OAMARU

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20101, 7 May 1935, Page 5

OAMARU

By Telegraph—Press Association OAMARU, May 6. Cold, boisterous weather throughout the day did not dampen the fervour of Oamaru’s celebration of the Jubilee c-f their Majesties, which was appropriately commenced with a thanksgiving service in the Opera House in the morning. The speakers were the Mayor (Mr F. E. Cooney and the Ven. Archdeacon J. D. Russell, both of whom paid eloquent tributes to the high sense of public duty, wide sympathy and devotion to the constitution shown by the King, to the Christian home life of their Majesties, and the devotion of the Queen as a wife and mother which had won the admiration and affection of all. No woman could play a nobler and more patriotic part. The British throne had never been held in higher respect and affection than to-day and was more firmly established than ever. The afternoon was devoted to sports tournaments. Town and country children were entertained by the Borough and County Councils respectively at the pictures, and given a Jubilee ribbon and refreshments. The town was gay with bunting, and at night the principal buildings were illuminated, the celebrations taking the form of a torchlight procession which was held on a spectacular scale, surpassing anything previously witnessed in Oamaru. More than 1300 people took part in the procession which comprised the fire brigade, all sporting bodies, friendly societies, girls’ clubs, aero, angling and savage clubs, bands, Oamaru fishermen, Chinese citizens, Toe H, returned soldiers, South African veterans, relief workers, hospital nurses girl guides, boy scouts, high school girls

and boys, also representatives of all trades, industries and professions. Wonderfully decorated motor lorries constituted a feature of the procession, hundreds entering into the spirit of the occasion by appearing in fancy costume. citizens generally excelling themselves in their expression of joy and loyalty. The lighting of a bonfire on Cape Wanbrow by the boy scouts simultaneously with bonfires at Kurow, Herbert, and Maheno. connected a chain from north to south. The celebrations were concluded .with a monster community sing in the Opera House, which was conducted in a joyous spirit befitting the historic occasion.