CAVALCADE OF PROGRESS

Wanganui Chronicle, 25 February 1948, Page 5

CAVALCADE OF PROGRESS

OTAGO’S GREAT PROCESSION FLOATS TELL THE STORY OF PROVINCE’S 100 YEARS. (P.A.) Dunedin, Feb. 24. Brilliantly imaginative floats, perfect organisation and timing, and exemplary behaviour of tens of thousands of people lining the long route from Frederick Street to St. Kilda, a distance of six miles, made the Cavalcade of Progress the greatest single spectacle ever seen in Dunedin, If not in any part of the Dominion. This main centennial event, into which had gone months of planning preparation and hard work, enthralled those who were fortunate to see it moving, in its full splendour, through beflagged and decorated streets early this afternoon. Though it lasted but a few hoars it was a stirring record of what had been achieved in every phase of life by the province and city in their first hundred years, and it will remain for ever a memory in the minds of all who saw it. The enterprise, originality, and efficiency of those responsible for the display and the record of achievement revealed in such vivid form must have filled the public of Otago with a just pride, and at the same time demonstrated to one and all the virility, vigour, and progressiveness with which the province and city enter their second century. It was both a Cavalcade of Progress and a portent of what can be achieved in the years that lie ahead.

It was fitting on such an occasion that Their Excellencies, Sir Bernard and Lady Freyberg, were present to witness this observance of Otago’s Centenary. From a dais at the Market Reserve, Sir Bernard Freyberg took the salute, while the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Holland) the Mayor (Mr. D. C. Cameron), Cabinet Ministers, and civic representatives watched with marked interest the story of Otago’s first century. Punctual almost to the minute the procession of more than 60 floats and scores of marching units left the starting point. Crowds of people, including thousands from all parts of the Dominion, welcomed it with obvious interest and admiration. With typical Otago restraint, however, they did not allow their enthusiast to become vocal, probably because they were too engrossed in what they saw, but nevertheless, their admiration, though largely silent, was sincere. MASSED PIPE BANDS

The Scottish tradition of the province was exemplified by massed pipe bands heading the cavalcade and introducing the historical section. The arrival of the Maoris was depicted in a float that immediately set a standard which succeeding units fully maintained. The arrival of the early settlers, their early homes, Cobb and Co.’s coach, with occupants dressed in period costume, led up to a brilliant climax in the form of a Royal emblem carried out in rich gold, purple and crimson floral designs. The cultural achievements of the city were represented in the religious, educational, social and sporting section. Following the industrial and Public Works sections came Otago s tribute to its sons and daughters who took part in three wars. The piece de resistance in this section was a floral float representing Peace, from whence at intervals pigeons were reThe floral section was undoubtedly the most entrancing feature of the whole cavalcade. In the first float, decked with verdant green of native bush, was represented an 1848 bride and her attendants, but the centennial bride float was probably the gem of the whole collection. The blending and design of the flowers, the frocking of the oride and her numerous attendants, and the lavisli floral decorations were of surpassing loveliness.

The Centennial Queen was another magnificent float, and Southland’s contribution was both a gracious gesture and a gay and attractive dis--11 b?ot content with watching the procession pass in all its splendour along the official route, thousands rushed to new vantage points in an attempt to gain a closer view of the units as they returned by different streets to the disbanding point at Logan Park where, throughout the remainder of the day they remained a centie of interest.