CHILDREN'S' PEACE DAY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 254, 22 July 1919, Page 6

CHILDREN'S' PEACE DAY

FESTIVAL MARRED BY THE " ,ill RAIN

PROCESSION' AND SPEECHES

ADULT CELEBRATIONS CONTINUED ■'--'Children's Peace Day was marred in IwW'elliDgton. by l>ad weather, lint the ; (.'northerly .wind and tho driving rain that came later had 110 power to chill or dampen the spirits of the young people. Massed ,in front of the Parliamentary Buildings, 1 with Speeches and rain descending upon them, the children kept ''their smiles, waved their flags, and gave '"oheers that were good to hear. Apparently they did not feel, tho rain, and quite obviously they did not hear much of the '"gptech'es.''. They were out to celebrate • .'peace; not. to be chilled: or instructed, ana "' their determined enthusiasm was worthy ""'of'thei 'sisters and brothers, sons and ' daughters, nephews and nieces of New Zealand's soldiers.

The official programme provided that the children should. assemble, in school groups, at Clyde Quay and Post Office Square, receive flags provided for them by . the celebrations committee, and then march io the grounds of tho Parliamentary' Buildings, where were to listen . to. speeches and 6ing patriotic songs. The ''weather ■ was threatening in the early i morning, but it did not deter the children -■ from turning out in their thousands. Thero was a big muster at Clyde Quay, where the'children from tho Clyde Mount Cook, South Wellington, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, and Berhamporo Schools , assembled. By 10 a.m. there were about ■ ■ 2000 children at this rendezvous, each school under its own teachers and tho general • parade under the superintendence of Mr. W. H. Foster. The young, people, wore streamers of red, white and blue on one shoulder and the school colours on the other shoulder. Most of them had come prepared for rain, but there were optimistic young Njw Zoalandeis who braved the elements in fight frocks and test suits.

Flags iyere issued at Clyde Quay, and soon after 10 a.m. the children moved off in procession, with the Waterside Workers' the Salvation Army Band, Natives' Association Band, and the Wei- ' lington Pipe Baud. They marched via , Courtenay Place, Manners Street, and • 'Willis Streot to Lambtoji Quay, and • -were given a hearty reception by waiting orowds en route. The children' of other schools had assembled in Post Office Square, with the Tramways Band to pro- ' vide their marching music, and they joined the Clyde Quay nrocession on ' Lambton Quay. It was a say scene, despite..lowering 6kies. The procession was a . mass -of smiling. faces and fluttering flags. The children cheered and sang as .they marched, and they maintained their ■ ardour even when the rain began to fall as ..-■they', marched up. the slopes of the to the steps of the Parliamentary Buildings. ■ y

IN PARLIAMENT GROUNDS . SPEECHES .AND SONGS.' The" ceremonies in Parliament Grounds were married by rain, which began to fall almost as soon as the children were assembled, and which continued with but short intervals until the gathering dispersed.' Indeed, the crowd had . been re- , • duced' 'by half before the Minister of Education had finished his speech, and still more people went home before the Test of the programme had been concluded. , 1 ..... The bands led the children and the . adults, in the singing, of which the ser- ' iice was . chiefly composed. First the National Anthem was sung, and then "0 God. Our Help in Ages Past." Three "national., songs followed: "Tho \Mar- " seillaise," tho "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "Rule Britannia." "The Last Post" was sounded in honour of the heroic dead.

.The Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided, but ho spoke only a few ...words. Unfortunately for the other fspeakers,'.Sir .Robert Stout and the Minister of Education (the Hon. J. A. Hanan), very few of the children could possibly have heard anything at all of . what they said. The children cheered the less at times that seemed oppcrtufte,' and very fine it was to hear '"the .tiheers-'of thousands of boys and " girls, and to see at tho same time a sea of waving flags. They were all in the highest good humour in spite of the de■''pressing'weather, ana it is quite certain ' yhat had the skies been brighter tho children would have had a real celebration. """ " 1 • A Day of Days. Addressing the assembled children/ Sir Robert Stout said:—"Children,—We are '.m'et...here- to-day to take part m a great .demonstration. We ore hero not as •citizens of- Wellington, but as citizens '. ot'New Zealand and subjects of the British .'Empire. In tinie to come you will " all look back with pleasure on the fact that- .you were present here to-day. and jears afterwards you will recall ".perhaps to your children, or your the fact that you were present iat this great gathering, because " f eace had been proclaimed, and the greatest war in tho history of the world had ended.

