THE JUBILEE

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 25, 28 March 1928, Page 5

THE JUBILEE

SPLENDID FIRST DAY. j 0 '< .<y opening celebimtions. , ,; ; , • ,__■ ' must I . ,' I STRATFORD EN FETE.riT ) ; P' Yesterday the first day of the I Jubilee proved to vie an out- ■ standing success and the vnrl-j 1 ■'* ous functions organised at no, .small atraonnt of trouble went ©a without a hitch. , -Termer residents of Strattoru -pioneers and old identities-j * ' Were in full force, and spen,t S ■■&■ the day in the happiest possibly W manner, old friendship were) , v renewed and new ones made. It was wonderful to see the,,Qty people meeting former years* and picking j.xiP; '•■ again the threads of other das * I There was plenty U interest feyoryone, lunch for pioneers; at, the County and Stratford ■V afternoon teal for old Identities* ;< ;»vM the Meifthaj sports i'or the children, and a reunion of f*r-j. t , mer residents at Victoria PaWu Ther*,was quite a carnival air] in town,'alnd for once Broadway i had shed its strictly business; » r atmosphere and had given itself ; up to frivolity. Crowdg laugh .., ' iiigly jostled their way along; the sidewalks or stood watching : ■ithw mierrygoround and jcliaJSroP I V plane, both of which did a roar- • v lag trade. . '' '■" "The shops were closed untal * ' f ' -"4 tfcolek, "at which h©ur, f ,ssyi -,'.'•. resumed business and kept going ml nntll 8. i , i The Hon. J- A. Toung was* much in evidence, he seemed to i jj have*-a very strenuous day and,| ~ *"'v What .fev'pn'erev iw enjoyed)*!*, j ' i He told" a Stratford) Post re- ' he was Indeed gladj , to be hei»e, and have the oppoi>j ,; tunky of joining in the celebra-;;;. tion of the Jubilea ;"•-." I

.., A!?! ,THE COUNTY HOTEL. ~ *•:' : ;-LU,NCHEON,Tp PIONEERS., . All seats were full when the lun- ' teheon'"to *the"pioneers-commenced at . t%'County., Hotel yesterday, after-. " : 'i»bon, f> aid' Wj&y' animated scene ' was 'presentedas a result of the colour^' ''paper hats worn by 1 -all ' -present.'./,' ''./■■, ',-: >v;"V ''. ■ " :.. ; ■!i*4tlje.hoad of the table the arms' ' oflf W©re .displayed, with oii'.theil'inspi'iptiQn .".Welcome, '■■<. Bioneep;" 'wiSPtte ■dicing.room .was . very tastefully decorated. with ,col- v oured vfiiffi&g&bmtt* running from. the rooV to the sides. : The floqr f with tables, , and beats' 'were as\ close as possible round them. j ..•;"' The official party consisted of the ' Mayor '(4fc J.'W-' McMillan) and Mrs '■ McMillan, the Hon. J. A. Young, MrE. Walter, M.F. and Mr 3 : Walter, Mr C. E. Bellririger, M.P., Mr H. G.; ' Dickie, M.P.,.Mr A. E. Pacey (Mayor , "df Hawera),, Mr. I.- J.,;Bridger (Mayor . i Mr O/J 1 /Belcher (chairr<man Eitham, '■ County , Council)■, and • • Ms.-vßelcher/: Sir,; Walter-and Lady, UjTCftrncEOss.-Mr P. Skoglund (^uhfide, Organiser) and Mrs Skoglund,. .- ; ;■« •-; (: h Apologies for, absence were,/ read; -: Irom MrsH. P. Webber (Te Puke), : Messrs H. Mehaffy (Drury),> W.» "''pdrtfer' ; {piriaka), W.- ' Armstrong ;:r and C.' MacDonald (R 0 tp*ua)/''''_;•:.."•' ;'.',.'" l ; /, •■:''.'/, S-o <*■■ -THE MAYOR'S WELCOME' jJ' , r ! The feyorj addressing himself to,; .'the ■pionee'ra", ana other guests, said., tne slogan of the period leauvng up. to the celebrations haa keen ;'\yo ■Want You*', ./ana that slogan still ; applied—tne town still-,, wonted "s/ pioneers; He-had an apology to make 'as room had not been provided lor all tUe pioneers who had " cbmevto' Str'atMci. The jubilee Executive am not know that tnere woula be such "a,' spienuid response, but the ''' pioneer^ 1 Uieuidtfiytis were : somewhat to tliame tor tailing to, .''notify the. executive tnat tney liitenuei to be, present. . The cele'-. bratiousy.otobur»e,.were primarily to honour tne •pioneers—tne men and women who bore tne heat and burden of the day nticy years or more ago. The Executive appreciated so many pioneer, a attending. He hop-, ed tne pioneers would be able to see that the work of tn e district was' goihgpn in amanner wortny of the • ioundationg tney laid so wen. Thanks were due to the guests, other than, ' pioneers, who had come along'. tb,, help the people of Stratford to hod-,. our - their pioneers. Very many• apologies had "been jr,ecei*ved from pioneers living at a distance. .The / Mayor then concluded his remarks/ saying that he must not speak* any"-' longer, as another relay of dihn'erswas waiting, to be served. • i ;

