SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18009, 14 July 1928, Page 7

SIXTIETH BIRTHDAY

Diamond Jubilee of Timaru Borough

A STRIKING PROCESSION.

Town and country joined hands yesterday, when the Borough of Tinraru celebrated its Diamond .Jubilee, and the rejoicing's were of a. most enthusiastic! nature. From a comparatively early hour in the moaning- the town was ag*og with excitement, and long- .before noon so many people had come in from the country, many of them front long- distances, that when they joined with the townspeople in the. general jubilations;, the streets bore a. more animated appearance than on any occasion since the Armistice rejoicings. The one uncertain element was. the weather. Overnight rain had, caused people to look upon a watery landscape when they rose yesterday mommg, but as “hope spnngsi eternal in tire human breast,’' they looked for the best, and determined that bright sunshine should prevail, if this condition could be brought about by will power. The sun did shme, but it was from a watery sky, and though all signs of rain had disappeared by noon, there, were light showers of rain in the afternoon, wheirthe procession was in progress, but it was not sufficient, to damp the ardour of tlie processionists or of the onlookers.

Flags and bunting flew from pubnc and from various private buildings, find the town was ail gay lor the occasion. The public oiliees closed from noon, and the retailers closed their business premises for three hours—from noon until 3 p.rn. The Timaru Borough Council Chambers were befiagged during the day, and in the evening the hundreds of multicoloured lights and flags around the front of tlie building lent a very fine effect.

The arrangements for the day were well planned, and well carried out, reflecting credit on all concerned. It was very appropriate that the luncheon to the pioneers should have been given in the Caroline Bay_ Flail, for when they first arrived at Timaru, the spot on which they foregathers, yesterday was covered by the sea to a depth of several feet, and just about where the hall is located tlie waters from the gully west of the Bay used to swirl into tlie sea through what was then known a* Whales Creek, which derived its name from the fact that whalers used to call in there for supplies of fresh water, and to “try-out' 1 their catches of whales. Mrs Bichard Campbell, of Marston Bond, a lady who has seen 97 summers, was among those present, and was looking wonderfully fresh and bright for her years. She took a keen interest in the proceedings.

PIONEERS AT CAROLINE BAY. Thero was a great gathering at Caroline Hay at 11.30. notwithstanding that the’sun, at this hour, stilt seemed uncertain whether to shine a benediction on the gathering or not. . There was warmth in the atmosphere, however, indicative of spring, rather than of winter, and the final decision of the elements was all in favour of the important occasion. Photographers were busy grouping the pioneers outside the Bay Hall for the purpose of securing permanent records of the historic occasion. Grouped first in semicircular position, several “shots” were obtained, the group comprising approximately ’3OO men and women who had been here sixty years or more.

Following these photographs, others were taken of five of those present, whoso ages in the aggiegate totalled 469 years. ’These pioneers wore seated ou chairs in front of the main gathering, when special pictures of them wore secured. The five referred to, with their ages, were as follows. — Mrs R. Campbell (97).

Mr R. Home (95). Mr J. L. Rotter (91). Mr J. 13lytli (now of Tenntka, 92) Mr William Evans (91).

THE LUNCHEON

The big party then adjourned to the Caroline Bay Half for luncheon, which was supplied by tlio municipality, under the capable direction of Mrs H. L. Franipton.; About 3UU sat down to lunch, ‘.included among those present being an early-day bullock driver in the regulation ng-out; some members of tire old ’iimaru Volunteer Rocket Brigade, Highlanders irom the Mackenzie Country, and representatives of a.most every calling in the town and district. The Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace) sat at the head of tlie table, with the Mayoress, and was supported by the Hon. F. J. Roileston (Attorney-Genera!), representing tlie Government, and Airs Roileston, Mr J. Bitchener, M.R. lor \Vaiiaki. and Mr T. (). Burnett. M.R. for 'loiiiuka. the Mayors of Tenuika, Geraldine and Waimate also were present, Mr O. J. Talbot, chairman ol the .Mackenzie County Couuei 1 , and Air AJ. Make, chairman of the, Rleasant Point Town Board.

