CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 216, 4 August 1939, Page 4

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

BAY COMMITTEE MEETS APPROVAL, Off DATES h The Bay of Plenty Zone Centennial Celebrations Committee, met recently at Whakataue, when there were present: Mr. L. R. Wilkinson, Rev. Father Eceleston (Tauraiiga); Messrs. S. M. Jcphson, G. S. Moody. G. W. Button (Opotiki); B. S. Parry, .D. V. Saunders, C. G. Lucas iWhakataue). Apologies tor absence wore received horn Mr. Short (Opotiki), the Mayor ol To Puke (Mr. Brown), and Mr. J. s. Burnett (chairman Whakataue County Council). Mr. "Wilkinson tool-:, the chair. The lust matter discussed! was connected with the dates of* the celebrations, h a nranga. suggested that a series of atSdi tic meetings be held throughout the Bay on succeeding days, tentatively suggesting January 3rd., 4th. and orb. 1l was agreed that the main Bay of Plenty celebrations lie at Alaketu on January. 2. Athletic Circuit Delegates agreed with the sugges.tiou iathletic meetings' provided that athletes from the other Bay centres com pelted. It was considered by the Opotiki delegates that Saturday meetings might be more successful, but Air. Wilkinson pointed out that the idea was to enable competitors to tour the entire Pay without having to return to their homo towns between meetings. It was left to Air. Button to make final arrangements. Air. Barry outlined Whakatano’s plan for the opening of tile centennial park on February 28, and the- meeting approved of this date. Air. Wilkinson said that it was necessary to get dates fixed as early as possible so that they could be included in the national printed programihe. AY hen ' Opotiki’.s plans wore sbught Alr.Aloody said that they were having a meeting that- night to discuss matters. There was a proposal to incorporate the proposal for Plunkot rooms and rest rooms in the town ball, and permission would bo sought from the Govornniont. ’The meeting approved the Opotiki suggestion. Air. Linas asked for approval nf the county dressing shed plan at Olurie. ’Tin's .scheme was being curried, out in . addition to the joint local body plan at. The Heads. The, sheds would cost about £OOO. and would include sanitation and cold ' showers.

ALr. Wilkinson said the Bay committee thoroughly' approved the scheme and had recommended it to the National committee from whom a reply was awaited,.' According to its minutes the national committee had approved 'The Heads plan, said, Air. Barry,- yet a letter had been •received stating that the approval was delayed until more detail could he furnished. Air. Wilkinson said he would take the matter up with'the provincial zone meeting in Rotorua on Saturday (to-morrow).

Two Schemes Mr. Button asked whether it was in order to have two schemes. Opotiki was interested' because it wished to embark on. tree planting as well a;the Plunket rooms. He was assured by .Mr. Wilkinson that this would be approved. The question really resolved itself to one of .money and if the total grant ter the Bay was not exceeded there would he no obstacle raised. The tree planting scheme was one - particularly favoured by the central committee. '■ He thought the two Whakatnne schemes would he approved, since c no was in the borough and one in ike county. Later in the meeting Mr. Wilkinson said that Te Puke wished to hold. Bay of Plenty howling and tennis championships. The Francis Cup howling tournament in Opotiki on January 2 and 3 could also he included in the centennial dates.