JUBILEE OPENS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22583, 23 November 1936, Page 11

JUBILEE OPENS

DEVONPOBT BOROUGH ■PROGRESS IN SO YEARS THANKSGIVING SERVICE HELD With a golden clay, Devonport opened officially its jubilee celebrations yesterday afternoon. Thousands thronged the borough, the shops and buildings of which were gaily decorated, the crowds revelling in the sunshine, for the weather might have been made to order to provide an auspicious start for a week of celebrations and carnival. Headed by the band of the Ist Battalion- Auckland Regiment, and with the Auckland Scottish Pipe Band interpolating bagpipe music, a parade of naval and military units and other organisations marched from opposite the ferry wharf to the Domain Cricket Ground, where a united thanksgiving service was held. The parade was in the charge of Captain C. E. Weir, R.N.Z.A., and Lieut. C. P. Harper, N.Z.F.A., acted as adjutant. A detachment from the Philomel marched with that swing and precision that has become associated with the naval trainees. Artillery detachments followed, and then returned soldiers wearing medals. Members of lodges, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and other organisations from Devonport also marchefl, a section of St. John Ambulance Brigade bringing up the rear. Crowds were thick along the line of march, hundreds following the parade to the cricket ground. Progress oi Borough The Mayor of Devonport, Mr. H. F. W. Meikle, presided at the service, and apologised for the absence of the Hon. W. E. Parry, who was to have been the principal speaker at the service. In a telegram Mr. Parry regretted that several public engagements precluded attendance and said that the celebrations would be followed with interest not only by the people of Auckland but throughout New Zealand. Mr. Meikle announced that Mr. W. J. Lyon, M.P for Waitemata, was representing the Government at the service.

The Mayor extended a particular welcome to old residents visiting the borough, many of whom were present at the service. He said it was fitting that there should be a service of thanksgiving, for the progress of the borough in 50 years had been remarkable. When the borough was formed, Devonport was roadless; now it had first-class roads second to none in New Zealand. He referred to the other amenities in the borough. The borough comprised 1100 acres and it contained some of the finest playing areas in the Dominion, but its great asset was nature's endowment. It could go forward fortified with the confidence the last 50 years had brought.

Mr. Lyon said that civic pride was a national asset. The large gathering suggested that civic pride was in the hearts of residents, who had reason to be proud of the wonderful amenities of the borough. He noticed that many old residents were present. Some might have helped the progress of the borough as administrators; others had given valuable service as co-operators. On behalf of the Government he congratulated the gathering. Religious Inspiration in Borough

The Rev. W. J. Elliott referred, not only to the progress of the borough, but also to that of the worlsl. Despite its imperfections and troubles, the age was the most wonderful in history. Religion had played a great part in civilisation, and it was fitting to refer to the part it had played in Devonport. Honour must be given to the Roman Catholic Church for first starting religious services 011 the North Shore. It did this in 1849. The Anglican denomination started services in 1855, the Methodist in 1865, the Presbyterian in 1866, the Congregationalists in 1885, and the Salvation Army, which started with a service in 1883, was firmly established by 1899. Many prominent and worthy citizens, who had done much for Devonport, were members of the donominations mentioned. He congratulated the borough, not only for lta material progress, but for the spiritual advancement in the life of the community.

A united citizens' prayer was offered up by the Rev. P. N. Knight and a Scripture reading from Matthew V. was given by Colonel A. B. Carmichael (Salvation Army). Hymns. "0 God, Our Help in Ages Past" and Kipling's "Recessional," were sung, and the Rev. H. 13. Wingfield said the benediction. When the service had concluded the gathering was entertained with band music.

Last evening a jubilee celebrity con-cert-was given in the Victoria Theatre, leading artists performing to a laree and enthusiastic audience. Tlifs afternoon old idontities, past mayors and councillors will be entertained at a reunion in th<* Victoria Theatre. A full programme has been arranged for the rest of the week, the celebrations ending on Saturday. The Devonport naval base and dockyard will be opened for inspection tomorrow afternoon from one o'clock to six. Snorting events will be decided and an exhibition of drill will be given. An additional attraction for visitors will be a conducted inspection of the collection of old ships' figureheads. A military gymkhana has been arranged to take place at the Devonport Domain in the evening.