Ashburton Borough Centenary/Messages

Mr G. J. GEERING To condense the events and happenings of 100 years into a booklet such as this is an almost impossible task. However, Mrs Silverwood, after many hours of research, has written a most interesting account of Ashburton and its residents.

There is no doubt that we in Ashburton today, owe a great deal to the foresight, sound planning and hard work of our pioneers and forefathers. Since September 9, 1878, when Thomas Bullock chaired the first Borough Council Meeting, Ashburton has been well served by men and women of great sense of purpose and dedication.

This booklet mentions some of them, but to all, I would, on behalf of the present citizens of Ashburton say “Thank you”. Our town today is evidence of their untiring efforts and at this time, entering our second century we have the challenge of building upon their well-laid foundations.

To Mrs Silverwood and her helpers, I would express our grateful thanks for I would like to conclude this foreword with the well-known words of the 1920–1940 period — ADVANCE ASHBURTON.

Mr R. L. G. TALBOT, M.P. As a member of Parliament and a resident of the Ashburton Borough, I have great pleasure in contributing to the Official Publication celebrating 100 years of growth and development of our Borough.

Ashburton's first Mayor, Mr Thomas Bullock, and his nine Councillors, would indeed be proud of the foundations they laid 100 years ago. Each period of Ashburton's history has seen service from dedicated residents who have given of their enthusiasm and dedication to build a town with a reputation of good administration, and loyalty to the ideas of community involvement and good citizenship.

In 1978, the Ashburton community reflects all the positive images of a thriving town, not only servicing one of the most diversified farming counties in New Zealand, but also a town becoming involved in resource-based regional development.

Preparedness to accept change reflects the attitude to development which has earned Ashburton the reputation of one of the most progressive towns in New Zealand.

Throughout its history, Ashburton has given priority to building a pleasant environment for its citizens with emphasis on the provision of educational, sporting and cultural facilities. It continues to retain a prominent position in the visual and performing arts, with artists and administrators contributing to New Zealand's cultural development.

The Centennial Year has presented a new and exciting challenge for a second century of progress. Within the Southern and Northern boundaries of the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers, we now have a population of over 25,000 with public opinion strongly supporting increasing understanding and liaison between our two territorial authorities. The future will undoubtedly bring changes, but we are in a strong position to retain the Ashburton-Mid Canterbury framework which has served our people so well for 100 years.

I am sure that as we move into the second century, our young people are well placed to meet the challenges of the future with the same determination as those who laid the foundations of Ashburton in 1878.

Mr M. G. WALL
Chairman, Ashburton Centennial Committee. For several years the Ashburton Borough Council has been quietly preparing for our Centennial Celebrations in 1978, and noting various aspects that would require future planning.

Photographs, ideas and people were slowly moulded together to form the basis of a Centennial Programme.

After the Local Body Elections last year, a Centennial Committee was formed as a Standing Committee of the Ashburton Borough Council, and consists of the following:—

His Worship the Mayor (Geoff Geering), Councillors Betty Oakley, Russell Anstiss, Bevan Stroud, Town Clerk (Scotty Watson), and myself being asked to act as Chairman of the Committee. At a later date, Alex McLennan was added as Co-ordinator.

A combined committee of all concerned was formed and named “Centennial Service Club Committee.” With tremendous enthusiasm, this group accepted the challenge to make our celebrations worthy of our own Ashburton.

“Something for Everyone” may well be their slogan. To single out people for special mention is normally very difficult, and often a dangerous thing to do. But I feel special mention must be made of the great work our Town Clerk “Scotty” Watson carried out, especially during the initial planning period.

To all visitors from many parts of New Zealand, | wish you a pleasant sojourn in Ashburton and trust you will join with us to commemorate this happy and historic occasion.

I must thank all those who have assisted in any way, both in the smallest measure and the largest for their untiring efforts towards ensuring that the final results will make 1978 a year to remember. May all who have worked so diligently towards the success of this Centennial! Celebration, derive much satisfaction and enjoyment from their labours.

We are all participants, and I am sure we will gain much pleasure in celebrating our 100 years of growth.

Mr I. S. WATSON One hundred years is a long time in anyone's language and I congratulate the Borough in reaching this milestone.

Ashburton is a pleasant place to live in and those pioneers who established Ashburton and those who have developed it over the years must be congratulated on their planning. Stop and think for just a moment how lucky we are. There are plenty of open spaces, trees and greenery and fine wide streets which many other Boroughs and Cities in New Zealand would be pleased to have. Most facilities have been provided by our forefathers and our existing residents and Council.

What of the future? What does Ashburton need? Not too many things come to mind. Possibly a large indoor stadium, a heated covered swimming pool and the completion of the Council's streets and footpaths programme. These will come with the continued progress of our wonderful town and I wish Ashburton a happy, progressive and successful second one hundred years.

MR HART I am pleased to have the opportunity to convey publicly my congratulations to the Ashburton Borough Council on the occasion of its Centenary.

In one of its roles as the major servicing centre for an agriculturally based region Ashburton has remained Mid Canterbury's focal point since 1878.

The fact that it has grown to its present stage of development shows the sound administration and progressive attitude adopted by Councils over the last 100 years.

The functions undertaken by present Local Authorities have placed widespread demands on Councils and the need for co-operation and sharing of resources is of increasing importance.

In wishing His Worship the Mayor and Councillors best wishes as they start the second century of Borough administration I assure them of every co-operation from the County Council and am confident we can provide local government under which our district will continue to prosper.

County Chairman.