At the head of the table, in the centre of the hall, stood a three-tier “birthday cake’’ prettily embellished and burning 60 miniature coloured candles —one for eacli year of the liie ot the Borough. The Mayor announced that this had been given by Airs Erampton —an announcement ivlneii was leceived with hearty applause., hater, Airs Hit-hard Campbell was called upon to cut the cake, and titi -j she did so deftly a.» to shoiv no signs of her 97 summers. Cheers were heartily given for her At the outset, the Mayor extended a very warm welcome to all. and everyone was made to feet thoroughly at home. ■ Air WaTac-e expressed his appreciation ot the fact that so many of‘them had accepted the invitation^ to be piesent that day, and he was glad also to see, not omy the pioneers, nut i epresentatives of practically every local body, and of every public institution, of Timaru and districts. He said that no country in the world was more favoured than Mew Zealand, and .suggested that, at the outset, they should rise, and sing a voise of the J) oxo logy. “Prniso God from Whom all IVess ings Plow,” was sung with evident sincerity by the entire gathering, the singing being led by a choir which was located oil the dais, Air Lance Craig playing the accompanimentLuncheon finished, there was a short toast list, but prior to entering upon this, the Mayor read apo’ogies tor unavoidable absence' from 11 is .Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fcrgus.-on), the Prime Alinistor (Hon. J. G. Coales), Air H. L. Holland (Leader of the Opposition), and the Hon. James C'raigm, AI.L.C., a’l of whom sent their best wishes tor a successful gathering. His Worship announced that cars wou’d be provided in the procession which would follow, for the members of local bodies who were present, and an o’d stage conch which used to run between Timaru and ChrisH-hurch GO years ago, would he proivded for any pioneers who might wish to ride in it. It had the old

bugle attached to it, would bo drawn by a four-in-hand, and would seat seventeen persons. The Mayor then proposed the first toast pn the programmer—“ The King.'' which was honoured in a very enthusiastic manner.

ATTORNEY - GENERAL’S SPEECH. ••Pioneers and Old Settlers” was tlie toast proposed hy tlie Hon. F. J. Ho - leston, wno, in so doing, said that the toast was a most important one; ho was very glad to be present to propose it, and was thanklul that lie liad been given the opportunity to do so. When the Prime Minister had-learned of the important event which they were celebrating in Timaru that uay, he had very kindly asked him to represent the Government at it; and ,as they alt knew, lie (the speaker) never wanted asking a socond time when there was an opportunity to visit Timaru. The Prime Minister, would have come himself had it been possible for him to do so, lor ho recognised the importance of a gathering of that kind in the liistorv of any town or city. Mr Rolleston said he was glad also to be present as a citizen or the town, and as tiieir representative in Parliament. He ifelt sure that his constituents would not complain that he was neglecting his Parliamentary duties in coming to Timaru that day. (Applause). Mr Roileston gave a. brief, but interesting, account of the formation of 'tiie Borough of Timaru, which had taken place in 18(35, by ordinance signed by Mr S. Bealey (Canterbury Superintendent), and by Mr William llo.leston (Provincial Seeraitary). But; hi 1857 an Act of tlie General Assembly was passed whioli made it necessary for Timaru to petition the Governor to constitute Timaru a Borough., This petition was sent to Wellington under cover of a letter from Mr, Arthur ferry, a name with which they were all familiar, the firm of Aerry, luorry and Kinnerney having been doing iegai work for local bodies in South Canterbury for the last sixty years—work which he hoped they would long continue to do. The petition forwarded to the Governor on that occasion (Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Governor and Commander-in-Chicf of the Colony ot Nov/ Zealand) was a a follows. —

“lVe the undersigned householders resident within the Alunicipal district of the town of Timaru humbly pray that Your Excellency will be pleased to constitute the town of Timaru a Borough under the provisions of the ‘Alunicipal Corporations Act, 1867.’ The Municipal Town of Timaru is bounded on the north aud east by the sea, on the south by the north boundary of Section No. 1072, the north side of a road lying to tho north of Section No. 2367, tne Cemetery reserve and the north boundaries of Sections 1706 and 1607, on the west by the east boundary of Section No. 1606, the east and north boundary of Section No. 707, tlio east boundary of section No. 1652, till it meets Whales Creek to the

