DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2190, 20 September 1907, Page 3

DOMINION DAY.

GISBORNE MEN FOR WELLINGTON CELEBRATION. Tlio District Adjutant notifies that information has been received front the Officer Commanding that on tlio afternoon of September 26 His Excellency Hie Governor will declare New Zealand a Dominion, and will present tho King’s colors to the units who furnished men to the contingents who took part in the South African war. The Officer Commanding has ordered that for the purpose of receiving the King’s colors from the Governor one subaltern officer, two sergeants, two corporals, and two privates, in all soven representatives of each contingent or battalion should be sont to Wellington to be available there on Thursday morning. September ,2b. Tho East Coast Mounted Rifles being the senior squadron of this regiment, it is thought light that they should have the first offer to supply represontatives for this function* and tho Acljutant enquires whether seven can be sent, adding, “I think it wonW be a groat- pity if none of tho Gisborne volunteers took part in a function connected with the declaration of this colony as a Dominion, which is of a national character, and I trust Hiat the employers will bo able to give tho men leave of absence and that the men themselves will be willing to go.” Steamer and railway fares will be allowed, and the Adjutant thinks the ordinary allowance whilst on public service will he made. After consulting tho local officers, Captain Tombleson sent word yesterday that Lieut. Hamilton and six men of the East Coast Mounted Rifles will attend the parade. They will leave for Wellington on Sunday evening. WELLINGTON DOES NOT FAVOR THE HOLIDAY. EXPENSIVE ILLUMINATIONS ARRANGED. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. The general feeling in the city is not very favorable to the Dominion Day holiday. There is a good deal of adverse comment about the expense the Government is going to in the matter of illuminating public buildings and tho celebration functions generally. It is understood that a very- large number of invitations have been issued for the reception at Government House. The tower of Hie Governor’s residence will be surmounted by ail Imperial C'own in electric light. Parliament House and other public buildings will also show appropriate designs and mottoes.

NO NEW HOLIDAY TO BE CREATED. SCHOOLS TO CO-OPERATE IN ■ CELEBRATIONS. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept, 19. Sir Joseph Ward states that the Government does not suggest that the public holiday on Dominion Day should be in addition to the already lengthy list of annual holidays. The Government is considering whether one or more of the holidays can be merged into one and observed as Dominion Day. Decision on this point ■Will be come to later. In any case the public may rest assured that Dominion Day will not be celebrated hereafter, as an additional holiday. Under these circumstances the Premier trusts that Palmerston and Dannevirke, the only towns that have so far decided not to observe the 26th inst as a holiday, will favorably reconsider their decision. A public reception with a musical programme is being arranged to take place -in the Town Hall on tho evening of Dominion Day. Tho Education Board has circularised committees throughout the district suggesting that all schools cooperate in the celebrations.

' AUCKLAND CELEBRATIONS. Press Association. AUCKLAND, Sept. 19. Arrangements for the celebration of Dominion Day are well forward. A parade of troops is to bo held m Victoria Park, and various bands are to assemble and perforin. The Mayor is to hold a reception, and in some places the children are to be entertained.