GATHERING AT THE BANK CORNER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 35, 5 November 1918, Page 6

GATHERING AT THE BANK CORNER

SPEECH BY PEIME MINISTER. There was a very enthusiastic demonstration at the Bank of New Zealand corner at 1.30. p.m., when another speech was made by the Prime Minister. The gathering was arranged by the Wellington Patriotic Society, whose band played a number of national selections. Mr. Massey was vociferously cheered by (he crowd, and the National Anthem was sung with great feeling. Mr. Massey said that, while jubilating, the people must not forget the men of the Empiue who had responded to tho call of duty. The New Zealanders had planted tho British Flag at Samoa, and there it.was going to remain. • (Cheers.) The Germans must nof be allowed to regain a footing in the South Pacific. The control of the sea demonstrated tho fact that Britain was the senior partner in the war, and she wa3 going to see it through—no matter what the cost. But he did not think it was going to cost much more. • One could not tell, but he did not think it would be necessary to send many—if any—more men from llils country. Mr. Massey paid an eloquent tribute to the share New Zealand had taken in the war, both in the matter of men and money. He also referred to the great war work of our kinsmen, the Americans.

At this point in Mr. Mnssey's address, tho Trentham Band marched through the crowd, flaying "Auslralia Will Be There," and at the Prime Minister's call three cheers were given for them. "I don't mind that interruption a bit," lie declared. "They represent the boys of the Old Brigade, who are never going to bo forgotten." (Loud cheers.)

Mr. Massey proceeded to urge the inculcation in tho younger generation the lovo of history, the love of Ration, and tho love of Ta'ce, There was no earthly

doubt that within a very few days, although he was not speaking officially, tlioy would havo Germany in itssproper place begging for peace—a peace which the Allies would dictate—and again ho

would say that Britain was the senior partner in the Allies' firm. - Cheers were given for Mr. Massey; also for the French Army. • Mr. 1). M'Laren also spoke, and described in detail the progress of the Allied armies. He said that no doubt tho jubilation of the people was in a measure tempered with sadness, and he hoped tha; peace would come soon, but not before the troops of the Allies were on German soil, so that the Germans would realist" a little'of what happened to Belgium. THE HALF-HOLIDAY. The half-holiday was generally observed throughout the city, and in the afternoon the streets were crowded with a festive crowd. Sellers of flags were able

to do good business, and the prevailing enthusiasm, though usually restrained, found vent occasionally in noisy outbursts. The picture; houses and other places of entertainment were crowded. The exact meaning of the news and its bearing upon the duration of the war were discussed eagerly in the streets by hundreds of people. Opinions could be heard at every corner throughout tho afternoon and evening. There was a general appreciation of the possibility that Germany would "stu& it" for a few months or weeks, but plenty of pwple were ready to assert that the war would be over before Christmas.

Outside the Eeturned Soldiers' Clubhouse, in Lanibton Quay, a great press of people assembled and enthusiastically cheered the patriotic selections played by the Tre'ntham Band, which' was stationed on the club-house balcony. As soon as the joyful news was received work on the waterfront ceased, and a liberal display of bunting was flown from the masts of the ships in port. During the afternoon somo of the vessels lying at tho wharves were visited by the Trentham' Band, and appropriate national selections were played. Considerable enthusiasm was shown by a number of the sailors in the pr6ceedings, and lond cheers followed the playing of "The Marseillaise."

At the Working Men's Club Mr. Finucane, the president, addressed the members, and referred to the various acts of the tragedy fought out on the European stage during the last four years. There wero times when the villain of tho piece seemed to be gaining the upper hand, but there was now no reason to fear any untoward finale, and he. hoped that thev would soon have news of Germany's- unconditional surrender. Mr. Mace, the late president, referred to the feeling's of pride, with which true Britishers surveyed the deeds of Britain's sons at the battlefront, and he praised , the fighting men of our Allies. He remarked that the tragedy referrod to by the president was ending as it should do in. vindicating the supremacy of justico and right, wrong and might. The proceedings closed with the singing of, tho National Anthem.

