CENTENNIAL EVENT

Opunake Times, 23 June 1939, Page 2

CENTENNIAL EVENT

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS WEEK-END PROGR AM ME The broad basis of a programme by which the centennial event will be fittingly celebrated in tliis district was decided upon by a meeting fully representative of various organisations oi the district on Wednesday, and application is tq be made for tbe period February 24-20, 1940, as the date considered most suitable for the occasion. Representing the district centennial committee, Mr. A. D L. Mac Lean convened the meeting, and was elected chairman, those present being Mesdames C. N Thayer, J. P. O'Sullivnn, T. N. Watt and W. A. Sheat, Messrs. A. J. Mrennan, J. Humphries, T. 11. IT Sinclair, R. H. Huglison, A. L. Herdman, E. G. Snell, W. A. Sheat, G. TT. Rush, O. N. Thayer, ,T. Yep. W. 13. Smith, J. S. Hie key and E. J. Wallis. 'Apologies for absence were received from Mtm. t A. Stevenson, Messrs. G. Feaver, O. W. Williams and. R. D. Mac Lean. Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Mr. Brennan stated that, while the centennial was «?till «ome time away, it was opportune to consider the nature of the local celebrations and the period which they would cover. It was the desire of the Minister in charge oi celebrations that there should be some continuity of programme throughout the Dominion during the centennial, so that, by making a progressive tour of the country. New Zea landers and visitors from overseas could have some nart in the celebrations of the various districts. The period which bad been id-

located to Taranaki was between mid-February and early Maxell, and, working on the same linos ns those to be followed throughout the Dominion, the provincial organisation was seeking to establish a continuous run of events ia the province within that period. Accordingly each district had been asked to indicate the period which it required for its respective celebrations and to give a broad outline of its pro posed programme. It would then be possible to select entertainment features of universal appeal which would interest visitors. Mr. Brennan stated that an intensive scheme over a limited period would be preferable tn nintraeted celebrations. Genera. 1 discussion of propos ils then was invited, and, whei dates had been settled, the ten tative programme drawn ou was ;is follows: Saturday, February 24: Pro cession emphasising historica features, and including displays by sporting and. other organisations: beach gala, with events for school children. Sunday, February 25: Combined open-air church service, or special * services in respective churches. Monday, February 20: Old settlers' reunion, concluding with a centennial ball in period costume. Events for school children would be under the control of the teachers of the district, it was suggested, and they would be most fitted to decide upon the nature qf the part to be played by schools. The possibility of transferring a portion of the programme from one day to another was foreseen, and no difficulty was anticipated. Emphasis was laid upon the "importance of securing the active interest _of Maori residents of the district, and it was suggested that their nart in the proceedings might be a considerable one. To undertake the work of organisation, the following committees were set up to have control of the various sections of the

celebrations: Procession: Messrs. Rush, Humphries, Hufflison, Snell. E. D Mac Lean, W. Roach, K. Ra tahi, Wallis, Sheat, Beach programme: Messrs. Herrlman, Sinclair, Bren.ian. Smith, Yep, Sheat, A. D. L. Mac Lean. Old settlers' reunion and hall: Messrs. Sheat, Hickey. Rrennan, TTxiphson, Humphries, R. DMac Lean, Mesdames Watt, O'Sullivan, Thayer, Sheat and representatives of ladies' organisations. The committee responsible for the compilation of a roll in respect of the old settlers' reunion •will commence its work immediately, and will seek information from various quarters to assist in its investigations. The other committees will nol function until_ a o-eneral meeting' of the committee to he held in October.