TARANAKI JUBILEE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 996, 3 April 1891, Page 32

TARANAKI JUBILEE.

THE PREMIER’S SPEFCH. (per press association.) New Plymouth, March 30. The Taranaki Jubilee proceedings com* menoed last evening when a commemoration service was largely attended. To-day an exhibition, the sports, and bowling contests made up the programme. The exhibition was opened by the Premier. There were also present Messrs Smith, Macdonald and McGuire, M.H.RJa, and a large attendance of the public. Mr Ballance read a telegram, from the Governor, regretting his inability to atteud. The Premier regretted the absence of Sir El. Atkinson, who had taken a leading part in the politics of Taranaki, and he felt sure the people would join with him in hoping that Sir H. Atkinson would soon be restored to health. He said the vicissitudes through which Taranaki had triumphantly passed entitled her to the sympathy of the rest of the Colony. ; Those difficulties were of no ordinary character. No part of the Colony had passed through greater - difficulties, and no people had shown more more sph-it and self reliance. Sew Zealand was the most favoured part of Australasia, and Taranaki deserved the title of the garden of New Zealand. After seeing New Plymouth harbour he thought a great task had been accomplished, and that a small expenditure would make the harbour capable of what it was intended for. A little more determination would ultimately make the harbour a complete success. A small expenditure in dredging would enable the largest interprovincial steamer to trade with New Plymouth. It had been said iu the House of Representatives that money had been thrown away, but he thought it had been well Bpent, and the Harbour was aa good as those of Timaru, Oamaru, or any other ocean harbour in the Colony. The Premier advocated the opening up of the land as a means of promoting the welfare of Taranaki. He complimented the district on the mineral resources, and said the Government would do their best to develops them. Referring to education he said the expenditure might be made more nsefnl. He complimented the people on their exhibition and declared it open. Tha Mayor and the Chairman of the Exhibition Committee also spoke. There was a large number of visitors at the Exhibition. During the day’s sports there was a splendid attendance. A citizens’ ball is being held this evening. To-morrow there will be a procession, more sports, an agricultural show, the Exhibition, and a pyrotechnic display. The weather is splendid. New Plymouth, March 31. A general holiday is observed to-day, being the fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of Taranaki. It is glorious weather, and people are flocking into the town by hundreds, coming in all sorts of conveyances,and quite SOOO people are now in town. 2000 adults and 1500 school children are taking part in the procession. The Exhibition was largely patronised yesterday, and the ball last night was attended by the Premier and Mrs Ballance. Later. The Taranaki Jubilee anniversary was celebrated to-day by a procession of friendly societies, the school children of the district, three brass bands, the Mayor and Borough Councillors, County Councillors, members of Parliament, the clergy, pioneer settlers,' loeal industry trollies, and vehicles of ancient date. The procession was a mile in length, and about 7COO people assembled to witness and take part in it. The Mayor delivered an inaugural address, and the children of the district were given a free luncheon. The sports were attended by between three and four thousand persons. The Exhibition was also largely patronised. The pyrotechnio display in the evening was a great success. The whole day’s proceedings passed off with great ecl&t. The agricultural show was very successful. To-morrow there will be amusements at the Exhibition, the Taranaki Jockey Club’s races, the opera “ Patience,” and the produce show.