PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 127, 9 April 1919, Page 1

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Matamata Public Meeting A public meeting called by the Matamata Town board, in conjunction with the local branch of tho Farmers’ union, was hold on Monday evening, Mr J. Price presiding. Before proceeding with tho business the chairman moved a vote of sympathy to all those who had lost relatives since the previous similar gathering was hold. I

Mr Price stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss three matters, viz., the erection of a memorial, holding a welcome home ceremony, and to arrange a suitable celebration of peace. He said his idea in connection with the memorial was to erect something that would for all time impress upon the minds of the young folks the great heroism shown by the British race during the great war. Ho suggested the erection of a public library for which a sito had been provided when the estate was cut up. However, that was only his own .suggestion, and he would like to hear the views of others. Mr Smalos said all public libraries carried Government subsidies. Beyond that he thought people from such a good district should not go. He considered, judging from past efforts, that the money would easily be available. Mr Price then read a letter from Te Poi, which stated that the residents of that district were erecting their own memorial, and already had eighty pounds promised. Mr Price, replying to Mr Simpson, suggested that a library would also be used by people from the adjacent districts. Mr H. Rollett said the only possible objection he could see was that the building might become out of date with the district, and thus not bo looked on with reverence. Mr Simpson was of tho opinion that the chairman’s suggestion was a good one—a library would be something useful. The building would be suitable to contain a permanent roll ot honor. Rev. R. W. Jackson and Mr Allan-Smith spoke similarly. They thought that Matamata could raise enough funds in tho Matamata district. It was decided that a committee be set up to forward the proposal of a library memorial in honor of 'those who have fallen, to contain a roll of honor. Tho motion was carried unanimously. A committee was appointed as follows : —Members of the Town board and Messrs J. W. Simpson, H. Rollett, H. Mogford (Farmers’ union), Rev. R. W. Jackson, W. Egan, P. Quinlan and H. Harding. A WELCOME HOME. The next matter discussed was the arrangement of a welcome 1 home to all the district returned soldiers. The chairman suggested commandeering all the motor carsjn the district to take the soldiers for a journey to some place of interest, on return to be welcomed by tho school children, and to conclude with a ceremony in the public hall. It was decided that this matter be left in the hands of the Town board. The chairman intimated that the ladies would be called upon for assistance in connection with both projects. PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

The Government proposals for peace celebrations wero road to the meeting. Mr Price stated that it appeared to him that these were meant for use by larger centres than Matamata; however, he thought that a gala day could be arranged, and he was assured that the outside districts would join in a central scheme in Matamata. Ho suggested that the children especially should be catered for by, say processions, sports, etc. The clerk, Mr Blennerhassett, stated that provision had been made for local bodies to spend funds on the celebrations, which, with public subscriptions, would carry subsidies to tho extent of about £ for £. Froo railway passes would be provided returned soldiers.

A tolegram was read from the officer commanding the No. 2 Group, staling that he had been instructed to co-operate with the district in its celebrations. It was decided that a recommendation be made to the clergy of the district to hold a combined service in the public hall on peace Sunday. Mr Price suggested that the Matamata County council should contribute funds, in proportion per ratepayer, as would be contributed by the Town board. A motion that the County council and Town board be asked to contribute was proposed by Mr Darby and carried. It was decided that the celebrations be spread over the Sunday and Monday, leaving Tuesday, also a holiday, free.

The chairman moved that all local school committees be asked to appoint a delegate and teacher to join in with the Town board as a committee. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

For Children’s Hacking Cough Woods’ Grout Peppermint Cure