THE CENTENNIAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 February 1940, Page 6

THE CENTENNIAL

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

MEETING IN MASTERTON LAST NIGHT. GENERAL COMMITTEE FORMED. There was a large and representative gathering at a meeting held in the Social Hall. Municipal Buildings, last night, and convened by the Mayor of Masterton, Mr T. Jordan, for the purpose of considering matters in connection with the local Centennial celebrations from March 10 to March 17. In the unavoidable absence of Mr Jordan, the deputy-mayor, Mr W. White, presided. Several apologies for absence were received. The outcome of the meeting was the appointment of a general committee of ten. with power to co-opt sub-commit-tees. The following were appointed a general committee: —The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan (chairman), Mr Hugh Morrison, president of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union, and president of the Horse Sports Federation; Mr H. M. Boddington. representing sporting bodies: Mr E. M. Hodder, representing the employers; Mr G. G. Hancox, Principal of Wairarapa College; Mr E. G. Coddington, headmaster of the Central School; the Rev Taeapa, representing the Maori race; Mr R. Whyborn. president of the Wairarapa R.S.A.: and Mr D. Costello, representing the Masterton Inter-House Association.

The secretary, Mr G. T. O'Hara Smith, submitted various proposals to be considered by the meeting, but it was the general feeling that these should be dealt with by a general committee.

The question of finance was brought up by Mr G. G. Hancox. who enquired who was to bear the burden of a possible loss or take the profit. Mr O’Hara Smith explained that if money could be raised apart from local authority contributions, there was a Government subsidy available of £1 for every £3 collected.

Mr Hugh Morrison put forward the suggestion that some form of entertainment should be given the pioneers in the Town Hall, where a musical programme pould be provided. Reminiscent talks on the old days could also be given.

Mr H. M. Boddington considered that it was not honouring the settlers to, take them down to Solway, as suggested, where they would be entertained in conjunction with a horse sports meeting.

“We should give them something to put in their mouths, if only a cup of tea,” stated Mr White in suggesting that the matter be left to the committee for discussion.

The question of a half-holiday was also raised, Mr O’Hara Smith pointing out that the Mayor intended to ask the business people of Masterton to observe Thursday afternoon. March 14. as a holiday. In reply to a question concerning the possibility of some people losing pay for the half-holiday, the chairman pointed out that the matter would not be lost sight of.