TARANAKI JUBILEE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9274, 21 April 1891, Page 2 (Supplement)

TARANAKI JUBILEE.

TEE PREMIER’S SPEECH.

New Plymouth, March 30.

The Taranaki Jubilee proceedings commenced last evening when a commemoration service was largely attended. To-day an exhibition, the sports, and bowling contests made np the programme. The exhibition was opened by the Premier, There were also present Messrs Smith, Macdonald and McGuire, M.H.IVs, and a Urge attendance of the public. Mr Ballance read a telegram froin the Governor, regretting his inability to attend. The Premier regretted the absence o£ Sir H. Atkinson, who had taken a leading part in the politics of Taranaki, and ho felt euro the people would join with him in hoping that Sir H. Atkinson would soon bo 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 epirit and self reliance. New Zealand was the most favoured part of Australasia, and Taranaki deserved the title of the garden of Now 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 » complete success. A small expenditure in dredging would enable the largest interprovinoial steamer to trade with New Plymouth. It had been eatd in the House of Representatives that money had been thrown away, but he thought it had been well spent, and the Harbour was as good as those of Timatu, 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. Ha complimented the district on the mineral resources, and said the Government would do their best to develops them.

Referring to education be said the expen< ditnre might be made more useful. He complimented the people on their exhibition and declared it open. The Mayor and the Chairman of tho Exhibition Committee also spoke. There was a large number of visitors at the Exhibition. During tho day’s eports there was a splendid attendance.

A citizens’ ball is being hold this evening. To morrow there will be a procession, more sports, an agricultural show, the Exhibition, and a pyroteohnio display, Tho 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 8000 people are now in town. 2000’ adults and 1500 school children are taking part in ths procession. The Exhibition was largsly patronised yesterday, and the ball last night was attended by the Premier and Mrs Reliance. Later. Tho 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, local industry trollies, and vehicles of ancient date. The prooea. sion was a mile in length, and about 7COO people assembled to witness and take part in it. Tho Mayor delivered an inangural address, and the children of the district wero given a free luncheon. The sports were attended by between three and fear thousand persona. The Exhibition was also largely patronised. The pyroteohnio display in the evening was a great success. Ths whole day’s proceedings passed off with great eclat. The agricultural show was very successful. To-morrow there will be amuse, meats at the Exhibition, the Taranaki Jockey Club’s races, the opera “ Patience,” aad the prodace show.