CENTENNIAL PARK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 10

CENTENNIAL PARK

CEREMONY AT TUAKAU SPEECH BY MINISTER RIBBONS FOR OLD PIONEERS [I'ROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] TUA K A.TJ, Monday Local celebrations of the New Zealand Centennial took place in Tuakau to-day, tiie opening of the Centennial Memorial Park by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, being followed by various functions during the day and evening. Mr. S. M. Crawford, chairman of the Tualcau Town Board, welcomed Mr. Langstone and visitors at the park gates. It was hard to imagine the hardships the pioneers had had to endure in the development of the country, said Mr. Langstone. He wanted the young people to realise the great work that had been done so that they were able to enjoy such a high standard of living to-day. The world was engaged in a tremendous war, yet there were some in New Zealand who thought that the country should not do its duty. New Zealand had the greatest heritage in the world to safeguard. The Minister called on Mrs. Crawford to cut the ribbon binding the park gates and declared the park officially open. The large gathering present then moved to the Town Hall, where luncheon was served. Mr. J. N. Massey, M.P., chairman of the Zone ]) Centennial Committee, said it was fitting to show appreciation of the services given to the country by their forefathers. Mr. Langstono had said they were more British than the British themselves. They should then be prepared to pay the sacrifices that the people were paying in Great Britain. During a national crisis they should have compulsory military service. Tlicy should also be prepared to sacrifice their standard of living for the time being. Ribbons were presented to a number of old pioneers present, those resident in the country for 85 years or over received the official Government ribbon and those of 75 years'' standing and over the Franklin ribbon.