CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 68, 21 March 1940, Page 4

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

Sir, —As a visitor to your city for a portion of the Centennial celebrations, I would like to congratulate Wanganui on the excellence of these celebrations. I have had the opportunity of witnessing similar celebrations, both in this country and in Australia, and would.say in all sincerity that your city’s celebrations were cnaracterised by enterprise, vision and splendid organisation quite out of the ordinary. To instance two functions: The holding of the Centennial ball at the Sarjeant Gallery, and the children’s demonstration in Cook's Gardens on Friday afternoon, were unique and splendidly carried out down to the last detail. I shall never forget the scene o£ the Sarjeant Gallery, with its artistic decorations, beautiful frocks, charming debutantes, and the general gaiety of the scene. Nor shall I forget the truly impressive sight of those thousands of children saluting the pioneers as they marched past, in a manner which can only be described as magnificent. Mention, I feel, should be made of the window-dressing competition, and of the very fine displays, which re- . fleeted the highest credit, not only’ on» the efficiency of the retailers, but also ’ on their willingness to co-operate in the celebrations. Finally, but with no relation to the Centennial celebrations, I want to congratulate Wanganui on Virginia Lake; its loveliness should be an inspiration to you people for all time.— I am, etc., K. W. KILPATRICK.