Highlights from the Centennial year.

Highlights From The Centennial Year - a radio programme consisting of narration, music and excerpts.

Part 1: Outline of preparations to celebrate the centenary, including first national centennial conference, and opening of the Centennial Exhibition, opened by Lord Galway, speaks of New Zealand’s century of modern progress. Recording duplicated on disc 6, side 2.

Part 2: Lord Galway reads message from King, opens exhibition, musical interlude, M.J. Savage New Year's message for 1940.

Part 3: Savage laments that centennial year takes place amid war. Narration of unveiling of Centennial Memorial at Petone with haka and beach service, speech by Lord Willingdon. Recording duplicated on disc 2, side 2.

Part 4: Re-enactment of the Treaty of Waitangi, Waitangi memorial meeting house, reading of Treaty in Māori, opening of National Māori memorial.

Part 5: Sir Apirana Ngata, speaks at closing ceremony and opening of the meeting house. Peter Fraser speaks, thanks the Māori for welcome and presence of foreign dignitaries.

Part 6: Message from King George VI, read by Lord Galway. Closing ceremony of Centennial Exhibition.

Part 7: Prime Minister Peter Fraser praises success of the Centennial Exhibition. Centennial Music and art exhibition and music performance.

Part 8: Christchurch Orpheus Choir winners of centennial choir contest sing 'Diaphenia'. Theatre production ‘Faust’ with parts played by Isobel Baillie, Gladys Ripley, Heddle Nash, Raymond Beattie, Frank Birmingham. Centennial Orchestra led by Anderson Tyrer, led by Morris Claire.
(Recording duplicated on disc 5, side 2.)

Part 9: Sir Thomas Beecham introduced, speaks, invited to conduct the orchestra. Garden scene from ‘Faust’. Concluding narration.