THE GREAT DAY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 90, 9 November 1932, Page 2

THE GREAT DAY

EVERYTHIiNG* SUCCESSFUL MAYOR REVIEWS PROCEEDINGS SOMETHING TO LOOK BACK UPON “I am very satisfied indeed and proud of <h(> manner in which the people of .the town, in fact, those of the whoje province joined, in making a success of the biggest day in the history of Stratford,” said the Mayor, Mr Percy Thom_ son, to The Post today when discussing Monday’s celebrations. “I would like to express, my appreciation to all who so ably and willingly helped in the preparations of the celebrations which were carried to siicli a successful conclusion. Railway Department's Task The Railway Department had a very dillicult task set before them as the patronage of the trains was greater than even the most sanguine of the department officials had hoped for, it was indeed splendid to see the way in which the chairman of the Railway Board, the district traffic manager and our own popular stationmaster and his staff did their best to make the outing an enjoyable one for the people. No doubt there was considerable overcrowding on the trains, but it was quite evident that everyone going to Heao went in the right spirit. They were all out to enjoy the day in holiday style and it was a happy time, although perhaps many of the travellers returned to Stratford tired.

At the Plateau “In connection with the trip to the plateau when the road was officially opened by the Hon. R. Masters, it was quite evident from expressions let fall by the Ministers, members of Parliament and other visitors that they greatly enjoyed the trip up the mountain, and were immensely impressed by the work carried out on this side of Egmont and by the wonderful panoramic view obtained from the plateau. “It was indeed unfortunate that as a result of the late arrival in Stratford from Heoa and the somewhat protracted proceedings at the mountain that it was not possible to commence the banquet on scheduled time. “To those in charge at the banquet hal), and to the many guests who awaited with patience the arrival of the Ministerial party, an apology is due. and I desire to express my appreciation of their patience in awaiting the commencement of the function.

“There was a very large arid an exceedingly representative attendance at the banquet, but ow. ing to the Ministers, members of the Parliamentary party. Railway and Public Works officials having to leave by special train at midnight It was not possible to complete the toast list drawn up. W e were expectantly looking forward (o hearing a speech by Mr H, H. chairman of the New Zealand Railway Board, which was to be given in reply to the toast to the Railway Department and also to that of Mr F. W. Furkert, the head of tlie Public Works Department, who was to to the toast to the eivil engineers. These two gentlemen had to leave early to catch the midnight train.

‘Taken as a whole I feel that the day’s proceedings were a great success and that every on e will be able to look hack upon November 7, 1932, with the happiest of memories. “In conclusion I wish to express my appreciation to Mr Phil Skoghmd and Mr C. Campbell, the secretaries who were responsible for the excellent arrangements which left nothing to be desired in the organising of the successful function; to the Public Works Department, the engi. peers and the staff who made such splendid preparations, to the Railway Department and to the artists f°r their programme of entertainment which was a considerable asset in making the banquet a most successful function.”