sea.’ ’ “The town of Timaru was created a Municipality by a Proclamation under the hand of the Supeiintendent of Canterbury, dated the ninth Alay, 1865. and is incorporated under the. ‘Alunicipal Council Ordinance,’ Session 14, No. 2.” Air Roileston went on to pay tribute to tile pioneers and said the first mime which came to his mind ns being among those whom ho was very sorry was not with thorn, was that of Mr Edward Holdgate, a citizen whom everyone remembered with great regard and affection. (Hear, hear). 'That day, they were looking back for a period of sixty years, and if they wanted to know what progress laid been mado in that time, ali they had to do was to look aioiiml them. (Applause). While they owed much to the pioneers, *it shou d not be forgotten that they owed a great deal to the Alayors and other public body men who had carried on tlio work of the town and district so well over a Jong period of years. In saying tliis, he did not wish to take any credit to himself, but lie did wish to say that there was no period of his public life that ho looked back upon with,, so much satisfaction ns the two years during which lie had had the honour to be Mayor of Timaru. He was particularly grateful for the loyal support which had been given him. and the ee’cbration of their Diamond Jubilee was a very fitting time lor tlie expression ot gratitude. Air Roileston also mentioned the splendid work which had been done on behalf c-f tlie Borough by its 'Town. Clerks, cspecia'y the late Air David Virtue (applause), and the late Air E. H. Lough, the first town cleil;. No one know the amount of unselfish work these men had done for the town. (Hear, hear). At the same time, it must be said that this work would have been of litt'e use but for tlie foundations so well laid by the honoured pioneers (applause), who were men ol stout heart and indomitable courage, rvlio liad made a smi’ing eountiv out of a wilderness, and the people to-day were reaping the benefits of their work. Mr Roileston said that, as a Canterbury man —a fact of. which he was exceedingly proud--lie could sav that no finer body of pioneers bad come to Now Zealand than those who had mado Canterbury their home (app'ause) ; and so tlu-y honoured them that day; and the older they became the more the;Appreciated what they had done. It was fitting that fliev should be honoured, and In- hoped that the next sixty years would see as great advancement as the past sixty, and that tho centenary of tlie Borough would ho ce’ebrated as tlio Diamond Jub-

ilee was boing celebrated that day. in conclusion, Mr Roileston asked tlie company to drink the Health of the Pioneers, coupling the toast with the names of Messrs William Evans (to whom, ho said, the community owed more than a little, as Mr Evans was the greatest ciiairmau the Timaru Harbour Board had ever had, and that it was owing to his great force of character and determination that Timaru possessed such a. line harbour, tlio improvements having been carried out in face of great opposition) ; Mr John Hole, an ex-Mayor of the town; Mr Howard Tripp (son of a wealthy country settler) ; and Mr W. G. Irwin, who was a fine typo of icpresentative of tlioso who had gone before in tlie history of this town. (Applause). Tno toast was drunk with great enthusiasm.

In, tlie course of his reply, Mr William Evans said that he did not feel that ho coukl say very much, alter the splendid speech which they had just heard from the Attorney-General. Mr Evans went on to give, a very' interesting account of his experiences as an early colonist, and particularly of his early-day business life ■in Timaru. From this, he went on to speak of Timaru Harbour, and showed how, irom small beginnings, it had been brought up to its present-day proportions. In a brief lefcrcnco to Mr F. J. Roileston, he mentioned that he had known the late Hon. William Rollcslon, and said that both father and son were men who were universally respected from one end of New Zealand to the other. (Applause). 'They were all delighted to see the son following so worthily in the footsteps of his father. (Hear, hear). Mr Evans thanked the Mayor and Councillors for having paid him the honour of asking him to plant a Memorial tree on the Maori Reserve that day. Concluding his remarks, Mr Evans said they had every reason to he thankful for the splendid position of the town and port that day, and if the present generation would recognise —as the pioneers had recognised —and ho had no doubt they would do this — that it was tlio duty of everyone to do his best foi( his town and district, then there need be no fear for the future. (Applause). At this stage, Mrs Campbell was called upon to cut the “birthday cake,” and she did so to the accompaniment of “Well done, Aloth&r,” and heart,v cheers.

