Prime Minister Deeply Impressed by Quality Of Otago Celebrations

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26731, 29 March 1948, Page 4

Prime Minister Deeply Impressed by Quality Of Otago Celebrations

“A most inspiring and enjoyable week, and one which will live in the memories of all those who have been privileged to be in Dunedin during this period,” was the description of the Prime Minister. Mi Fraser, who will leave for Wellington to-day, referring to his.stay in Dunedin.

“ This is my third visit to Dunedin during the centennial celebrations, and I, together with many thousands of visitors from all parts of the Dominion, and many distinguished visitors from overseas, have'' been deeply impressed by the pageantry, the magnificent displays, including such outstanding events as the Cavalcade of Progress, the Early Settlers’ Exhibition, the fireworks, the illuminations, and above alj, by the spirit of the people of Otago in their efforts fittingly to mark their centenary.

The splendid re-enactment of the landing of the early settlers at Port Chalmers, the impressive pageant at First Church, the thanksgiving and other services held by the Presbyterian and other churches, the civil celebrations, and the special functions held in honour of Otago’s pioneers so wonderfully organised by the Early Settlers Association bring to a close a week of which Otago may be proud. It has served worthily to recognise the magnificent achievement by the early settlers in builidng a modern city, rich in culture and learning from a wilderness of bush and swamp. It has served to honour their faith, vision and labour, and it has pointed the way to the citizens of to-day to make them worthy of their heritage. “I regard it a privilege to have been able to take part in these celebrations, and I wish to congratulate

all those responsible for the most efficient organisation of the various functions on the magnificent success which has attended their efforts. A special feature was the pleasant cooperative spirit of the large crowds I have also had the pleasure of attending some of the important gathering arrange by the organisations which held their annual events in this city—the New Zealand Justices of the Peace Association, the Federated Catholic Clubs, and that brilliant spectacle, the New Zealand Pipe Bands’ contest. >and I have also visited a number of local organisations and schools.

“ I wish to take this opportunity of thanking the representatives of the various organisations with which 1 have been asosciated, the Mayor, and the citizens of Dunedin generally for the courtesies and kindness pxtended to me during my visit.”