CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 January 1940, Page 6

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

ALTHOUGH it was described as disgraceful by some ol the faithful few who attended, the poor attendance at the meeting held on Tuesday evening to formulate plans lor (. entenniaT celebrations in 'the Masterton district no doubt was accounted for in part by the fact that there is a war on. In these days manv people find lhe thought ol organised public celebrations of‘any kind almost repugnant. The Centennial celebrations, however, are in a class by themselves. Menu war should not be allowed to stand in the way ol a worthy tribute to the pioneers who founded what has now become the Dominion of New Zealand and the dedication of this youthful nation to a continued career of effort and achievement as it. moves from one century of existence into another.

Many \Vair;ira|>a people no doubt will be interested keenly in the events 10, lake place at Petone on Monday, Anniversary Day —the opening of a Hall of Memories and the dedication ol a stained g'lass window Io Ihe memory ol the pioneers who landed on Petone beach a hundred years ag'o. This district also has its own noteworthy pioneering traditions, however, and should not dream of allowing' them to pass unmarked. Tentative proposals have been put forward which seem Io be eminently appropriate and entitled to community support—a pageant, a local display of arts and culture and an oflieial luncheon for old identities on. March .1.4. The practicable ami desirable range of celebrations during the week' liom Alaich 10 to Afareh 16 is a matter for consideration and it should lie possible to assemble for that purpose a fully representative meeting. It may be found that the weight of opinion is against any very elaborate celebration, but the occasion certainly ought to be duly honoured and the work entailed should not be lefl, as work of the kind too often is, Io a handful of overworked enthusiasts. All the Wairarapa towns and some rural areas as well are planning their independent local celebrations on various dates. The people of Masterton and adjoining areas, it must be hoped, will show themselves not less alive than those of other parts of the district to the significance of the Centennial as a great occasion in our national and community life.