PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16451, 19 February 1919, Page 6

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

OUTLINE OF GOVERNMENT

SCHEME

SUBSIDIES TO LOCAL BODIES

(srF.CIAL TO "THE TRESS.")

WELLINGTON. February IS. The Minister of Internal Affairs, in outlining the Government's scheme for the celebration of peace, states that tho celebrations will be oil the Sunday, Monday, an j Tuesday after peace is proclaimed. The two later days will bo declared public holidays. Iho Government appeals to all employers to grant their employees, domestic and industrial, all possible leave during the celebrations and to pay lull wages and salaries for the peace celebration days. In anticipation of the proclamation of peace, it is desirable that louil governing bodies should at once take steps to prepare for tho celebrations: (.a) By calling public meetings in tlicir various districts for the purpose ol organisation and determination ol the form of celebration to be adonted. (b) By determining what funds are to be expended and how. (e) By collecting funds for the purpose, Tho Government lias, by Section 30 of the Appropriation Act, 191S, validated all expenditure properly mudo by local governin.tr bodies and societies in peace celebrations.

The Government recommends combined open-air thanksgiving services on tho Sunday, to be followed by a soldiers' day on the Monday, and a children's day on the Tuesdav.

At eight o'clock on tlio Monday mornjng a salute is to be fired where artillery is available. At 10.30 a.m. ])rocessions are to be formed, comprising returned soldiers,_ naval ratings, members of the Expeditionary Forccs, Territorinls, Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, military nurses, and nurses from hospitals where soldiers sye located, veterans, Consuls of the Allies, decorated lorries, waggons, tableaux, etc., bands, friendly societies and lodges, judges, members of Parliament, members of public bodies, women's societies, employers' unions, labour unions, moroantilo marine, athletic societies, automobile societies, war relief societies, Red Cross societies, and St. John Ambulance Brigade. At noon on Monday a silent, bareheaded tribute for 0110 minute will be paid universally to the brave and honoured dead, and all trains and trams will temporarily cease running, and aIL employment cease while the tribute is being paid. Lunch should be provided for all soldiers, cadets, and scouts In the afternoon military reviews, tournaments, athletic events, competitions, etc., should be held jn suitable parks.

•During the celebration days all returned soldiers will wear their uniforms and be placed in positions of honour. The object of the celebrations is threefold :

. (!) To express our gratitude for viotory. .

(2) To recognise the splendid services of our soldiers.

( 3 ) To specially impress the minds of brated Cn W1 great event cele-

In the evening there will be oarnival processions in masquerade and character costumes to bo organised by university co leges high schools, athletic, theatrical, and artistic societies. ' ' closo with illumiuaf°, r purpose bonfires should be lighted on every hill overlooking o ur cities and towns. Fireworks will be discharged at suitable places unde r safe conditions, and the fire brigades will be powS aSSISt With their * uII mailable

„J&S ? 0 !2 rni ? en J does not recommend. viTi s . or Q of coal and material, that illuminations should bo goner+uj. a^°P^ ec^j , but it does rooommend that at suitable points in all cities and boroughs, illuminations should b e ' sot Up in honour of peace, public buildings and the streets festooned with, electric light. On the third day (Tuesday) the children aro. to be assembled in suitable parks with bands, marquees, etc lieturned soldiers and sailors aro to 'be invited to attend athletic events and competitions in singing and Highland danc-, mg. Headmasters of all schools in each centre are requested to confer and make all arrangements—lunch, sweets, and nags to be provided. A souvenir pcaco medal for every school child on the rolls will be providod by the Government.

There will be illuminations on the luesday evening as on the Monday, also masquerade processions. 13ands should overywliero be organised and employed. In order to assist tho celebrations tlio following subsidies will be granted by tho Govornmont: —

an y ioC'il body which expends H 01 " more, whether provided from ordinary funds or voluntary contributions, 10s in the £.

£750, 12s 6d subsidy. £500, 15s subsidy. £250. 17s Gd subsidy. £100 or less, 20s subsidy. In addition to these subsidies, the Government will provide for the railway fares of returned soldiers to the nearest c 'ty or town, and the railway fares of children • from rural districts to the nearest city or town. Iu cach borough the expenditure will bo controlled by the Council, with whom will bo associatod a representative of tho Defenco Department and the Department of Internal Affairs

_ l 1 inally, tho Government desires to impress upon tho poople that the celebrations are not only a great, but also a solemn event. They represent tho victory of our Empire and its Allies in a conflict which was brought about by our enemies attempting to socuro mastery of the world. It was the greatest danger which the liberty for which Britain stands has ever had to face. "With tho blessing of God and tho assistance of our bravo soldiers, wo have won. Lot us thcroforc in a spirit of thankfulness, reverence, and humility celebrate the great victory achieved/