OVER THE AIR

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3190, 6 August 1936, Page 5

OVER THE AIR

PUBLICITY FOR CAMBRIDGE

NIGHT’S BROADCAST

Valuable publicity for Cambridge and the Borough Jubilee Celebrations from August 15 to 23 was provided last evening,' when Mr C. W. Vennell, chairman of the Jubilee Publicity Committee, gave an informative talk entitled “Cambridge Today and Yesterday,” from IYA Broadcasting Station.

Mr Vennell introduced his subject with an outline of the town’s growth, and led up to the amenities and beauty of Cambridge as it is today.

“Cambridge has been in existence for more Hum seventy years,” he said, “and it has been a borough for exactly half a century. In 1886, when it was raised to that dignity, there were less than twenty boroughs in the whole of New Zealand. Now there are more than a hundred and twenty.

“In the span of a man’s lifetime, Cambridge has grown from a collection of unsightly shacks, planted in a remote wilderness, and menaced by hostile Maoris, into the beautiful town which is known by everyone who travels by road between Auckland and Rotorua. *

“We who live in it are naturally proud of its beautiful old trees, its up-to-date shops, buildings and institutions, its climate, and its standard of health and comfort, but visitors are equally enthusiastic.” Cambridge Praised Mr Vennell referred to the complimentary remarks expressed by H,is Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral on his first visit to Cambridge recently, and also quoted extracts from an article written in praise of Cambridge by Mr O. N. Gillespie, which appeared in the “Railways Magazine.” “It can be said with truth that no town in New Zealand provides more in the way of sporting facilities for its residents and for visitors,” continued Mr Vennell. He made brief mention of the facilities for hunting, polo, racing, fishing, shooting, golf, tennis and bowling provided.

“The Waikato War of the ’sixties brought the first settlement into being,” stated Mr Vennell, in giving an interesting account of Cambridge as a military settlement.

“It was the headquarters of the regiments operating against the Maoris in this part of the Waikato. Where the Karapiro Creek joins the river just above where the town now stands, was the head of navigation so far as river boats of any si/e were concerned. This important strategic position was wisely chosen as the site for a fort. Formation of Township

“In due course, the men of the regiment brought their wives and families up the river. These families were the real pioneers of Cambridge. The settlement soon showed signs of development. Farms were established, and the foundations of what is now one of the richest dairying and grazing districts in the Dominion were firmly la,id. “Cambridge thus began as the last outpost of the colonists on the fringe of hostile Maori country. Within twenty years it had grown to such an extent that it ranked as one of the leading towns in the country. On 19th August, 1886, Cambridge was proclaimed a borough. It is the fiftieth anniversary of this important stage in its development that is being celebrated the week .after next.”

Mr Vennell then outlined the programme arranged for Jubilee week, and on behalf of the Mayor, Mr C. H. Priestley, extended an invitation to all listeners to attend the celebrations.

In conclusion, he thanked the New Zealand Broadcasting Board and the station director of IYA, Mr A. F. O’Donoghue, for their ready co-operation to make the Jubilee of Cambridge as widely known as possible.