"Now.- there are two or three things I want to say to you, and I hope you will try to remember them. First, let me tell you that you are British people, and that you have a noble ancestry. You . can look baok with pride on the people from, .whom you come. Britain is ftation, a«d the British Empire -■.ißf one'• of the greatest Empires that has -ever been in the world. No.doubt mistakijs have been made by our Empire, but all who are human commit mistakes. It 1 has stood in the past-for Freedom and Righteousness, and it is handed down to you—for you are to be our futuro people, -and our future rulers—as a ' heritage. This is also tho first time during , tho past hundred and fifty years that all the British-speaking people, have been \mited. Almost the whole of North ..(America, ..Australia, New Zealand, the ; greater; part of South Africa, and England. Scotland, and Ireland have all joined together to fight men who were attempting to dominate the world, and to injure the people.

War May Come.Again, i . And peace lias come! We mu6t not, however, think that there will be no future wars.' It is true thero is what is. termed a league or an agreement for peace between the main nations of the world, and it is hoped that when dift'erences do arise between nations that they will settle their disputes by reference to peace tribunals and'not to wars; but we must not be too sure that this peace arrangement will be successful. Unfortunately from what has taken place recently in Germany, when representatives of Germany met at Weimar, it would appear that they look forward to a war coming soon, and they are going to prepare tor. a future war. They havo not - made their minds for peace in the future: they want war. This being so, it would he foolish of the nations of the world not to make therasolves safe by preparing for war in case a war may come. If 110 preparation is made Germany might bo successful, and much injury would be done to millions of people. We are a small part of the British' Empire, and but for the defence of Britain ..afid' ,lier strong resources—her Navy and ' her Army—we could not maintain ourselves in New Zealand. Wo are only a small people—a little over one million— and we are not a military people. If this war had gone oil, and Britain had been defeated, it is possible that the Germans would have seized Now Zealand, and made it part of Germany. We • do not know what may happen in the future. Thero may be ivars in the Pacific, and ifjhere is no groat nation like Britain, or the great United States of America, to help us, we might see Australia and Now Zealand Qonquered and our liberties destroyed. We must, therefore, be prepared, and I hope you will ever be loyal to tho Empire. It is the Empire that has made us what we are. We are indebted to it for our literature, for. our well-being in every. way, and if ! '*iv.e do ..not remain part of our Empire ..'.there, is a poor outlook for us. Small nations nowadays cannot defend tliemwHes. Belgium would havo been obliterated, but for Britain and France, : and perhaps America, and others who .jolneq, in the fight against Germany. .-And what ooald poor Serbia do, and what oould Rumania do without assist-

