CELEBRATIONS IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue IV, 17 July 1897, Page 101

CELEBRATIONS IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

The Diamond Jubilee of the Queen’s reign was celebrated in New Plymouth in a most loyal and enthusiastic manner. For days previous to the event active preparations were in the course of progress, everyone vieing with each other in their desire to make a good display on the eventtul occasion. The celebrations practically commenced on the Sunday, June 20th, the day being a glorious one, such as is seldom met with in the midwinter months. It was decided to have a church parade, and accordingly the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers, the old Waireka veterans, the New Plymouth fire brigade, and school cadets mustered in the Drill Hall, and then marched to St. Mary’s Church to the enlivening strains of the Friendly Society's Band. At all the churches reference was made from the pulpits to the reign of the Queen, and in the Catholic Church the *Te Deum * was specially sung for the occasion. Monday was observed pretty generally as a holiday, but with the exception of a few scratch football matches got up and played in the Recreation Ground, there was no other demonstration. The evening train brought in from the South a large number of people, and the town during the evening was quite lively. Early on Tuesday morning the sky was overcast with thin clouds, there being scarcely any stir in the atmosphere, the leaves remaining motionless on the trees. At

about 9 o’clock, however, a slight waft of wind from the west cleared the clouds away, when the soft blue sky appeared, the bright sun throwing a cheerful aspect over the place. Devon-street by 11 o’clocVassumed quite au animated appearance, and after the morning train came in the streets became somewhat congested with the moving streams of people who were walking about viewing the decorations. Two large arches of evergreens had been erected —one across Devon-street in the centre of the town, and the other across Egmont-street, facing the entrance to the railway station ; whilst rows of flags crossed the streets in every direction. It was the largest gathering ot people that has ever assembled in New Plymouth, it being estimated that over ten thousand were present at the demonstration. Shortly after noon a cannon was fired on Marsland Hill, when those taking part in the procession made a start. The procession, which was marshalled by Colonel Stapp, was composed of Volunteer Rifles, Taranaki Veterans, members of the various local bodies, Friendly Societies, Fire Brigade, the trades, Football, Gymnasium and Cycling Clubs ; then followed over two thousand children, all of them carrying small flags in their hands. The procession marched through several streets in the town, and finally made its way to the Recreation Ground, where the various sections took up their positions in the Sports ground. The Volunteers then fired a feu de joie and the Town Band played the National Anthem. Those assembled afterwards sang • God Save the Queen ’ with loyal enthusiasm, which was followed by three loud and hearty cheers for Her Majesty. A move was then made towards the upper lake, and the proceedings in connection with the unveiling of the

drinking fountain, which had been erected near the band rotunda, to commemorate the event were commenced. The drinking fountain was unveiled by Mr H. Brown, M.H.R., after which His Worship the Mayor (MrJ. B. Roy), on behalf of the Demonstration Committee, welcomed the assemblage. He then made a few appropriate remarks respecting the New Plymouth Fire Brigade, and concluded by naming the new ladder carriage ‘Victoria,’ in honour of Her Majesty. A suitable reply was made by Captain Ainsworth, and that part of the proceedings was brought to a close. A move was then made to the Sports Ground, where members of the Cycling Club went through several evolutions, and some of the Gymnasium Club and the Peddie Brothers gave an acrobatic exhibition. The volunteers also went through several evolutions, and the footballers had a match. There were also marine excursions from the breakwater on the Union s.s. ‘Mahinapua’ and Northern Company’s s.s. ‘Gairloch,’ which were largely patronised. At about 4 o’clock the large crowd in the Recreation Ground began to disperse, some going to their homes in the country by the afternoon train, but the majority waited in town to see the illuminations. The main feature of the illuminations was the Government building, which was one blaze of light. Over the main entrance was a large painting in oils of the British arms, and underneath in gas jets was a crown, on the sides of which were the letters ‘ V.R. ’ In all the windows were transparencies showing the different events in Her Majesty’s reign. The Town Hall was brilliantly illuminated, and over the Mangatuku stream, which runs alongside that building, a grotto and fountain had been erected, which had a very pretty effect. Most of the places of business were illuminated, and Devon-street was a blaze of light during the evening. On Marsland Hill and on Fort Niger at the east end of the town large bonfires were lighted, which were kept burning for hours, throwing a red glare over the town. A military ball was also held in the Drill Hall, which was attended by over five hundred persons, the building being very prettily decorated for the purpose. At about half-past eleven several loyal and patriotic gentlemen assembled in front of the Government buildings and sang the National Anthem, at the conclusion of which three hearty cheers were given for the Queen. This was the signal for those stationed at the firebells and the churches to start ringing, and amidst the tintinnabulation of the smaller bells, the deep-toned one of the Catholic Church had a very striking effect; This brought the day 's festivities to an end. At Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Hawera, and Patea, there were demonstrations of loyalty, but at Stratford the occasion was taken advantage of to lay the foundation stone of a new bridge across the Patea River, which runs through tbat town. It was laid with Masonic honours by the W.M. of the local lodge, Mr Liardet, and the side of the stone bears the inscription, ‘Victoria Bridge, Record Reign, 1897.’ At the end of the ceremony the band played ‘ Rule, Britannia,’ and a salute of sixty volleys was fired by a number of gentlemen.