DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2307, 28 September 1908, Page 2

DOMINION DAY.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

The first anniversary of Dominion Day was fittingly celebrated in Gisborne on Saturday. From all tho public buildings and many places of business, flags were flying, while across Gladstone Road, from the lost Ollico 1o the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s premises, a streamer of flags were stretched. The Tuatea and other vessels in the river were also decked out in bunting. A number of ladies placed a wreath upon the Sievwright memorial out of respect to the late Mrs. S'iovwriglit’s work for the progress of New Zealand. Yesterday morning a church parade was held at the Presbyterian Clmrcli, the school cadets and defence cadets taking part. An appropriate service was conducted by the Rev. AV Grant. In Holy Trimly Church the vicar (tho Rev. Dawson Jho mas) also preached sermons suitable to tlie day that was being commemorated. The City Band gave an open air concert on Trafalgar Rotunda yesterday afternoon, the excellent programme of music being listened to by a largo crowd.

CELEBRATIONS IN WELLINGTON

“A LIVING ENSIGN.”

[Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 27. The first anniversary of Dominion Day was celebrated in \\ ellington to-day wivdi considerable enthusiasm. The weather conditidns were extremely favorable, and everything passed off with great In. the morning, there was u demonstration in the Basin Reserve, there being presented to the great crowd of spectators, a living New Zealand ensign,"composed of over 5000 colored flags, carried by children. Three battalions of tho Public School Cadets formed a national guard, and the Dominion medals were presented by His Excellency the Governor to the bead teachers, for distribution among the children. Lady Plunket, in a short speech, said it was important that the rising generation should be taught that the utlc of Dominion was not given as a toy to be played with, but as an acknowledgement that these islands were now entitled to a place in the rising sister nations of the Empire, and tlie belief that their people were prepared to accept the responsibilities which tho higher status implied. Sir J. AVard said they should utilise such an occasion for the purpose of impressing, particularly upon the younger generation, the great value of pride in their country and the enormous advantage it was, to have instilled into the young mind of this growing Dominion, the necessity or sincere and devoted patriotism to this portion of the great Empire. He hoped that before long Dominion Day would be proclaimed a statutory holiday throughout the country, and that (lie volunteers would bo able to take paid in a daylight parade, valuable to them, and valuable to the country, the fixing of a certain day for certain work connected with the volunteer movement of New Zealand. There were more than 20,000 persons at Newtown Park in the afternoon, when flic Governor .inspected nearly 2400 volunteers and cadets, and there was an impressive march past. The Prime Minister and Lady Ward were present, besides several other members of tlie Council of Defence. The parade was probably the largest ever seen dn Wellington, and was altogether an impressive and highly successful turn-out. At night the city was splendidly illuminated, the chief feature, being an admirable representation on the huge Government Buildings, of the rising sun, symbolising New Zealand’s bright future. There was a reception at the Town Hall, presided over by the Alayor. Lord Plunket said he was satisfied tlie people of New Zealand did not intend tlieir country to be a Dominion only in name, as he had noticed a slowly growing, but clear indication, that tlie country was realising its responsibilities. The spirit of nationality that was arising here was properly appreciated at Homo, and they could not blind their eyes to.the fact that at a time of profound peace every nation was arming itself with feverish activity, and even in peace time the commercial struggle for supremacy was almost a war in itself. The sooner the British colonies could fill their vacant lands, and the sooner they could evolve a force capable of at least adequately protecting themselves, the better for all. Sir Joseph AVard spoke of tlie significance of tho splendid and important future of New Zealand. He said it often happened, through want of practical knowledge on tlie part of persons helping to control affairs in the old world, that the Dominion did not receive that assistance in detail it was considered the country was entitled to. Representations had been made to the Aiother Country, asking for co-operation, so that New Zealand could have a ship not mow used in the Old Land, on which a thousand lads could be trained for the merchant marine, or for ships of war. He was sorry to say there had been no response to the request, and there should certainly have been a. reply. He could not account for the indifference displayed. Sir Joseph "Ward spoko of the intention to increase New Zealand’s naval contribution, and concluded with a quotation from Tennyson: “Brothers, hold your own.” BANQUET AT INVERCARGILL. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PREMIER. INVERCARGILL, Sept. 27. About 200 citizens attended a banquet given by Mayor Soandrett on Saturday night in commemoration of Dominion Day. It xvas unanimously resolved at the outset, on tho Alayor’s motion, to send the following telegram to tlie Premier: “Tliis gathering of representatives of local and public bodies, past mayors, chairmen of social and industrial orginisations, commemorating the anniversary of Dominion Day, very cordially tender hearty congratulations to tho Right Hon. Sir J. G. AA’ard, Prime Minister of New Zealand, on tho 21st anniversary of liis entrance into political life, and sincerely hope he may he spared for many years to assist in the government of the Dominion and in the development of its representative institutions, and its natural resources.” Later in. the evening tho Alayor received a reply from the Premier conveying his tlialiks for the greeting, and asking tlio. Mayor to express same to tho meeting. The banquet, at which were present numerous ladies, was prolonged till nearly midnight, by reason of the speeches, which were numerous and of a patriotic kind. Some of the speakers expressed the opinion that already the importance of New Zealand had been enhanced in the eyes of other countries by reason of its new status of Dominion.

There wore also some expressions of view that general commemoration of Dominion Day would tend towards the stimulation of patriotic sentiment.

IN DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, Sept. 26. Dominion Day was celebrated very quietly here. Flags were flown freely, and a number of business premises closed from 1 to 5 p.m. In a number of schools medals were presented yesterday, and in others the presentation takes place on Monday. The principal feature of the celebrations was the parade of volunteers and school cadets.

ON THE WEST COAST

GREYMOUTH, (Sept, 26. Dominion Day was celebrated in beautiful weather, and tho town was gaily decorated with hunting. At tho State school, tho children assembled and saluted the flag, singing the National Anthem. A large crowd of the public wore present, and appropriate speeches were delivered by th Mayor, Chairman of the Education Board, the .Stipendiary Magistrate headmaster, and" the Rev. R, Stewart’ Three cheers were given for the Prelim- and Lady Ward. The medals were presented to tho children, and alter the ceremony the children were presented with bags of confcctioiierv. Hie schools throughout, the Grev Education District suitably celebrated the occasion,