auce? Their military neighbours would have absorbed them,, and they wotdd have become slaves. Loyalty to Empire. Thjre are some of our people who think that it is not necessary tu prepare for war. The League of l'eace cannot exist unless there is behind it it strong force to compel obedience to its decisions, and we must, therefore, so act that we may .help to maintain our Empire, and to maintain Liberty, Freedom, and Uighteousness. In auuther ten or fifteen years you boys will have the responsibility of .maintaining New Zealand for the British race, and 1 hope you will ever be loyal, and ever be true, and understand what it means belonging to our Empire. There was a very fine poem published some years ago by Alfred Tennyson. It was called "Hands All Hound," and it was replied to by Australian whom I knew very well, but who, alas, has left us, or, as the soldiers say, has "Gone Wost." It is a very stirring poem, and I will read one verse ot it. to you to 6how the attitude he look as au Australian towards our Mother Country. He said: "Join our hands! We shall most gladly, Where thou goest we shall jro, Distant be the day when sadly Sinks our sun of Empire low. Still in- triumph or in sorrow All thy fortunes, we shall share; From thine honoured namo we borrow All the lustre that we bea"; Hand in hand we'll trace the ages, Stalwart children, mother hale— Thou hast bred us, thou hast made us Every fostering care hast paid us, Now our duty shall not fail. Hand in hand we'll face' together Blinding storms or sunny weather, Peace Within, But do not think that I want you to become fighting men. You must try and live in' peace with all mankind. I am only saying thet you must be prepared for those who do not want peace. War is only, the last resqrt, but it has often to be the last resort because we cannot stand by and see our race destroyed, our country ruined, and our people murdered. When their lives and our lives are threatened then it is our duty to fight, and do the best we can to repel the invader, and to put \lown the military tyrant. But you must strive in your civil life for peace. There is no reason why we should not always have peace' in New Zealand. There are many disputes that will arise amongst u.°, but they may be settled without resort to war; and those.who threaten us with civil strife are at 'botttfm cowards. Some of'them talk about being peaceable people, but if they say that our local disputes cannot So settled without resort to war, then they are not true and loyal citizens.' In saying, therefore, that we must be prepared for war I am not urging you to become fond of war; you must look upon war, as I have said, as the last tiling ;to which you must resort in order to •' obtain peace. You have to remember the words of a children's song, which runs: "Cherish kindly feelings, children, Nurse them in your heart; Don't forget to take them with you When from home you start. In the schoolroom and the parlour, At' your work or play. Kindly thoughts and kindly feelings Cherish every day. Cherish kindly feelings, children, Towards the old nnd poor, For you know they've many blighting . Hardships to endure; Try to make their burdens lighter, Help them in their need, By some sweet and kindly feeling, pr some generous deed. Cherish kindly feelings, children, While 011 earth you stay, •They will scatter light and sunshine All along your 'way; '' Make the path of duty brighter, Make your trials less, .And what'er your lot or station, Bring you hnppiness." The Path of Duty. At the procession on Saturday the one motto that struck me, and seemed to be worthy of the procession, was this: "The Path of Duty is the W T ay to Glory.'' If you want to be honoured, if you want to become and remain good citizens, follow "The Path of Duty." Do'what is right; do what you can to liolp your country; do what you, can to help your people; and do wnat you can to help those who are related to you. If you start out in life with those feelings, and givo effect to them, then you will make New Zealand great, you will make New Zealand noble, you will make New Zealand honoured, nnd you will have travelled through '"The Path of Glory." The Fighting Men. The Hon. J. A. Hanau said: "To-day, boj's and girls, in this remote corner of the earth, you as true loyal children of th'e Empire, enjoying blessings under the British constitution which give you protection, rights, and privileges equal to those possessed by any part of' His Majesty's Dominions, which cover one-fifth of the total area of the' globe, and contain over four hundred millions of people, enthusiastically join with citizens of our Empire as well as bf our Allies, France, Italy, and America, and the other countries which fought on our side, in celebrating the victorious peace that ends the vastest, cruellest, and most terrible war in history. Peace, Blessed Peace! What joy and comfort it brings to millions of men! In tftir rejoicings our first duty is to express thankfulness to God for delivering us from the horrors, soito.ws, and sufferings of war, and for restoring peace again in tho world. Our next duty is to recall with pride the noblo deeds and heroic achievements of our. soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the great conflict, and to pay tribute to those gallant soldiers, living or dead, who fought and assisted so splendidly in the great struggle for the preservation ot liberty and civilisation, tho struggle which to-day if crowned by glorious victory, with peace encircling tho world. The noble traditions of our Army* and Navy not only have been kept alive, but enhanced by their achievements during this war, achievements which bring pride into the heart of every citizen of the Empire. The renowned services rendered tx> the Empire in the supreme hour of trial will never fado from memory. Why is it that the British Navy has been able to render such conspicuous service in upholding the honour and prestige of Britain on the seas? It is because the Navy is a model of organisation and efficiency. It is a great school of character, of discipline and duty. The boys in blue look upon the performance of duty as imperative, and there are 110 exceptions. Shoit shrift awaits the shirker who would desert his post or dodge his tasks in. His Majesty s Navy. Tho service is their pride. Is it any wonder that Britain rules the waves? So great is the spirit of pride of tho Navy that had they been defeated I venturo to say that rathor than surrender their ships they would have gone down fighting to the last with the Jack nailed to the mast.

