ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 316, 27 April 1878, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

[We arc at all times ready to give expression to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.] CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE. {To the Eilllor of the I'atka Mail.)

{Jib, —The question lias frequently been asked “.Will there be any ceremony upon the occasion of commencing the Harbour Works?” There appears to be some difference of opinion as lo whether such should be, and if so, as to what form it should take.

Now, sir, I am decidedly ol; opinion that such an c.vent .should not be allowed to pass without some public recognition. As I understand the contractor will be ready to commence active operations upon the 24th of next month (Queen’s Birthday), there will be no necessity to'proclaim a general holiday, as that day is generally recognised as such. First, then, it would be well to hold a preliminary meeting and appoint a committee, consisting of people throughout the County, and arrange a genera! programme ; and without, in any way interfering with the functions of the committee, I would suggest that the foundation stone he laid publicly, and that a County ball he held in the evening, in the Town Hall.- This, I believe, could bo easily'arranged. Let the tickets for admission be moderately high, and there is no doubt but that there will he a good attendance. If it would not cause too much trouble, I would like to see the school children have a treat given to them on the same day—a subscription could easily be raised for that purpose, and thus the whole of the community might he enabled to enjoy themselves.

I am quite aware that this would be departing from the usual course upon such occasions which is to have a dinner, a lot of empty talking, and in some cases a large amount of drinking.—l am, &e., SETTLER.