•.THE PIONEERS. ~ The Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of: Health • proposed "The Pioneers." ; He opened by a reference to the gaps: in the ranks of the pioneers ; caused by death, and at hi 3 request, all present stood in silence for a. moment as a mark of respect to the /departed. ■ On. such an- important occasion he said, it was right that the Government should be represented. -He: Mt sure the Prime Minister would' : £avi been glad to be present that day','' ag'he was a New Zealander, and.,a son Of pioneers. But the , Prime Minister had many duties,, and that, day he was attending i.„,por,tant conference on industrial' -It*; matters, which would have an important effect on rural as well- us urban employers of labour. At all,, events, the Prime Minister had de :

puted him to extent! to the people of Stratford his best wishes f°r the ■kec'ess of their celebrations. Fifty years ago the site ot Stratford was covered in dense bush, but the potential value of the land was well 'known, and the Government of the day picked on it as the site for a town. To-day they -found on the site a town which would do credit to any part of the civilised world. Much progress had been made in the fifty years, and in nothing so much as in the great dairy industry which was in its infancy in StratfO'rd's early days, but which was now a living monument throughout the country to its founders. A name which would always be honoured in 'New Zealand wa s associated with Stratford—that of the Hon. John Ballance, one-time Premier, and the founder of the "Egmont Settler." The present Mayor had been elected eleven years ago, and during his period of office he had seen great progress in the town. The present condition of the town was a great compliment to the Mayor. When a community had such public men as Mr McMillan it should ensure that he hoped Mr McMillan would long be spared to enjoy the confidence of the electors of Stratford. People sometimes did not recognise the merits 'of their Parliamentary representatives. Mr Walter was an excellent representative. He had said that he did not intend to stand again but if he did he (the speaker) felt sure Stratford people would re-elect him. .Messrs Dickie and Bellringer, who were also present, were ornaments of the present Parliament. The progress of the dis-

trict i n fifty years had been woniderful, and what was it that had ensured'that progress? The courage, the self-reliance and the integrity of the people who came to the district ill the early days. The early settlers were confronted with the difficulties of the country and the hostility of the natives, but they were "not daunted. They went on the principle that difficulties were created to b e overcome. The pioneers of the Stratford district had laid the foundations solid, with the result that fruitful farms and,splendid roads were now a feature of the district. That morning he had visited the reserves in ithe town and -was very pleased at the manner in which they had been improved, in a manner worthy of the pioneers whose foresight .set them aside for the uSe of future generations. It must be very gratifying to the pioneers present to cherish the memory of a life well spent; and he trusted that it would please Providence to grant the pioneers/health and, lengthen their days. ,Hq desired to offer his sincere congratulations to the district on its Jubilee. The people of the district had | shown, commendable wisdom in such an excellent ldstorical booklet. He had peruse'd it •>wilh very 'great interest. It was interesting now, but as the years advanced it would increase still further i n interest. He hoped all those who procured copie s would hand „thj3m on to their children as souye'n'i'rs of a great occasion. 1 *' ' '" THE RESPONSE. ', ; r .Mr« :G. AoMarchant .responded. He said he was' deeply conscious of the honour conferred on him in .■asking:him..to respond on behalf of ■ the pioneers—those who were i present and those who had passed away. <He did not think the large attendance was due to a desire, on the "part of the pioneers 'to hear nice 'things said about them, s o much as a desire" to express admiration of 'the manner in which the people of Stratford,, were administering and "developing•■the trust placed in their hands. The inhabitants of Stratford, were few in the early days, and hampered by very unfavourable conditions for speedy and profitable settlement, but the set,tler,s ■■ stuck to their guns. Stratford, had always been fortunate in its public men, its professional men, and its business men. • The pioneers to-day admired the spirit of pull-together manifest in the present generation, as evidenced in the splendid public domains, the bridge, the public buildings, the maternity ward the Plunket Society, the A. and P. Association, the Racing Club, Ithe fine schools which for fifty years had been turning out well-educated men and women of sterling character; Gratifying developments were the work of the East Egmont Committee, . the completion of the Main Trunk railway connection, and, the opening of the coal-fields. On behalf of all pioneer s he desired td return sincere thanks for the ly feelings expressed towards flem. '« PIONEERS LUNCHEON.