Enriched Traditions, . "Boys and- girls, have not the traditions of our schools been ennobled by the greatuess of tha illustrious service of thousands of our young soldiers who . a few years ago occupied aosks there. Have not the traditions of our teaching profession been enhanced by the lofty spirit of those teachers, inspectors, and professors who offered their lives in Ihe service of King and Empire? Do you know, boye and girls, that this glorious little country of' ours, which is onehundredth part of'the British Empire, sent one-fiftieth of tlio British Army. Is not that a. fino record for our young manhood? Our young men were not practised in the arts of war, but vcjien the Empire v was threatened and they were called, they sprang to her assistance. Duty called and they obeyed without thought of solf or self-interest. Not only did our young'men spring to arms, but our women gave signal proof of their devotion to the ideals of sacrifice and service. Boys and girls, too, in this Dominion as in other parts of the Empire, did their little bit to win the war.

"The patriotism of. the loyal libertyloving and justice-loving piople of New Zealand, and the sacrifice and heroic achievement of our soldiers will make a glowing page in our history, and add further distinction to our (ountry, which will make it stand high and shino on the roll of civilised nations. In this hour of gladness we must not forget to pay a silent tribute of gratitude and reverence to those bravo men whoso bodies lie forever at rest .n some quiet

spot, which is "Vewr England.' Sad thoughts creep inw our minds. We think of the many which they left in which their r*.uM will not again bo heard. To those ivho mourn soils, husbands, 'brothers, we 'cnder our heartfelt sympathy, and fervently hope they will 1)b comforted in their sorrows with the thought that their absent loved ones played the man in Hie grim ordeal 1 of war, and joined an immortal company."

A Country Wortn Loving. Mr. lianan spoke of the debt tliat New Zealand owed to the pmiiiers who shaped this land out of the wilderness and made possible its present state of i.rosperity. "Have you not, boys and girls," he went on, "every reason to love y-uir country, which is one of tho grandest ever thrown open to the occupation of men, a land teeming with fertility, stamped with the beneficent intents of the Creator, a country with scenic resorts unrivalled in variety, in beauty, in grandeur, a country possessing all tho?o institutions that tire freest and noblest and best. Should not the knowledge of your possessions inspire in you love of country and national pride and an ambition to live for your country, nnd if necessary to die for it, as so many soldiers l.iive done in this war. Yes, boys and girls, you have a glorious heritage. Most .urnestly do 1 hope that you will do" jour utmost to improve .your minds and characters so that yon will possess a!i those virtues of wisdom, duly, courage, and patriotism that will best enable you to prove worthy of your inheritance and fit yon effectively to play your part as citizens of the British Empire."

When the official ceremony closed, heavy rain.was falling, and even the children had to realise tnat there was nothing for it but speedy demobilisation. The schools were marched into Bowen Street and there dismissed, with a general instruction to board the trams and get home as quickiy as possible. They did not all obey the instruction. In the face of. driving rain, a'number of lads tarried in Bowen Street for the purpose of "counting out" the Kaiser. But many of the children managed to get aboard the trams during the next half-hour. Others, with their pafents and friends, waited under the verandahs, and when the rain ceased some time ..liiter, they wandered about the streets, admiring damp decorations, and waiting, with apparently invincible optimism, for some entertainment to turn up. Every available place of entertainment vas full in the afternoon, and desnite live continued dampness and discomfort, there wore crowds abroad in the evening. |

