WHAKATANE'S CELEBRATIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 72, 15 May 1945, Page 4

WHAKATANE'S CELEBRATIONS

Sir f —Oh! what a day Wednesday was! There were that many people up the main street at one stage: of the afternoon } that one could have fired a shot and not hit a ljlv)ing person from one end of the street to the other. When one reads of the celebrations and carnivals that were arranged in other cities and towns; and stops to think of tlie Thanksb giving Service here } which was as dead as a funeral march ? instead of a cheering crowd of one wonders why anyone bothered to stay in our township at when oniy 50 miles away Rotorua had such gay celebrations. Even Opotiki beat us I believe; flags strung across the street and organised dancing iri the street in the afternoon. Wc hope that the Mayor and the Borough Councillors heard Wellington's or Auckland's services where the crowds cheered at the mention of Churchill His Majesty the King and the brave deeds of our own boj T s. We trust that they will not make the same mistake next time •> at the conclusion of the Japanese war. People do not wish to listen to a long address such as the case was last Wednesday, it is an occasion when everybody should be rejoicing. Very short speeches and to the point are what is required. Some very good suggestions would be a Victory Ball with an over-dose of confetti, streamers and other novelties; a procession through the main street of decorated lorries 4 private cars and bi»ycles. W T e look forward to bigger and brighter celebrations at the end of the Japanese conflict. Yours etc. "LOCAL BUSINESSMAN.' 1