PETONE'S CELEBRATIONS.' At l'etone there was a scene of great enthusiasm in the Grand Theatre, which was packed to the doors. The whole of the school children were present. Tho Mayor (Mr. J. AV. M'Ewan) presided, and was accompanied by Mrs. M'Ewan. Other speakers were the Rev. A. M'Veau, Councillor D. M'Kenzie (chairman of the District High School Committee), and 'lessrsA W. Haslam and D. Bedingiield (headmasters of the District High School and West School respectively). The dominant notes struck by the .speakers were gratitude •to God and thankfulness for the splendid achievements of the British Navy, and the sacrifices mar'i by tho men who had fought on the field.

MAORIS REJOICE. The Prime Minister received the following telegram yesterday from Judgo Jones, of the Native Land Court:—

"The Natives have asked me to transmit the following resolution:

"Wo, the members of the Ngatiraukawa Maori people, oxpress our gratification at the collapse of the third enemy Power, and record our thanks to those whose valour, and sacrifice havo secured it. Recognising that the war is not yet over, and that now is the time for tho greatest effort, we offer to the Empire our remaining resources to assist in makine a final victory decisive and unqualified."

Mr. Massey replied on behalf of the Government, expressing his appreciation of the loyalty of tho offer and of the courage and determination of the Maori soldiers now serving with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

. CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, November i. There was great rejoicing in Dunedin when the news of. the surrender of Austria was received. A hulf-holfilay was generally observed, a public meoting was held at the Town Hall. at 3 p.m., and there was a thanksgiving service at First Church to-night. Oamaru, November 4. The capitulation of Austria-Hungary was celebrated this afternoon. Bells and whistles sounded joyous hurrahs, and a public function was held (utside the Town Fall, whore a large concourse of people and a 'big muster of school children and bands were addressed by the Mayor (Mr. Robert Milliga.ii), the Rev. S. F. Hunter and the Rev. Macdonald Aspiand. Heartfelt gratitudo to God and deep appreciation of the valorous work of •the Allied armies in bringing Geirniany's great ally to recognise her defeat wero expressed by the speakers and loudly acclaimed by the people. Feilding, November 4. Feilding had a great procession and demonstration on the occasion of the Austrian collapse. Speeches were made by leading residents, and the greatest enthusiasm was shown..

• Wcstport, November 1. There were great jubilations over Austria's surrender, and news that the lvawer hud abdicated. Tliere was a procession a anile long. The display of nags was proiuse. A general Holiday was observed. A gathering was held in the Town Mull, and patriotic speeches were delivered.

Greymouth, November -4. There was great enthusiasm at the news of Austria's surrender. Bells rang, shops closed for tho day, and the waterside workers ceased work.

Waimate, November 4. The news of Austria's surrender was signalised by bells and Hags. The council mot and decided to ask business people to observe a holiday from 2 o'clock. A public function was held at b.'iti p.m. The council will ask business people whether they should spend the wnolc day to-morrow" celebrating aie occasion.

Napier, November i. The armistice celebrations to-day included a public holiday, a band procession, i'.nd speeches by the Mayor and leading citizens. In the i veiling there wbire hroworks and demonstrations.

Hamilton, November 1. The news of-Austria's capitulation was received with jubilation. The shops immediately closed, and tho afternoon was given up to rejoicing. The crowds were the largest ever in the streets, andthey were led by bands, parading and sinking patriotic songs. There was immense enthusiasm. By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Masterton, November 4. The surrender of Austria was celebrated . in Masterton with enthusiasm. Flags were.flown, belsl rung, and bands paraded the Btreets. In the afternoon a mass meeting was hold at the principal building, whero addresses were given and thanksgiving and patriotic hymns sung. A thanksgiving service is also to bo held in the public park off Thursday. TENSE EXCITEMENT IN SYDNEY (Rec. November 4, 9.45 p.m.) Sydney, November 4. Although tense excitement follows each new phase of tho war drama there are no general demonstrations beyond, the eager purchasing of special editions of the papers and the ships' sirens announcing the Austrian capitulation. The people are calmly and confident!}' awaiting the final curtain before venting their pent-up feelings.—Press Assn.