DOMINION'S HISTORY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20033, 4 September 1939, Page 14

DOMINION'S HISTORY

PAY OP ISLANDS PAGEANT CENTENNIAL PLANS On a scale not previously attempted in New Zealand, an historical pageant is to ibe staged at Waimate North, Bay of Islands, on January 2 next year, as part of the centennial celebrations. Hundreds of Europeans and aMoris will take part, while Archbishop Averill will portray the Rev. Samuel Marsden. Some of the actors in the pageant wall be descendants of the first settlers. The first episode to be staged is the arrival of the Maori canoes in New Zealand about 1350, at'fhc time or the great migration. The next episode will be the landing of Captain Cook in 1769, and following this will be the arrival of Marsden. The arrival of Captain Hobson and Hone Helve’s war in the North will also be portrayed. From 1845 to 1914 will be covered by showing the pioneer settlers and farming methods. The pageant will conclude with a parade of modern progress. There will be eight episodes, with, ns a finale, the introduction of Mr. G. Mifiaka, representative of the Ngapuhi tribe, to the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, who has signified his intention of being present. This introduction will be made by Mr. H. A. Atkinson, chairman of the Bay of Islands County Council and himself a descendant of pioneer settlers.