MR JOHN HOLE. Mr John Hole expressed his pleasure at being with them that day, and said that, in his opinion, this was one ot the most important gatherings that Timaru had had for many years. He went on to speak in terms of praise of the work done by the early residents of Timaru, and mentioned incidentally that on the spot on which they were at that moment sitting, fish formerly swam in deep water. Theformation of the town, the harbour, and the bay, and the development of the splendid district surrounding Timant, indicated the amount of splendid work that, tlio early residents had done. The early settlers had been animated by no selfish spirit, but had worked for the benefit of one another, and tor tlie district as a whole. They were a cheerful Jot. and what they wanted to-day, if he might bo pardoned for making a suggestion, was more optimism—a stronger iaitli in thentown and its possibilities, and a determination co make the. most of those possibilities. (Applause). Mr Hole paid tribute to the work of Mr William Evans, as chairman of the Timaru Karboui" Board, and said that ho locked upon himself as a mere midget compared with Mr Evans, as a member of the Harbour Board. Without a good harbour, Timaru would never have readied its present-day proportions, and as Mr Roileston bad said, Mr Evans’s work had been carried out in the face of strong opposition. The real work of the Harbour had been done years ago; wonderful progress had been made in the past sixty years in the Borough, and he sincerely hoped That at least equal progress would be made in the next sixty years. (Applause) .

AIR C. 11. TRIPP

Air C. H. Tripp said he had had n" idea until lie had seen the toast list that day that- lie would be oailedupon to say anything. He was very p eased to be'with them, however, and to take part in the day’s jubilations. Air Tripp said his lirst intioduetion to Timaru was dated more than sixty years back, and he was rather proud of the fact that his name was tlio second to. appear on the Timaru Register ol Births, the Timaru district then extending from the Rangitata to the Waitaki rivers. In interesting vein, Air Tripp went on to relate early-day happenings associated with the port and town. He also paid a warm tribute to the pioneers, some of whom, in the early days, he had been told by his father, had had nothing better, on occasions, than a snow-grass pillow in tiie open-air, and wekas and wild pigs lor food, at the same time working very hard. He referred in appreciative terms to the idealism ol the early settlers, the ambition of many of them being to found homes and rear families after the best style ot the Home Lands from which they they had come. Air Triup added that it was pathetic to him to remember that alter ail tlie hardships and struggles of many of those who had ‘’broken in” and made this country what ;t is, they had died in the reverse of affluence. Their children, however, were reaping the reward of their labours to-day, and they were all proud to he descendants ot men and women who had done so much lor them, and to whom they owed so much. (Applause).

MR W. G. IRWIN Mr W. G. Irwin said that that was a. red-letter day in the history ot Timaru and South Canterbury, and ho was proud of the fact that lie had been asked to respond on behalf of the Pioneers. He was not a citizen of Tiinaru by choice, but by birth; nevertheless, lie cheiishcd his citizenship; he hau travelled over the greater part of New Zealand, as well as over part of Austra. ia, and he knew of no place equal to “dear old Limani.’’ (Applause). Their uppermost feeling that day should be one of thankl illness to Cod for what He had enabled their parents to do; and they did veil to honour the Pioneers. Referring to the, gathering of arriva's here by the Hehunga, Mr Irwin said that he missed many faces that were present at those celebrations. which were held fifteen years ago in Timaru, but he did not suppose that one present that day would be present when the centenary of the Borough was being celebrated. A voice “Wo’ll keep on hoping.’' (Laughter). Air Irwin went on to say that, while fortune had smiled on some of tin.) pioneers, it had frowned on others, but that did not matter much so long as they had lived worthily, and had done something for their fellow men and the district in which they lived. (Hear, hear). Casting their minds back sixty years, they wore amazed at what had been accomplished in thwcomparatively short time, and when tl ev contrasted the way the Pioneers used to live in mud huts, timber shacks, and sheds, without conveniences of any kind, they were able to appreciate the comforts which they enjoyed to-day. He could remember in flio early days seeing mothers carrying a, baby on one arm, and a bucket of water in one hand, having been to the town pump for the water supply. Such work they did cheerfully, while their husbands laboured in the country. If had been said that the present generation could not go through what- their parents had done, but the Great AVnr

