OTAGO CENTENNIAL

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 December 1947, Page 2

OTAGO CENTENNIAL

DUNEDIN PREPARES TO ENTERTAIN 100,000 (P.A.) Dunedin, Dec. 24, A century ago two ships, the John Wickliffe and the Philip Laing, bringing 330 immigrants to Otago, began their passage proper to the new settlement after sheltering for the first fortnight out from Gravesend and Greenock. This Christmas Eve, 100 years later, Dunedin is preparing to entertain more than 100,000 people during the celebrations commemorating the foundation of the province. Centennial year highlights will be divided into two distinct occasions: Carnival week at the end of February and the church and early settlers' week at the end of March. From January 1, however, until December next there will always be something to attract the visitor and entertain the people of Otago. Most national organisations are holding their 1948 conferences in Dunedin, and most national sporting titles will be decided in this city, while many distinguished overseas visitors will be present at various times of the year. Centennial lighting will be switched on with the dusk of January 13, when lavish special illuminations will decorate the main streets and Government and private buildings. By January 10 it is hoped to complete the erection of bunting and the hanging of centennial shields and banners on 350 poles already in position in the city streets. Triumphal archways with the sign “Welcome" will be erected at the main entrances to Dunedin. A big amusement park, which will provide the usual sideshows, as well as specially arranged evening entertainments, will open for an 11week season on January 13. February and March promise to be the busiest months. Carnival week begins on February 23 with the opening of an exhibition of pioneer relics by the Otago Early Settlers’ Association. An ambitious cavalcade of progress prpeession will be held the next day. Floral floats, for which South Island towns are growing cowers, are expected to rival the famous Pasadena exhibits. Massed drill displays, balls, mardi gras and other highlights of the week will finish with the centennial fireworks display when six and a-half tons of specially constructed designs will be fired off on a scale not previously seen in the Southern Hemisphere. March will conclude with the centennial services and pageants organised by the Presbyterian Synod and the anniversary reunion of the Early Settlers’ Association, pioneers and descendants of settlers coming from all parts of New Zealand as well as from overseas.