DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2036, 26 September 1908, Page 2

DOMINION DAY.

SOUTHERN CELEBRATIONS

[Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 25. The distribution of Dominion Day medals to the school children attending the various city and suburban schools took place to-day. The Education Department had previously expressed a desire that a formal celebration should take place on Saturday, at 11 a.m., in order to secure uniformity in respect to the time of the proceedings throughout the Dominion. Owing to a parade of cadets being called for Saturday afternoon, it was considered ill Christchurch that it would be preferable to hold the function on Friday, so t-liat the cadetcorps could participate' in it. The probability or the cadets turning out twice on Saturday was thought to be rather remote, so the morning function was abandoned in favor of the review.

At the Dominion Day celebrations at the West Christchurch District High School to-day, the headmaster (Mr. C. D, Hardie) read the following letter, which had been signed on behalf of the staffs of the secondary and primary departments, and will be forwarded to the Rt. Hon. the Premier: Dear Sir, It is with verv great pleasure that we, the staff and pupils of jt-lie West- Christchurch District High School, embrace the opportunity of congratulating you on the completion of your 25th year as a member of our Dominion Legislature. A quarter of -a century of active service in assisting to shano the destinies of this fair country, a land teeming with possibilities, and one, we trust, with a noble future before it, is a privilege that falls to -the lot of few, and the responsibilities entailed must indeed lie heavy on your shoulders. That you have done faithful and zealous work we fully recognise, and we hope tho years to come may see the fruition of your labors, and that prosperity and much happiness may be your portion.

TIMARU, Sept. 25. Dominion Day was observed at the town schools this afternoon instead of to-morrow, as it was doubted whether tho children would assemble on a Saturday. The head teachers and chairmen, of committees addressed the children, and the commemorative medals were distributed.

INVERCARGILL, Sept.. 25. There will be no formal celebration of Dominion Day to-morrow other than the flying of bunting and the mayoral banquet. To-day Dominion medals were presented to the pupils at the different- schools.