NEW ZEALAND CENTENARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND CENTENARY

PREPARATIONS FOR OCCASION CO-OPERATION OF LOCAL BODIES MINISTER EXPRESSES APPRECIATION (Per United Press Association) ROTORUA, Sept. 12. “The celebrating of New Zealand’s centennial in 1940 will no doubt be one of the biggest nationwide occasions that has taken place in our country,” was the opinion expressed by the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry) yesterday. The Minister detailed the arrangements for the celebration, which, he said, were among several big undertakings facing the Internal Affairs Department on his taking up the portfolio. “ The public has obtained a glimpse from the newspaper reports of some of the centennial conferences held, of the almost colossal preparations that are required to be made between now and our reaching the great period,” continued Mr Parry. “ Let me say that it is a fine thing to find a glowing unanimity of opinion permeating our local governing people of the Dominion that the centennial must be the greatest occasion in New Zealand’s history. It is a pleasure to me to work with men showing such a magnificent spirit. With the Government, they view the celebrations as for the whole of the country, for all the people to participate in them. I think I can safely say to-day, with the loyal co-operation I am everywhere receiving in this work, that when 1940 is upon us every part of New Zealand will be ready for the celebrations.”