CELEBRATING THE PEACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 97, 14 August 1945, Page 5

CELEBRATING THE PEACE

TWO DAYS HOLIDAY LOCALLY DETAILS OF PROGRAMME So sudden and unexpected has been the response by the Japanese Government to the dual effect of the atomic bomb and the Russian • declaration that plans for celebrating the return of peace were at first . precipitated and then held in impatient abeyance awaiting the. lirial confirmation of the great news. The Wliakatane Borough and Dis,"trict Committee, after a hurried meeting on Saturday last, when it appeared that the announcement of an armistice was imminent, decided on the following order of pro- - cedure over the two days celebration previously agreed upon. First Day 1 p.m. Muster of Grand Parade of Anzac Day units and other organisations, at the Square, in reaidi-' ness for procession to Domain. 2 p.m. Combined Thanksgiving -Service at Domain. NOTE: Should the news be received at or before noon the Service and procession will take place on that day." Should it be received later, the same programme w r ill be observed, the following day. The first evening will be devoted to general celebrations in the main street. There will be dancing on the Strand to orchestral and Band jnusic from 7.30 onwards. Arrangements have been made for a loud speaker to keep up a running comr mentary. There is a general tion for spontaneous jollification. Fancy dresses, musical instruments •rgenuine and makeshift will be welcomed. It is to be hoped that organised groups will parade the Strand •anXl add to the hilarity. * '* *' ■ Second Day 11 a.m. Muster of town and district school children in Whakatane TJomain. Proce&sional march of entire assembly, with bands in attendance. .■ Address, by His Worship the Mayor and a representative of the Maori race. 12 noon. Light luncheon. 1 p.m. Short entertainment interlude. 2 p.m. Grand sports meeting iot .all schools. There have been tentative suggest tions for a further day's celebrations for the Maori community. Details •of this event have however yet to •come to hand.

.OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT .GOVERNMENT DECREES TWODAY HOLIDAY ,'ln an official statement the Prime jVlinister Hon. Peter Frase-r stated 9 9 over- the weekend that "The Government. had decided, after consulwith employers and employe •ees, that two days holiday will be granted to . mark the surrender and defeat of Japan. If the official announcement is made before 12 noon, then the remainder of that day and the day following will subject to what is decided in regard to the maintenance of essential services he observed as a holiday both by Government departments and industry. If, news is received .after midday, or on Sunday the two following days would be. observed as holidays. The New Zealand Employers' Federation and Manufacturers' Federation had announced their decision to recommend to all their members "that those days on which the holidays are observed will be paid holidays irrespective of whether in they are one and a half of two days' full holidays. "That means that all men and ■women who are not required to work on those days will receive pay for those days at the ordinary daily rates," said the Prime Minister. "If, they are engaged in certain essential services; and required to work on those days then they will receive an extra day's pay or time off in lieu" thereof by mutual agreement between the employer and employee."