MATINEE FOR MOTHERS BIG HOTISE AT HIS MAJESTY'S. Peace time meant a real harvest for the Mothers' Help Division of the Women's National Reserve, the object of which is to give help to tired mothers. To help Hie funds of this worthy object, His Majesty's Theatre was generously lent by the Messrs. Fuller yesterday afternoon, and a wonderfully good programme, in which amateurs rubbed shoulders with professional performers, was submitted to a packed house, tho ptoceeds of which go toward the fund mentioned. When it is stated that the receipts amounted to .E2GK, the strain on the capacity of the big auditorium will be realised. After an overture by Mr. l'rank Crowther's capable little orchestra, Mr. Hilly Moloney sang of "The Beautiful Girls at the Seaside," and, when encored. carolled his old-time success, "Oh What a Lovely War." The eight Kew--pie Kids, of the Haverle.v Revue Company, in the airiest attire, sang of "Dixie Land," ar.d danced with a neat unanimity that entranced everyone. Mr. Albert Russell, originator of the "Merry l'eace" propaganda, assailed the audience boldlv with his broad humour in "One Pip Percy," ami afterwards gave 11 series of clever imitations of people singing tho refrain of that hardy lilt "Good-byee." Tho first part terminated with that com-j plex love quarrel between the Fairy King and Queen, Obrron nnd Titnnia, from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The characters were very picturesquely dressed in costumes of the most delicate tints, with wonderful wings, and the dancing was quite good, but the voices of the spenking characters were hardly attuned to the big theatre, nnd the subtleties of Shakespearean dialogue went a-v;andering into space, which was a pity, for many of the lines are extremely beautiful. The role of the proud Titania was again assumed by Miss Zita Chapman, who looked charming, but sang rather than spoke heroines. Miss Ellen Millar was Oberon, and Miss Hazel Hardwicke was excellent as Puck. Miss Ngaire Phipson danced with airy grace as the Frist. Fairy: Miss Joyce Julian was Cobweb, and .Miss Irene Marsh Red Leaf (a character in an interpolated dance scene). The performance was controlled bv Mrs. Jnmps Hannah and Miss Gladys Campbell. The second part of the programme was brightened by the appearance of the Dandies and the Kennedy Company, who provided a delightful halfhour's entertainment. The violin playing of ■' Mr. Keith Kennedy was much appreciated, and Miss Fairhall's treatment of Gounod's "Serenade" evoked hearty and fully-justified applause. Mr. Norman Aitken, after; a lightning change from evening dress to Hint of a "digger," recited "The Dinky-Di Soldier" and "'F.rcules" in good style. Miss Estelle Beero's pupils danced their way into everyone's favour. Miss Rene Taylor tripped and tip-toed in a sprightly manner in a Spanish tambourine dance, and Miss Joan Beere, bearing a dove of peace on her wrist, fluttered round prettily enough. A neat and interesting exposition of the fox trot and hesitation waltz was given by Miss Isabel Wilford and Captain Hunt, and little Florence Heyworth. in her "Sur les Tointes," showed all the airs and graces of a capital dancer in the making. Finally,.De Car, as the acrobatic waiter, amazed and amused everyone with his clever act.

During, the interval the Mayor (Mr. J. T J . LukeV thanked everyone concerned for the perfectly delightful entertainment provided. Before the audience dispersed, Mr, Albert Raissell appeared on the stage with "the original dove of peace, sent out by Weary Willie when defeated by wireless through his pal Hindenburg." Mr. Russell, having introduced_ the bird and its cage, proceeded to sell it for the benefit of the fund. Before he had got through a sum of 12s. Gd. had been ' each from the Hons. A. Myers and T. M. Wilford, nnd Mr. M'Lennan, and ,£5 12s. fid. thrown on the stage by the audience when the volatile Mr. Russell offered himself as an "Aunt Sallv." There was also an amount realised bv the sale of programmes and homemade sweets, which should bring up the total to about —A. splendid afternoon's work.

PEACE CONCERTS ■ AT THE TOWN HALL. The peace concert in the Town Hall last evening lasted precisely one 1 our, and in tone and purpose was one of the best given in Wellington for a long time. Needless to say the big auditorium was filled to its fullest capacity. The programme, which was arranged with a full appreciation of the dignity of the occasion, open with Sir Edward Elgar's noble setting, of "God Save the King," by chorus and orchestra, with Miss Teresa M'Enroe as the soloist. The old hymn was sung with a fine spirit of exaltation, and the soloist imbued her music with a spirit becoming the lofty sentimonts expressed in the National Anthem of the British Empire. Again they rose to the occasion in "The Marseillaise," in which Mr. .Tohn Prouse sang the solo with proper fervour. "The Soldiers' Chorus" from "Faust" is always a popular number, and it earned an encore. Still it was with mixed feelings that one hoard Wellington's Peace Choir declaim that they were ' "Ready to tight and ready to die For the Fathorla»d.'' Mr. E. J. Hill was to have taken the solo in "Rule, Britannia." but at ihe eleventh hour he found himself unable l:n attend, and at short notice. Mr. llr"bort F. Wood, declaimed the sturdy old national song i'l a manner worthy of the occasion. The epilogue from Elgar's "Bonner of St. George," eommoneiiisr with "It came from Hie misty aeo°." was admirably sung, I hough one would like to hear it willi a full and eff>"ipp f orchestra. The commercial travellers' male voice choir, under the baton of Mr. Temple White, sanr Dudh'v Buck'-- inspiring part song "The Bugle Sot"'" most, admirably, and accentuated the good impression made in the brack"!"'' number "Hymn Before Action" (Wnlford Davies). Although the nations have ceased to war. Mr. John Prouse ?ans "Why Do the Nations so Furiously Rago