AT THE ■• STRATFORD HOTEL. About 60 guests sat down to dinner at the Stratford Hotel yesterday Varid a brightly, enjoyable function it 'proved to be. The majority of the Jubilee Executive were present _ ro'ceiving and attending to the pioneers; all of whom/ seemed! thrilled to I bei back in the old "home" and the honoured guests for the occasion. •The conversations were tinged with a note of excitement, but smiles and still mora smilosi characterised the proceedings, and in the exchange °f "rOininiscences there was a gratifying 'note of humour which must have been highly pleasing to the Executive members presem;. . THE WELCOME. Mr J. 0. Robins, Chairman of the Carnival Committee extended a welromei to all those present and explained that owing to the Targe num. :ber of guests it had been necessary >to divide the function over two -hotels It was what the; executive i desired, a big reunion of old Strat- • ford' people. ~ On behalf of Stratford 'he welcomed those present and ! tvnstefd they would have a good time. • : (Aw>lnusc). '' Dinner was then partaken of. The

tables were very tastefully arranged and in front of ejach gnest was placed a dainty buttonhole of violets and marigolds, or flowers of similar colours, a dainty though much appreciated by the guests. Following the toast of the iviiig" /carried with (musical, Honours, Mr Itobins proposed the toast of "The Pioneers", He said they met together to celejbate the Jubliee of Stratford and district, the birthday of which had been made possible by the picmeqrs in establishing the foundation of a prosperous district as it is to-day. He was suro that in returning 'to Stratford they must be very pleased to note the progress that had been made. There was no doubt about it, good foresight was shown by those peloplo who planned out the town. One feature was the great wido 'Broadway; at wag looked upon with envy by much larger towns. Those] picmeer s who had had the pleasure of a drive round the district would also realise what fine farms thorc were in the district. They could now appreciate the results of their work and it must be gratifying to them to see that they had) not only benefitted the interest of this diistrict but those of New Zealand. They hoped to persuade Ijliei younger/ generation that wihat had been done was merejly a stepping stone in the prosperity of? the district for the future j

Things werg very different now from what they were in the pioneering days. They they had thef tracks and the bullock waggons; now they have tarred roads and motor cars. They were now within a few houis of a city, instead of days as it wap in the old times. I£n the old days, too, they werei unable to get together. The efforts were more individual and on that account were all the ' mora meritorious. Today is a day of «o-aperation. The dairy foctones an Example what' co-operation meant to them. As time goes" on they must look forward to the development of the town as a business. It required the co-operation 'of all the people in the town. It reminded one of a river which increased as it went along by reason of other streams flowing into it and all co-operating. The present generation appreciated the courage and foiresight of their fathers and mothers whe* carved out the town from the bush and this week would enable themi to look back and had been done. The object of the Executive was to see that pioneers were properly appreciated, and had' a really onjoyable time. They also desired to express their esteem to the founders of the town. Looking forward they were preparing for intensive cultivation. Better pastures, more manuring and better stocks would' continue tihej development of the district. The coalfields of, Tangarakau was another industry, which would bring prosperity, to the district and .there were prospects tor oil which might also aid in thq development. "■'•'",•"

Responding on behalf of tho pioneers Mr Walter isaidt he was fool enough to leave the) district years ago under the impression that it was gepsed—that tine Jand) was played out and deteriorated, but he was satisfied that top-dressing was the thing and they had nothing to fear tor the future. They had no idea what a pleasure it was ,r'or the old time, people to come back to.-St.rat-fardl. ' Those on the inside jeouldnot what a happiness it wajs to those on the outside. He thanked them for the privilege wihieh he was thoroughly, enjoying. Among the ''old timers" he 'knew of none that had doile more; for the district than Newton King. If a man had' a danhly Newton King would put him'on a farm and it always turned out successful. Mr P. F. Wrafch was another man* who. was responsible for ~._much of Stratford's success. The speaker then recalled some of tlio.se good old timejs when hi? worked in tho stone quarry for Joe Mulree and created much amusement with one or two anecdotes. He again returned thanks far the opportunity of beting present and wished to record the appreciation of the pioneers. ' •

