THE CENTENNIAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 113, 22 January 1940, Page 5

THE CENTENNIAL

WHAKATANE'S GREAT PROGRAMME GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETS On Saturday March 16th, the citizens of Whakatane will combine with the residents of the County in presenting a combined pageant of Pakeha and Maori life, which will effectively mark and recognise the district's share in the Dominion's Centennial, All the major details are now completed and it remains only for the smaller matters which are largely in the hands of subcommittees to be undertaken and brought to finality. The programme was fully discussed by a meeting of the local Centennial Committee last Thursday] evening, and from the discussion it was learnt thai this district at least will combine in putting on a celebration, which will be worthy in every way of the important event marking a hundred years of magnificent progress. The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, who presided briefly outlined the details of the programme, and stated that the formation of a local sub-commit-tee had resulted in the previous scheme for a half day schedule, being increased to a full day's activities, in which the major portion of the morning and late afternoon would be in the hands of the town and district Maoris of the Matatua tribes. The Maori programme Avas submitted to the meeting and approved, the Mayor commending the committee on its enthusiasm and interest. A Change of Dates. The suggestion from the Maoris that the date be changed from 28th February to Saturday, March 16th, was warmly endorsed, the Harbour Board representative (Mr J. W. Sumner) agreeing that it would give his board more time to complete the park. From the Maoris point of view March was a month of plenty, when supplies for the entertainment of the visitors would be forthcoming in greater quantities. Mr Barry added that he had ascertained that the tide on that day would be full thus enabling the reenacting of the landing of the Matatua canoe as the Maoris had planned. Regarding the suggested closing of the shops during the Mr Barry said that he did not think for a moment that that would be possible., Saturday was the farmers' shopping day and Avas recognised by the businessmen as one of the important days of the week. Transport of Maoris. In ansAver to the request that the committee should find the means of transport of the Maori entertainers, i.e. the Haka. and Waiata parties, Mr Barry said he thought this might be done but the committee's activities AA'as largely governed by the funds at its disposal. At the present time there was nothing to speak of. The appeal for funds by subscription lists had realised only £3 2s (id. However this matter would be borne in mind. Mr A. O. Stewart said that the Maoris Avere already organising. Tavo sub-committees had been set up and were hard at AA T orlt on the details. It was hoped to make the occasion the greatest gathering of the Matatua tribe in modern times. Maori Memorial Plaque. Mr StcAvart stated further that the Maoris were anxious also to mark the occasion by the erection of a memorial plaque, suitably engraved, on the exact spot Avherc the Matatua canoe landed. This he said would lie on the same rock as the Pakeha's were erecting their memorial tablet, and Avould commemorate for all time the historical CAent. If the committee had not the funds for this purpose, the Matatua confederation of tribes AA'ould gladly combine to meet the expense. The Mayor welcomed the suggestion, and added that it could be unveiled at the same time as the Pakeha slione. He stilted that the cost would be approximately £13 10s. The Official Programme. The programme as far as the after noon's acti\ 7 ities Avere concerned was then submitted by the secretary, Mr D. V. Saunders, and adapted: Procession 1.30 p.m. commencing at "Square" and proceeding to the Heads. School children, bands, returned soldiers, territorials, sports bodies, fire brigade, scouts, guides etc.

Programme at Heads, Unfurling of Flag. National Anthem, Reveille. " _ ~ "God Defend N.Z." Speeches: Mayor, County Chairman, Harbour Board Chairman Minister of Crown (in his absence M.P.) Native Chairman —Auckland Provincial Centennial Council (Sir Ernest Davis) Native leader to name the Centennial Park. Minister of Crown to unveil the Memorial Plaques. Mr Saunders added that he had been in touch with all the district schools and in practically every instance had met with a Avarm Response from the teachers, who had promised to co-operate by way of bringing the children to town for active participation. He anticipated that there would be about 1200 children present. Besides this Scout troops, territorials and district organisations would all be taking part. The procession should be very representative and spectacular. Speakers at Heads, The, arrangements for speakers at the Heads was discussed it being finally decided to limit all except the ministerial speaker to approximately live minutes. There will be two Maori speakers, whose remarks avill be translated in full immediately after they have spoken. Mr Stewart reported that the Maoris had also decided, by way of giving a complete display of oldestablished customs, to install the local Maoris as hosts and the inland or country Maoris as visitors. In this way it will be possible to reenact the ancient ceremonies connected with the arrival of visitors as carried out in the pre-pakeha days. These ceremonies will take place at the mustering point—the Domain. Historical Broadcast. The Mayor offered the fullest cooperation of the Borough Council in all matters pertaining to the celebrations. There would be a loud speaker installed, he said, and he hoped to be able to get a local man with the necessary knowledge to compile an interesting resume of the town's early life, and its historic associations. The meeting decided to approach Mr C. C. Southey to act in this capacity. Before the meeting closed it was decided to leave matters arising and requiring immediate decisions, in the hands of the chairman. Mr Barry and the secretary, Mr D. V. Saund-