had shown them that the sons and daughters of the Pioneers were worthy descendants, who wero prepared to make equal sacrifices in the cause ot humanity and civilisation. Air Irwin t\ ent on to speak of the way in which the early settlers had built their homes, churches, hospitals, schools, etci, and had provided for their physical as well as their spiritual needs. He mentioned that he had seen the iirst tiain come to fimaim; the start and completion of the waterworks; flic first monolith of the breakwater laid; the first gas turned on; the underground drainage started and completed; and the first fire engine, which fie believed, was named the Princess Alice. They had all watched with great interest the development of the town and district; they had seen the Borough expand; they had seen healthy boys and girls grow to mature manhood and womanhood —fine specimens of the race; and through it al'i they were convinced that Tirnaru was not only a good town in which to live, but that it had been well named, Te Main —which meant a place of shelter. It luid been a shelter for the wlia'ers, for mariners, and was a shelter and delightful spot lor the thousands who yearly visited it now, in quest of rest and recreation. In conclusion, Air Irwin sincerely thanked the company for the manner in which, they had honoured the Pioneers. (Applause). PARLIAMENT OP NEW ZEALAND.

The toast of “The Parliament of New,. Zealand” was placed in the 1 lands of Air Kenneth Mackenzie (chairman of the Geraldine County Council), who proposed it in very appropriate terms, anil mentioned incidentally that every country district of South Canterbury was proud of Tirnaru, which they looked upon as their town and port, and the placo to which they came to spend their money. (Laughter). Referring to the Parliament ot New Zealand, ho said that that body, like private individuals, had its own problems to tackle, and it did its work in a business-like and elfieicnt way. so that the whole country was benefited. But Parliament cou'd not do everything. Tho speaker made an appeal lor a more self-reliant spirit in the. community-—a spirit which would prompt them to help themselves, rather than to appeal to the Government for every little thing they wanted. They should show the same independent spirit and grit as the Pioneers, who nad set them such a noble example. Tirnaru, he said, had been fortunate in its representatives in Parliament —the laie Air Richard Turnbull, Sir Wil iam Hail-Jones, tho Hon. James Craigie, and their honoured representative to-day (the Hon. P. J. Kolleston). (Applause).

AjR BURNETT’S REMAKES. In responding to the toast. Air T. J). Burnett, Ai.L\, in a characteristic speech, iirst thanked Lin: Mayor anti Councillors lor the very line way in which they had ‘‘swung the hilly.” (Laughter). The only thing lacking, 1 10 said, was the camp tire or the oven, but this, he had no doubt, would be 1 in evidence when they celebrated their one hundredth birthday. He congratulated the Pio; cars on their youthful appearance, and sard it seemed to him that the gathering might well be termed “The Young Brigade.’"' He was quite certain that the indies were innocent of powder. (Laughter). In a reference to Air Craigie, Air Burnett said it was to be regretted that he had not been able to be with them that day. His name was a houselio'd word m South Canterbury; ho it was who had instituted the cheap money selienio and had cleaned up 'I imam and had made it such a delightful place in which to live. While Air Craigie bad done tliis for the town, Mr Evans had done ecmally we 1 for the harbour. : (Applause). Often, when out on the 'mountain tops, ho had asked himself

whether those who had crossed the Great Divide,, were able to see what was being done by those wlu> were leic behind. If they could do so, -ho was ••yu.ro they would ,'be well sakfeiieci. It they were hovering over them in Spirit Land, they would, he felt sure, appreciate the results of the toil and self-sacrifice of the ' Pioneers. As to the Parliament of New Zealand, Air Burnett said there would be no Parliament, but for tho, grand old stock which had developed this country. Parliament was composed of representatives of the people’s choice, and despite its detractors, it wasi doing its best in the interests of all classes. It was a Parliament of workers and doers, anxious to see the -best- possible chance to every one so long as he was a worker and a trier. It was given to them .of the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic race to lead the van in New Zealand, and they were doing it. Air Burnett referred to some of tne great leaders, naming in particular, Sir George Grey, the Hon. R. J. Sedilon, anil the Hon. AY. F. Massey, and said that so long as this country was led by men of that stamp, there would never be any need to consider whether Liiey should call in the. aid of a’Mussolini.. Self-help should be their slogan, and South Canterbury, following the best example of the Pioneers, would go to a still greater and a brighter era than any which had been experienced in the past. (Applause) . THE .MAYOR. Air J. Kennedy (Alayor of Geraldine), proposed the health of the Alayor of Tirnaru—a man, ho said, who had done yeoman service for the town, and one of whom they were all proud. (Hear, hear). “Por He’s a Jo’ly Good Fellow,” was sung, and cheers were given for the Alayoress, Air Wallace making suitable acknowledgment of the compliment paid. AERIAL AfANOEUVRES.