Mr Robins read a lengthy list .of apologies for absence, from pioneers scattered ail qve)n ffche Dom,i?i|ion an'd tnen announced the programme for the afternoon. During the dinner orchestral selections interspersed the courses. AFTERNOON TEA FUNCTION. There was an overflowing attendance at the Medina Tea liooms when the old identities were entertained to afternoon tea. Here again many happy reunions took place and everyone present was busy discussing happenings of other days. When the Hon J. A. Young accompanied by Mr E. Walter M.P., and Mrs. Walter and the Mayor and Mayoress arrived they were greeted with sustained applause, which was renewed when, Mr. McMillan conducted Mrs. Gardiner to the top table to perforin the ceremony of cutting the Jubilee Cake, a piece of which, was handed to all present. After tea had been partaken of the Mayor expressed his pleasure at the success attending the various functions. He said that if any little hitch had occurred at the pioneers' dinner he hoped it would be overlooked. He explained that the Committee had had to cater for an.unknown number, and the attendance was greater than had been anticipated. Mr. E. 'Walter M.P., extended his congratulations, to the Committee on the way tin which everything had been' carried out. He was sure the pioneers would b e glad to see the progress the town had made in later yeans, for which progress they had laid the foundations.

The Hon, J. A. Young said that as the son of pioneers, in another part of Now Zealand, he was happy to ho present at the Stratford function. While here he had met many friends of his own, from various parts of New Zealand, all of whom were former residents of Stratford. it showed that the world was a small place after all. Mr. Young went on to speak of tho example of the older generation to the present one who should go on in the manner of:

their forebears whose self reliance had built Tip the British Empire. Their work had been well done, but there was much yet to do and many problems to be faced. All should seek to find! the truth in those problems and irrespective of creed or colour seek to overcome the difficultis ! presented. The gathering closed with the singing of Auld Lang; Syne. CHILDREN'S DAY. Tho arrangements for looking after the children yesterday were carried out without a hitch and the way in which everything was carried out Was a tnibute to the work of the special committee of which Mr. W. Hoskin was chairman. The arrangements were carried out by members Of the School Committee, the Technical High School Board and a band of willing helpers. In about 1{- hours 1000 children were fed, and the following figures of quantities of artk> les purchased show the magnitude of the Committee's task: 1000 pies, 1500 buns,, 10 cases apples, 9 doz. bottles cordial syrup, 1201b«S! of sweets. . The Mayor has received the following: letter, from the secretary of the New Plymouth Rotary Club (Mr Harold Masters). I am instructed by the members of the New Plymouth Rotary Club to extend to the people of Stratford v : through your good self, the Club's congratulations on the town attaining its Jubilee. New Plymouth has watched with interest the magnificent progress made by Stratford since its birth, and more particularly during recent years. The sound and progressive spiirit which bay always been associated with the people of Stratford, especially its public men, is clearly evident in its buildings, its streets, and in the general appearance of the town. There is every reason to believe that the progress shown in recent years will continue,, and New Plymouth, whose interest, after all, is wrapped up in that of its sister towns, will watch with pride that continued! progress. MAYOR WELL PLEASED. Seen by a "Post" representative this morning, the Mayor (Mr J. W. McMillan) said: "It is extremely gratifying to the Jubilee Executive to hear unanimous praise for the united and moat important of oui'' celebrations, and on behalf of the executive, I sincerely thank all who worked so strenuously to make yesterday a . memorable and pleasant day for. alL'i INGLEIWODD'S CONGRATULATIONS, The Mayor of Inglewood (Mr J. W. Winfield) telegrapued 'as follows to tlie Mayor of Stratford: '-'lnglewood Lenders heartiest congratulations to Stratford on the occasion of its Jubilee, with every good wish for continued progress and prosperity." THE BAND CONTEST. Fifteen band s will compete at the contest which opens at Victoria Park at 1 o'clock to-morrow. There are competitors for both brass and pipe bands, and there will; be plenty of music. The quickstep competition will be held in the afternoon, and in the evening the test selection competition will be held at Victoria Park, or in the Town Hall if weather is wet. MOUNTAIN EXCURSION. Arrangements are well in hand for the monster excursion to Mt. Egmont on Friday. Luncheon and afternoon tea will be procurable by all Avho attend. Cars will assemble at the Municipal Buildings at 10.30 a.m. It is expected that a great number of pioneers will attend the excursion, and therefore an appeal, is made to all citizens to make their cars available. FRIDAY NIGHT. Friday evening will be Jubilee Picture Night at the King's Theatre. I'm Broadway," King Carnival will reign, and there will be everv facility for spending a jolly time. It is hoped that many citizens will turn out in fancy costume. 9 MOTOR CYCLE SPORTS. The Jubilee motor cycle race meeting is timed to start at 12..'10 p.m. on Saturday, on the racecourse. All the cracks of New Zealand are engaged, and thrilling sport may be expected. CROWNING THE QUEEN. Miss Haldane, winner of the Jubilee o»een Carnival contest,, will bo crowned at the Town Hall on Saturday evening, with a brilliant cere - many.