DOMINION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3332, 26 September 1911, Page 2

DOMINION DAY.

CELEBRATIONS ISM GISBORNE. SCHOOL CHILDREN SALUTE THE FLAG. The Dominion Day celebrations in Gisborne were of a very quiet nature, and although there were touches of bunting here and there, the evidences of festivity were few. The banks and public offices were closed throughout, and the school children were given a holiday. The children attending the Gisborne School were assembled at the usual hour in the morning, and the cadets saluted the flag. The classes were then taken to their respective classrooms, and were given brief lessons on the importance of the day and its place in the history of the i Dominion. The children were then dismissed for the day, and the boys of standards 6 and 7 went for a picnic to Waihirere. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. W. L. Rees, T. Ellery, and M. McLeod at the Mangapapa School, and the children saluted the flag. The pupils at Te Hapara School attended the school grounds, and were freed from their duties, after being addressed by the schoolmaster, Mr. Faram, and Mr. P. G. Andrew. At the Kaiti School the children were also assembled, and after being treated to an instructive address by the schoolmaster were dismissed.

IN THE EVENING. BIG PARADE OF THE MILITARY. The territorials paraded at the Garrison Hall in the evening, and marched into Gladstone Road, headed by the City Band. The parade state was as follows: Major Evans (in command), Lieutenant Spragg (Adjutant), Staff Sergeant Mar jor Bishop, A Squadron 9th Regiment Wellington (East Coast) Mounted Rifles, Lieut. McLernon, 41; H Company 9th Regiment Wellington Ria ;s, Lieuts. Mitchell and Cumining, 27; Gisborne Senior Cadets (Lieut. Somervell), 57; Gisborne High School Cadets (Captain Gatland and Lieut. Penlington), 56; City Band (Drum-M .jor Bivvnand),- 25. Total, 216. Entering Gladstone Road from Peel Street the troops marched up Gladstone Road to the Derby Street intersection, and thence returned to the Post Office. They were brought to a halt shortly afterwards, and the Mayor (Mr. Wm. Pettie) and Mr. John Townley delivered speeches to the troops, and a fairly large crowd assembled. The Speeches. The Mayor said that they were assembled there that night for the purpose, of celebrating the fourth anniversary of Dominion Day, and he was very pleased to see so many citizens and such a large number of territorials had turned out to show loyalty to the Empire of which they formed a part. When Sir Joseph Ward returned from England with the surprise packet, which turned out to be an announcement elevating us from a colony to the status of a dominion, it was . thought in some quarters that it was a matter of little importance, and would have little result. Elsewhere, however, it was argued that the results would be great and beneficial, and would give the country greater power and influence at the conferences that must take place in connection with the discussion of the destinies of the dominions, and it would have a very great significance. Turning to New Zealand itself, he thought that it would be generally recognised that these last four years showed more marked advancement than ever before. The recent census showed a very substantial increase in population, and in other respects there were many evidences of-,- the general prosperity. They had an advanced and improved educational system, of which he thought they should be proud. The great facilities afforded to the people in regard to the postal, telephone, and telegraph services were also alluded to by the Mayor, who went on to say that'they should be proud that they in this district were advancing, and they saw around them substantial buildings, which were, he said, evidences of the prosperity of the district. They were also endeavoring to improve the ‘position in regard to municipal improvements, and he was glad to think that in this respect they were not lagging behind any other district. Touching on the project of the establishment of a wireless station in Gisborne, the Mayor said that the importance of this matter could not be over-estimated, and they knew it would be for their advancement. The change in the defence forces was also mentioned by the speaker, who said that the replacing of the volunteer force by the territorials had been accomplished only with difficulty, and often in the face of He thought, however, that as the cask of establishing the forces was in the hands of such a capable. officer as General Godley, the opposition would be c % < rcome.' He wished to congratulate Major Evans and the officers and men and cadets who were there that night, .»nd he hoped that year after year he would see their numbers increasing. He a 1 so congratulated the City Band, who, he said, were always anxious to assist in public functions..: He had also to congratulate the school committees arid the gentlemen who had addressed the school children that day. He thanked the people who had come there to show their loyalty to their country, and he wished them to further demonstrate their loyalty by giving three cheers for their Sovereign, King George. The call was heartily responded to. Mr. John Townley said that he was very pleased to he able to. say a few words on that great occasion. That was the first time since the formation of the territorials that they had gathered to celebrate Dominion Day, and lie was glad to see so many of them there that evening. He referred to the critical position at Home, and said that the British people would continue to carry their present power through to a successful issue. The speaker referred in turn to the result of the .Canadian general election, and the praiseworthy manner in which the interests of this country had been looked after by Sir Josepli Ward, and went on to remark that as a people of the British nation thev should keep in the closest touch with tlie Empire as a whole. The gift of a Dreadnought had caused a. flutter of excitement throughout the Empire, and ho thought the King’s visit to' Ireland would further strengthen the bonds of Empire. ‘ Referring to local matters, Mr. Townley said that regarding the question of sanitation, they had been told by ah eminent doctor that when they commenced their sewerage . works they would have a terrible epidemic of typhoid fever. He had waited for this, and although tlie sewerage works were almost'completed there had hardly been a case of typhoid. He was glad that Mr. Pettie was Mayor, and felt that the administration of the town’s affairs were in capable hands. Mr Townley concluded by referring to the progress in Gisborne, and to the territori-

als, of . whom he spoke highly. He called for cheers for the Canadian people, the Dominion (coupled with the name of Sir Joseph Ward), the territorials, and the Mayor. After the parade the troops returned to the Garrison Hall. Major Evans expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the men had conducted themselves. CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE. WELLINGTON. CPEK PRESS ASSOCIATION .} WELLINGTON, Sept. 2d. _ Dominion Day was observed as a. holiday by the various sections of the community. Lain fell early in the morning, but the weather cleared in time to enable the children to attend! school at 11 o’clock to listen to patriotic speeches, and salute the flag. The Prime Minister attended the Terrace School and gave an address appropriate to the occasion. Dominion Day was further celebrated by a. citizens gathering and concert in the Town Hall to-niglit.There was a very large attendance, and the audience was enthusiastic. Appropriate speeches were delivered by the Governor, the Prime Minister, and the Mayor. CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 2d. The weather was beautiful for Dominion Day. The Government offices, schools, many warehouses, and officers are closed, but the retail business is proceeding as usual. At the schools the pupils paraded and saluted the flag. They were addressed by the masters and members of the Education Board. In consequence of the death 1 of Colonel Hawkins the military parade ordered far to-day lias been cancelled.