Opening of the Pioneers Memorial at the Westland Goldfields Jubilee, Hokitika.1914.

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DescriptionOTAGO DAILY TIMES, ISSUE 15966, 8 JANUARY 1914.

The Westland Goldfields Jubilee celebrations to-day were attended by the largest gathering assembled in Hokitika for more than 30 yeais past. Over 3000 came by rail from the north and south, and these, •with the pioneers to the number of approximately 800, besides residents of Hokitika and the outlying districts, were estimated to swell the total attendance to about 8000. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Liverpool received an official welcome in the morning, and the former was presented with an illuminated address. Immediately afterwards the procession started for Case square, the order being as follows: Municipal Band, territorials, his Excellency's carriage, Senior Cadets, pioneers of 1864-69, Ministerial carnage, members of Parliament, visitors, Kokotahi Baud, school children, friendly societies, local bodies, and the public. In the procession were nearly 500 pioneers: many were unable to undertake the walk, and were conveyed in vehicles, while others, including women, did not join the throng. On arrival at the square, speeches were delivered by Mr J. Grimmond, chairman of the Celebrations Committee, who, in the course of his remarks, extended a further welcome to the vice-regal 'party, and referred at some length to the importance of the gathering of West Coast pioneers who had opened up the district for those who came after them. His Excellency expressed pleasure at being present at such a notable gathering, and remarked upon the large assemblage of pioneers who had braved the elements in opening up the West Coast. He also referred to the advancement in science, aerial navigation, and other matters during the last half-century. Other speakers were the Hon. W. Fraser (Minister of Public Works), Sir J. G. Ward, Mr Robertson (Mayor of Lawrence), Mr Malcolm, M.P., Mr G. W. Russell, M.P., Mr S. G. Ferguson (Westland Countv chairman), and Mr Perry (Mayor of Hokitika). During the course of the proceedings the united choir sang the National Anthem and a number of hymns. The gathering adjourned to witness the laying of the foundation stone of the memorial to the West Coast pioneers. The stone was laid by his Excellency, the speeches i.eing brief but appropriate to the occasion. The pioneers were entertained at lunch, and afterwards the centre of attraction was Cass souare, where a schools' and pioneers' sports programme was indulged in. The attendance at this stage reached ite height, and, the afternoon being beautifully fine, the proceedings passed off very enjoyably. The pioneers appear to be revelling in the amusements provided. To-night they are being specially entertained at a concert. To-morrow thev are being taken to Lake Mahinapua, where they will be the guests of the Celebration Committee. In the evening they will be present at the operatic performance, " Les Cloches de Corneville, ' by the local amateurs, which has already had a successful season of three nights. On the following lay (Friday) the pioneers will be convey - •$ to the outlying mining districts, and din-ing the afternoon a garden party will be given in their honour. On Saturday the festivities are to be continued at Ross, and a special railway time-table will be arranged, while on Monday a visit to Kumara has been organised. The visitors include pioneers from almost all parts of the dominion, many of them having been .in Hbkitika and district 50 years ago. The vice-regal party will remain in the district until Saturday, when they proceed to GTeymouth. via Kumara.
Date of Photo1914External LinkPapers past

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Location (city or town)HokitikaLandmark (Place)Pioneers memorialEventOpening of the Pioneers Memorial, Hokitika.1914.

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Opening of the Pioneers Memorial at the Westland Goldfields Jubilee, Hokitika.1914.

Editing is temporarily disabled