PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 14 April 1919, Page 2

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

AT OTAKI.

PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS

\ meeting of the Otaki Peace Ceobration Committee was held at he Otaki Town Board offices on Friday. night, when there were present: Ecv. di Calvert Blathwayt, Messrs Byron Brown, H. Nieolson, S. *«???>£'£■ Smith, W. H. Reynolds, and Euuk P Mr* Byron Brown was vlected chair; man of the committee, and Mr S. No*-, grove secretary. The' meeting decided, after discussion, to restrict the celebrations to two L -Sunday and Monday, it bctng pointed out that it would be a difficul natter to arrange for a separate day, for military display as suggested for Ike second day's celebrations ami those present being of would be far better to combine th n tarv day and children's day *c ebraloL in one big effort on the Monday In connection with the Sunday celebrations, tho committee «,lvc ad t tUo Government's suggesUon, Sat it be in the form of a day of luiksgiving, the churches to hold their own special services, but that a In united'thanksgiving service be held a Brights 7 ' Theatre, the m.mstcis of all denominations to be asked to assist. Mr Perm suggested that, the committee endeavour to give effect to the Govorient's suggestion that specia attculion be given to the musical portion of ;runitcd service, ami urged thirtyforts be made to get a big united cboit t 0 lead in the singing of hymns and L. with other special musical items TU e committee strongly supported this idea, and Mrs Blathwayt ami Mr Pcun wore appointed a sub-couimUteo tj take in hand the musical arrangeWtsforthethanksgivingserv.ee Tho Bevs. G. F. Peine, M.A., G. Cat vc Blathwayt and Hedley -White or Z successor, Bev. W. Shule, M.A were, deputed to make the arrangements lo T ,ho united service, together w,th tho musical committee. It was also resolved to recommend the sub-committees to hold the united service in the afternoon. The comStce thought, this would be he Lest arrangement, as likely to stu ho country people, and this would not - tcrferc with tlie ordinary morning .aid evening church services. . After some little di«oussion as to tu best locality for holding the Monday, a celebration." it was resolved, di. the motion of Mr Nieolson, that the secretary, make application to the Maori Racing Club for the use of the club's ground* anl l buildings for the gathering. It was stated that the CollcgJ. grounds would be available if the B*cinc Club's ground* could not be secured Several members urged that a band be secured for the day, if possible while Mr Brown stated that ho had hopes of securing the services of somo pipers. ""'"'' The meeting instructed Mr Brown to make endeavours to secure a band and also some pipers, and to report to a further meeting as regard? the cost of

It was' decided that tho Monday's celebrations commence with a grand fancy dress procession, to leave the main street of tho town at about 10 a.m., en route for the racecourse, whore a monster picnic could be held, with sports events for young and old, the entertainment of the children lo be a distinctive feature.

It was suggested that the procession eornpri»o a band, pipers, returned soldiers, territorials and cadets, children with flags, decorated motor cars, bicycles and other vehicles, fire brigade, friendly society members in regalia, Maoris in costume (Mr Puku Kikihann. to arrange), professional and volunteer nurses, horsemen and civilians, etc. Mr W. H. Reynolds v;a» appointed marshal for the procession. The meeting suggested that the public be asked to take their own refreshments to the picnic grounds, the committee to provide hot water, sugar and milk. It was also thought advisable to provide refreshment 1 ! for all school children.

The secretary was instructed to writeto the school committees at Waihoanga, Te Horo, Manakau, and Waikanae, cordially inviting the school children in thes:e respective centres to attend and take part in the Otaki peace celebrations.

Messrs M. 11. Ayrc (convener), Toia Wells, J. R. Bilk, Geo. Noble, W. M, Sinscox, and .T. Fairley were appointed a sub-committee to arrange a sports -programme for young and old, and take part in that -port son of the function. ' It wan.thought that Maoris should he asked, tovgive .hkkas at the -j>icsi&ground, while possibly some single?, -might- be arranged for. ; . ' .■* The meeting decided to invite public subscriptions to help carry out the Celebrations, and Mr H. Kicolson t,« deputed to wait on the Horowkenua Conaiy Council and ask for a oration fa* assist in the project.

The matter of a bonfire and fireworks demonstration for the evening was 31* eassed briefly, but no <lefisite action was. token. These matters will bo dealt with at nest 'meeting, in all probabllitv.

" After discussion of matters pf detail, the meeting adjoirrafcd, it being decided to call another meeting shortly to hear •progress--reports of and take -gush farther action as might be ■considered Dfeceesary.