Together?" and so impressive was the veteran baritone's fine interpretation that the number harl to bo repeated. Finally, all the available forces united in hi telling rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus (from "The Messiah"). Messrs. Robert Parker and Temple White divided Hie honours with the baton, and it is not too much to say that this important department could hardly have been in better hands. Mr. Harold Whittle presided at the piano, and Mr. 0. W. Kerry at the organ.

AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE. As the stormy character of the weather absolutely forbade anythin- in the nature of the many open-air concerts which had been arranged in a "cheer-up" mood for the evening, the Peace Celebration* Committee approached Mr. Bert Rovle for the u.se of the Grand Opera House, and on behalf of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., lie granted .the .request free of any charge. Having secured a theatre, .Mr. Albert Russell, with characteristic energy, arranged an impromptu popular (free) concert, which entertained a vast audience for an hour and a half in good style. Even a chorus of sorts was mustered, and opened the programme by sinking "The Bells of Peace." "Pack Up Your Troubles," and "Katy." Mr. Russell was to the fore with several outrageously comic numbers/ and Mr. Norman Aitken contributed recitations of popular verse with easy confidence and a'knowledge of dramatic values. Miss Piinnv Ivutner recited cleverly, and Mrs. Winnie Birch.Tohnson sang some Cockney songs in character that were hugely enjoyed. Mr. Verdi M'Keirae sang "Up From Somerset," and Mr. It. Gilmore's tuneful tenor .was heard in ballads of the sentimental order. Messrs. John Ridley and Spi.ro played violin solos, Misses Sapsford and M'lnernie and Mrs. Dowries contributed vocal items grave and ga.v; air. Errol Fuller sang, and Miss Foster efficiently presided at the pianoforte.

IN MANNERS STREET. As there were still thousands' of people in the wet, sloppy streets, unable lo find shelter in the theatres, the band of the Salvation Army played a programme of popular music from the baleonv of the Grand Opera House, and as many of the melodies selected were well-known chorus songs, the crowd quickly took up Hie cue. and joined in the fun with the greatest zest, whilst separate units of gay revellers lent aid with amusing impromptu funny stunts, which kept their audience in a state of giggle throughout the eventing. So with the elements fighting against it, the public insisted on keeping merry l and bright, and not a few will suffer for it this morning.

- CHILDREN'S DAY AT MIRAMAR A procession; headed by the Miramar Brass Band, marched from Miramar Avenue at 9.15 yesterday to Seatoun. The ■Miramar children,' numbering about 200, were conveyed by decorated motor-cars. The procession was met at the Seatoun tunnel by the Seatoun children and boysfrom Scots College,, and were marched in procession to the Seatoun School grounds. Each' child was presented with a flag. The effect of «o many children each waving a flag was very pretty. A large number of resident: gathered at tlie school grounds, and when the children had taken u,p their position they all united in singing the National Anthem and "O God. Our Help." The Mayor, Mr. S. sr. Stone, then read tho proclamation and made a short address. He stated (hat the l'cace Celebrations Committee had intended to take the children for a picnic, but the unsettled weather had caused this plan to be abandoned. The committee was dofirous that this day of victory and glorious peace should be remembered by all the children. They trusted that their small effort would malco the celebration; a little brighter for the kiddies, and when the children were enjoying the sweets that would be presented to them at the close of the ceiemony, Mr. Stone hoped that they would realise that the gift was only made possible by llio great sacrifices made by ou,r gallant boys who bad fought so nobly and well for the cause of Right against Might. The "Recessional" was then sung, and Mr. G. H. Uttle.v, principal of Scots College, gave a short, resume of the war. He emphasised the fact that Great Britain, Russia, France, and Germany had pledged tho neutrality of Belgium, and that the Allies had respected their pledge, but not so with Germany. He urged the children to live straight, as Britain had been straight in that matter, as the boy who played football played straight, and as the boy who played cricket played straight. The children sang "The Bells of Peaco are Ringing," followed by the "Marseillaise" and "God Save the King." Each child was then presented with a bag of sweets.

