WELCOME WEEK OPENS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 8

WELCOME WEEK OPENS

CITY IN GAY MOOD I JOY NIGHT TO-NIGHT Festivities to mark the uri i y-iirst birthday of Wanganui were eoinuietkeml yesterday and will be cont nucd tor 8 week. Streets were bedecked vvuli bunting and there was a carnrat n■•>.»?. ibout the processions of motor vciiicles and the scenes in the mail thoroughfare last night. Messages Wvre read ;n the schools in the morning and “ Misfc Wanganui” (Miss Jun? ninstone), fiew over the city to lot tree gifts fall for the acceptance of Ijckv finl'jrs. Officially, the week was declared open by the Alayor (Mr N. G. A rm-'roi.g ■ and the Hon. W. A. \ eitch rt thi Majestic Theatre at inid-day. Mr J. T. Hogan. M.P. for Kangitikei, wa, o.t the plat foi in. rurpose of Week “Wanganui Welcome Week vas o. ganised chiefly for tho p:i.po.-e ol’ dispersing some of the gloom an 1 pessimism which seems to have rv t ied the city,’’ said Mr Trott, b. Jly introducing the speakers. The uo.ivC. he. continued, was also to help io revive the sense of civic pride, vvhieh seemed to be lacking in Wancnitiui. and to aid the Alayor’s relief fun I for tho unein ployed. He rcniinde.l hi* audiettce <>f the three sources from which 'he cumn Jttee was hoping 'o receive the great amvunt G e help to a: I ;li:it fund. 'J hey were the “Joy Nigh:.,’’ the loot'.all mat -h between Techraeni s -houl anu the Wanganui Collegia? ? School, and the garden party on Satu diy. He hoped that the public would attend these functions and help to raise the necessary funds. He then called on the Alayor to officially open the week. The Mayor’s Remarks “1 wish to thank tho ladies and gentlemen of this city who, in the lust three or four days, have joined in with the organisation for the relief that would have been necessary had the No. 5 Scheme closed down,” said Air Armstrong. Tho response from the people had been simply marvellous. Happily those organisations would not now be wanted. It was very satisfactory to know that Welcome Week was to help to provide funds fur unemployment relief. He complimented the organisers of the movement on their originality aud for the push that they had behind them. Wanganui was certainly passing through difficult times, and there were many who were hard up against it. •Some, however, thought they were up against it, but they did not know how fortunate they were, for they might be far worse ofL He ventured to say, however, that before long v here woul<l be very much better times ahead. It had been said in times of prosperity

that there would never be bad times again, but that was just as wrong us to think, when bad tunes irrivcd, that good times would never return. Mr Armstrong referred to tho pioneers of New Zealand and the wondertul heritage that they had handed down to the people of to-day. They were composed of English, Meottish, Irish and Welsh, and they had succeeded in making New Zealand what it was. Nowadays the country was peopled by New Zealanders who had all the characteristics of these four races, ami it was up to them to carry on and make the city ono of the foremost ot the Dominion. “1 appeal to everyone in this city to do what he can, no matter how small tho effort may be, to make this movement a success,” he concluded. Air Trott presented Air Armstrong with the badge of citizenship as president of the Committee, Chief Magistrate and Alayor of tire City. Better Times Ahead “Undoubtedly there is a great deal to be said on.an occasion like this that would be of benefit to Wanganui,” said the Hon. W. A. Veitch, “but as we have met here to sing together and to pull together for Wanganui, I shall have very few’ words to say.” Air Veitch intimated that fte brought a message of goodwill from the Prime Minister and other members of the Government to say how much they appreciated the effort of tho people of Wanganui. As one in touch with economic affairs he was able to say that there were indications everywhere, in Great Britain, in the United btates ot America and in other parts of the world as well as in New Zealand there was evidence of the turn of the tide towards prosperity. Air Veitch also referred to tho qualities of the New Zealanders. He said that they came from the best British stock and were highly educated morally and materially, living in a climate that was cold enough to be healthy and warm enough to be comfortable. lie sincerely believed, from the information available to him, that the people of New Zealand, and Wanganui in particular, were now entering a period of prosperity that would by, far supercede the prosperity that had been enjoyed in the past. “Let us realise,” ho concluded, “that yvc are New Zealanders and British, and that we are going to play our part to lead, the world aright.” Mr Veitch was also presented with the badge of citizenship by Mr Trott, remarking as ho received it, “I shall trv to live up to the new’ ideal.” Mr Slater then led community singing and aided by the Alale Choir, the gathering struck up lustily. When All Can “Spot” The attraction whieh brought a happy throng of people to town last night was tho free gift scheme. It was difficult. to move on the pavements, as people of all ages and sizes peered in tho shop windows, hoping that their luck would be in sufficiently to enable successful claims to be laid to prizes of different quality shown and numbered. The Wanganui Motor Traders staged a procession at midday yesterday. The Wanganui Golf Club's ball last night and the Technical College play, “Julius Caesar.” at. the Opera House wore part and parrel of the week's celebrations. To-day’s Activities A special featuio of to day s artivi ♦ics of Welcome Week will be a Eire Brigade demonstration at the City Fire Station by the brigade under Superintendent Williams. Officers and men will bo seen in action under fire-light ing conditions. The “star” item in the evening will be a “Monster Joy Night” in tho National Mutual build ing, which will take the form of a huge carnival. Dancing to music by Stodart’s Orchestra, combined with the River City Syncopaters, will provide enjoyment for hundreds of couples on the huge floor, Yvhile side shows, entertainments and cards will be pro

vidcd for non dancers. As the total ls arc lo bo devoted to th» Mayor s Local Belief Fund, » huge altendance has been provided for. SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES There will be special church service, to-morrow and the executive of Welcome Week, with tho Mavor and Citv Councillors, will attend’ at Trinity Methodist. In the Majestic Theatre after church in the evening the Garrison Band will render tin up to-date concert programme and will be assisted by 1 leading Wanganui talent,