The aerial manoeuvres by three aeroplanes from Sockburn created a great deal of interest. If it had been said 60 years ago that big machines would fly in the Tirnaru air, such as was prophesied by Jules Verne, such a statement would have been laughed to scorn. Pioneers of the Borough of Tirnaru gazed heavenwards yesterday, and watched the “birdmen” manage their machines with the utmost confidence, and stood riveted with wonderment at. tho nose dives, spirals, cartwheels, and looping the loop movements performed by ..the aeroplanes. The machines were first discerned flying high over the sea beyond Teninka, and in an amazingly short time had grown from mere specks, to “life-size.”

A fiingle-soatcr GloHcr-Grebe, tho fastest aeroplane in New Zealand today, piloted by Captain Findlay, came first, and then a two-seatc- B-'-'-d tighter, piloted by Captain Buckley, together with a companion mac.• me piloted by Captain N. Barlow. Por about fifteen minutes, the aeroplanes stunted over Caroline Bay and oilier parts of tho Borough, the speed of the smaller machine being most noticeable This part of tho celebrations provided something out of the ordinary, and was a popular addition to the programme. THE TREASURE HUNT. As soon as the procession readied the Hydro Grand Hotel, tho .hundreds of happy school children were permitted to break away, and lined the footpaths to give them an opportunity to view the exhibit*. After firs, they made a dash for Caroline Bay, Li enjoy the entertainment which hail been provided for tliom there. Tlie big attraction of the afternoon as far as they were concerned was the (reasure limit, which was conducted in sections, each school, being allotted a sum of money for this purpose.

The treasure consisted of several tickets, each representing an amount to be paid to tne lucky hunter. Tile rickets were placed in. cigarette tins,; anil buried in-secure places. Tho children set off with a great rush, all eager to unearth the treasures: Sand was scraped away, and in all directions the children could bo seen thus engaged. The shouts when a “strike’was made, can well be imagined. 1 Several children found tickets, and I these will ho cashed at the respective schools on Alonday. THE BONFIRE. After the evening procession, tho streets were crowded, and with common accord, the crowds moved to Caroline Bay, where a huge bonfire had been prepared. Every point ot vantage, overlooking, and On the Bay, | was packed with an expectant throng, i On tlio Bay sands, the bonfire had been prepared—a huge circular, well stacked array of gorse, motor-tyres, tree branches, broken barrels, and debris of all descriptions. Four loads of branches had given by Airs R. H. Rhodes. Sealy Street. The preparing of tho firo was undertaken by two Council employees, Alessrs B. Fitzgerald and AV. Marshall, and the even distribution of the tyres resulted in a fierce blaze being maintained. Punctually at 7.45, the- fire was lit. After a liberal application of kerosene, a match' was applied by Air F. Lewis, chairman of the Procession Committee. From a slow beginning, the dry material soon becaino a raging furnace. There was no need to enjoin the crowd t 0 stand back ; the intense heat inado this imperative. Great 'clouds of dense black smoko rose and disappeared,' and made- a very picturesque scene. That the children enjoyed the blaze was evident, large numbers playing and gambolling about in the .sands in tho beat of the fire. , The fire burned merrily for a long time, and it was not until the embers I wore very low, that the last of tho j spectators left the precincts of the ; Bar.

GREATLY ADMIRED

To all interested i n modern motoring, tliero was one part of yesterday’s procession which elicited well-merited commendation. This was the line of ears used by the Alayor (Air G. J • Wallace), and members of visiting local bodies, who took their place in the procession immediately behind the Afunicipal Band One glace at the fine lines and distinctive appearance of the cars was sufficient to reveal that they were products of the famous Chrysler factory. The car used by the Alayor and Alayoress was an imposing looking Imperial Chrysler “80” Phaeton. "This was followed by fibre 1 ? others of the same mako. The Todd Alotor Company were responsible for the presence of the cars in the procession, and their thoughtfulness in placing them at the disposal of the authorities, was much appreciated. ...