WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1919, Page 5

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Waitara, Feb. 27. The Hon, Jas. Bortliwick is in Waitari to-day, nnd is remaining over to-morrow The superintending engineer (Mr. Croll) is desirous that the council shall mee* nnd put some definite offer to them ii regard to the eleetrie light scheme wbicl is pending between New Plymouth and Waitara, so that Mr. Bortliwick may discuss it with his responsible oilicers wiiili here. The meeting to take the first steps ii regard to pence celebrations was not verj largely attended, business people in thi town not. being present in the numberi that were expected. Representative! were present from Lepperton, Tikorangi Wftilii and from various societies in Wai tara. The Mayor, in setting forth th< objects of the meeting, said that it was important to give the children something to remember, and to teach them what thi winning of the war meant, and the blessing of a permanent peace. He said that strong committees would have to b( formed to cuiiviiss the district for fundi to mnke the celebration a success. Mr Oldham was appointed secretary. Ali present were formed into a permanent committee with power to add to theii number. The Mayor was elected chairman. A resolution to make the celebrations cover three days was carried, an amendment to arrange for a week's programme being defeated. The Sunday programme was left in tee hands of the clergymen, with the understanding that a combined religions service should be held in the Camp Reserve. On a question being put as to what part the country districts wonkl take in the celebration, Mr. Matthews (Waihi) said he could not bind his committee, though he understood they were willing to join in a central gatheiiug in Waitara. Speaking for Lepperton, "Messrs. Hoskin and Brown said they could not give a definite undertaking but they would combine in the .Sunday gathering. Mr. Brown, schoolmaster at Lepperton, said that he was afraid most of the children would go to New Plymouth, though lie would like to see Lepperton well represented in Waitara on the two sports days. Mr. Iloskiu said lie wuold use his influence to induce LcppcrUm to go in with Waitara. A rough programme was then drawn up as follows. Sunday: Combined religious service. Monday: 10,' JO, procession to march to Camp Reserve, where briel speeches will be made, and the National Anthem and Rule Britannia sung bv a massed choir of children; \i noon, dinner for returned soldiers, tribute to be paid to the dciul, crowd standing bareheaded; afternoon, sports; night, torchlight procession nnd bonfire. Tuesday; Big sports day for children. The matter of refreshments to be left in the hands of the ladies. Sports committee for "Monday: Messrs. L. Hoskin, G. Huse, J. Lye, A I'l'ost, T. MclCenzie, L. Fraser and P i.cali, with power to add. It was suggested that Mrs. Marlow visit the school! and hear rehearsals, so that uniformity in singing be secured. Mr. Buchanai suggested that an orchestra be secured, and that teachers meet to select items tc be rendered. The National Anthem and Rule Britannia" to be included in the programme, "'lie Fire Brigade is to bi asked to take charge of the torch light procession and bon ire and fireworks A suggestion to hold a plain and fancydress ball was dropped, as it was not conaidered there was a suitable hall for the occasion. The arrangements £or the cliildren s sports were left in the hands of the teachers, chairmen of committees and Mr Lucaanan. Messrs. Rennie, Marlow and W. H. Nosworthy were appointed an Th7n'"t? r l P , ri,,Un S committee! The North laranaki Patriotic League was appointed to collect funds, and Mr S. G. Fraser to act as treasurer, '