AKAROA’S DAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1940, Page 4

AKAROA’S DAY

EVENTFUL EARLY HISTORY REENACTED CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. SLEEPY HAMLET COMES TO' LIFE. (By Toegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. Eventful pages in Akaroa’s history were thumbed rapidly back lo the opening chapter today, when, with Hie reenactment of Hie declaration of sovereignty and the landing of French settlers as chief features, the South Island’s principal centennial celebration began. Once again Captain Stanley of the staunch Britomart raised the flag which confirmed British rule in the South Island. Once again Messrs Murphy and Robinson, the two magistrates sent by the Governor. Captain Hobson, prepared to hold the first courts of justice in the South Island. Once again Jimmy Robinson Clough, the redoubtable Pakeha-Maori, translated Captain Stanley's historic proclamation. It was the biggest day in Akaroa’s history. The little hamlet, untouched by the bustle of modern ways, hummed with activity. By the main highway from Christchurch. people flocked to the scene of today's festivities. Crowds jostled each other in streets which are usually sleepily peaceful.

There was a concentration of eminent folk, headed by Lord and Lady Galway and the Prime Minister (the Hon P. Fraser). Four other Cabinet Minsters present were the Hons 11. T. Armstrongs. P. C. Webb, W. E. Parry and D. G. Sullivan. Archbishop WestWatson represented the Church of England, and there were three members of Parliament, mayors of cities and. boroughs, chairmen of county councils and represetatives of local bodies by the score.