THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1948. OTAGO IN PAGEANTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26704, 25 February 1948, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1948. OTAGO IN PAGEANTRY

The “ Cavalcade of Progress ” which was presented yesterday was excellently conceived and designed. It fulfilled the promise of its title. Intended as an expression of the pride of the people of Otago in the history of their province, it .was obvious that it should be one of the most important events of the Centennial year. It was required that in a fleeting space of time the pepple of Otago should reflect upon their past, survey the present, and contemplate the future of their province. And within the compass of this pageant a beautiful and satisfying tapestry was worked. There was enough on the announcement floats, and in the displays that followed them, to stimulate the imagination and to please the eye; the design was, for its greater part,

uncluttered, the effect was to convey the sweep and variety of the changing years. This undoubtedly was a parade such as Otago has

never seen before and it was watched with appreciation by one of the largest crowds which has ever lined the streets of the city. Not only was the procession comprehensive, it was also notable for the effective symbolism which was employed. From the first item, the arrival of the Maoris, to the last, the salute to the incoming second century of Otago, there were memorable scenes. The historical and cultural sections, transport, industry, agriculture, public services, armed

services—all were worthy of admira- " tion, and the sheer beauty of colour l in the floral floats dispelled any ’ thought of the dull skies overhead.

It would be invidious to select > individual floats for mention, but 1 it is nevertheless appropriate to j refer to that prepared by the combined churches. The simple dignity : of this display created more than a fleeting impression. To sum up, Otago’s “ Cavalcade of Progress ” ■ was a memorable tribute to a 1 memorable event. CREDITS ■ The Otago Centennial Association has every reason to be proud of the procession which, through its comprehensive planning and the splendid co-operation of Otago interests, civic and commercial, made a remarkable picture in the city’s thronged streets yesterday. To Mr Carl V. Smith, particularly, and his committee, to the Marshal, Mr J. P. Cook, and his deputies, and to the police and traffic departments, the praise of the people of Otago, and of visitors from farther afield, is due. Into this cavalcade, which ran smoothly perhaps excepting the motor vehicles of another age, and allowing for the idiosyncrasies of too many city streets—an enormous sum of voluntary effort was poured. That which passed the spectator’s eye in a crowded half hour represented the organisation and labour of many thousands of man-hours. If there was some disappointment at the decorative and illumination scheme, when “the lights went on” in January, it was due rather to a public misconception of the organisers’ intention than to any failure on their part; and the gradual building up of the decorations for Carnival Week aided in introducing to the people the unqualified success of the “ Cavalcade of Progress.” As to the people, for whose entertainment all this gay and impressive performance was arranged, they not only enjoyed themselves, they conducted thlmselves with credit. There was less of applause than the procession’s sponsors deserved, but there was a keen appreciation of what had been done to make a'public red-letter day, and the crowds behaved admirably, with thought for everybody’s enjoyment. Dunedin and her guests had a great day yesterday: it is to be hoped that such occasions may be repeated more often than once in a hundred years. BACK TO WORK In all but a few essential industries the wheels of production were stopped yesterday while employers and employees alike jostled for favourable positions from which to view the brilliant spectacle of the “Cavalcade of Progress.” In some cases both had given without stint of either money or labour in order that the symbolic representations should be worthy of the occasion and of the province on this, its hundredth birthday, but whether their interest was direct or indirect all took the opportunity to employ the holiday in the spirit for which it was declared. The staffs of many firms will enjoy another holiday this week, and most of them will no doubt occupy this bonus of leisure in attending one or other the Centennial attractions. The week is a special one in Otago s history, and the workers of the province are surely entitled to these opportunities to take part in the general festivities. But neither they, ' nor their employers, should overlook the fact that valuable time has been lost in the chain of production, and the effects of that loss, small though they may be, will be felt far beyond the boundaries of a province which is celebrating a hundred years of progress unhindered by the actual and devastating impact of war. Managements and workers who acknowledge their responsibilities will therefore attempt in every way to utilise the remaining working hours of this week to the fullest possible extent. Absenteeism by either would be a selfish , and inexcusable indulgence at a time when so much depends on the capacity of this province, and the whole of New Zealand, to produce the goods that are so urgently needed.