CELEBRATING PEACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 99, 21 August 1945, Page 5

CELEBRATING PEACE

GAY SCENES IN STRAND WHAKATANE HAILS THE NEWS The news that millions were awaiting was flashed to the world at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The opening words of a special broadcast by the British Prime Mr C. R. Attlee, declared in simple terms 'Japan has surrendered.' The words touched off the charge of en- j thusiasm held 1 in check by the public since the first rumours of an imminent Japanese surrender began to circulate. And the steady rain which was falling at the time of the broadcast did little to -dampen the high spirits of everyone. Almost before the sirens announcing the great news had ceased to wail shopkeepers and business houses had broken out their stores of flags, and were engaged in bedecking the Strand in red, white and blue. Typewriter ribbons- were even used in one instance to string across the street. Anything that would add aj splash of colour to the shiop fronts was utilised. The majority of shops and offices in the business area closed do ten almost immediately, and the staffs were released to join in the crowd which was already starting to strong the street. By dinner time the spirit of rejoicing was unmistakable and groups of 3 r oung people on the pavements, in a very happy mood contributed greatly to the general buzz of excitement. . Mid-way through the after a lorry appeared and was greeted enthusiastically by the youth of the community, who scrambled eagerly aboard, and were carried round the town shouting and singing. The lorry also paid a visit to the hospital, where the merry-makers descended making the institution fully aware of the celebrations which were

in progress. Evening Celebrations Wednesday night saw the town turn out in real force. In the square > where proceedings centred; a microphone and sound system played music which set the crowd dancing. The 803 s' Band contributed its share ? whilst the Scottish Band } in hardup costume set' the fashion for the Highland Schottische. Community singing was popular. Such tunes as Lilli Waltzing Matilda, The More We Are ToVictory Silent Night and many others could be heard ris-i ing from the square in all parts of the town. Mr S. Pyne's piano accord ian items were also popular. The revelry reached its height around ten-thirty in the evening then gradually, the crowd melted away to continue the merry-making at private or to gather strength for the following night. The only feature of the celebran tions which marred the general spirit of festivity was the unprecedented number of youths and young girls ? both Maori and Pakeha, who were to be seen in. the main street much the worse for liquor. Whilst the occasion, undoubtedly warranted all the exuberance and high spirits attachable to such an event ; the sight of so many young people in such a disgusting state of intoxication was a poor reflection on their intelligence and general .standing in the community.