were many cases discharged from the hospital as convalescent or incurable with absolutely no means, These, however, were his own views at the present early stage; his mind was open and he would join loyally in anything decided upon by the Auckland public.