VICTORY MARCH IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24896, 8 June 1946, Page 7

VICTORY MARCH IN LONDON

FINAL PLANS FOR CELEBRATION

HUGE CROWDS EXPECTED (Special Correspondent N.ZPA.) (Rec, 9 pjn.) LONDON, June 7. In the saluting base in The ..fall today workmen were putting on the last licks of cream paint to the Royal stand where the King will take the salute on Victory Day. Fringed bv fresh plana trees, the siand, which will hold luO or more distinguished guests, is surmounted by the KoyaJ coat q£ arms in cream with a royal Dlue background. All down The Mall qp both sides, at regular intervals among the avenue of trees, stand poles in cream, gold and red now bedecked with flags of the victorious nations, each at present furled- Flags and bunting gaily decorate sections of the route and among the brightest spots is Trafalgar square where long lines of flags hang from Nelson’? Column and add colour to South Africa House, Canada House, and the National Art Gallery. Tn The Strand New Zealand House and Australia House are also bedecked. The majority of people so far have been restrained in their feelings towards the celebrations but now that the finishing touches are being applied and the time draws near, a holiday mood is becoming apparent. At night the floodlights have been turned on giving warmth and colour to the famous and historic buildings. Street barriers are now in position and they will be Closed at times, beginning at 5 a.m., along various section# of the route. Those who intend to see the parade will therefore have to be out early, and the few fortunate ones who have places fin stands or on certain publie buildings are expected to be there by 7 a.m. In spite qfsa certain apathy that has been apparent tt-4s expected that from 4 000.000 to 6,000.000 people will cheer the parade all along the route. The apathy that nas been noted is a mixture of various feelings. Some have lost relatives in the wpr and are not in a mood to celebrate, other# feel that peace is not seoupe even ~yeU and others again question the expenditure of £lOO.OOO and the use of building • material and labour that might have been used for homes.