AT KARORI All the children attending tho Karori School. together with many of tho parents, the total number being well over 700, assembled in the school grounds this morning. Sir. W. IT. Nirnmo, chairman of the School Committee, introduced Mr. R. A. Wright, M.l\ for the district, who had been asked to unveil the honours board. Mr. Wright made a stirring patriotic speech before he drew off the Union Jock. After the ceremony the big Jtick was i;un lip to the top of the flagpole iii the school .grounds, and everyone stood to atlentioil while the National Anthem was sung. The "Last Post" was sounded 'by a bugle. A hymn of 'peace was snug by the children, who then gave three cheers. After a photograph of the scene had been taken, tho children and their parents marched to tho Karori Park, headed by a band. The spectacle was the finest ever seen in the district. Owing to rain coming on only two races —those for boys and girls over IG—could be got off. Plenty of refreshments wcro served out. It was decided to postpone tho remainder of the sports until to-day,

SAILORS' PEACE CELEBRATIONS The aDpeal for funds recently made, by the Wellington branch of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society met with a liberal response from a number of Wellington business people and citizens, and a really good time as a result was spent by the sailors in port. High tea was provided on Snturday evening in the rooms of the Wellington Naval Boating Club, about ICO sailors bcihg present. Oil Sunday the usual tea was provided in the same rooms owing to the rooms in the Sailors' Rest, Post Office Square. being too small for the number expected. The sailors rolled up in ?ood force.. Tea was followed by a bright gospel service, short addresses being given by members of the society, several sailors, and a- returned soldier.

CHILDREN'S DAY AT PETONE v Despite the prevailing cold winds and the intermittent showers of rain, there was a large assemblage of school children at. the Peace celebrations in Pelone yesterday. During the morning the ITon. T. M. Wilford delivered addresses to the children in the Grand and Empire Theatres. Mr. Wilford, 'in a short address, spoke of the beauty of peace and of the great effort which had been made before ihe final result could be obtained. In the afternoon the kiddies were given a treat—a free picture entertainment in Iwtli theatres. The proceedings were continued in ihe evening, when a large crowd paraded the main streets and joined in songs and merrymaking. Proceedings were enlivened by music from the Municipal and Salvation Army Bands, which played at various intervals during the evening. At about 8 o'clock a large bonfire was lit, and a display of fireworks given on the Normandalo llilk CHILDREN'S DAY~aT LOWER liUTT Although the inclement weather interfered somewhat with Ihe children's celebrations at Lower Hutt yesterday, it did not altogether prevenl the holding of the rejoicings. .Instead uf holding Ihe celebrations in the upon air a move was mado to the Drill Hal!, and thcic were assembled a large number of children and their, parents. The children gave, a very fine display, singing patriotic songs, and .lupp's Band supplied the music. The Mayor uf Lower J-lult, .Mr. R. L\ Bishworth, and the .Hon. 'I'. M. Wilford both delivered short addresses lo those present. The judge uf tlufancy dress competition Jiad a very difficult task, but eveuliihlly awarded'prize! as under:—District High School: Girls---J. M.'MiUan (Japanese), 1; K. Woods

(Gypsy), 2;' K. Bartosh (Ally) and Una Carter (Pierrot), 3 (equal). Boys—D. Webb (Gurkha), 1; B. Fraser (Negro), 2; L. Ivine (Belgian), 3. Special prizes were awarded to M. and May Donnoley (Bride and Bridegroom), Doris Taylor (Red, White, and Blue). Eastern Hutt School: Girls—G. Ilulume (Lady Betty), 1; M, Gayer (Gypsy), 2; J. llulumo (Powder and Patches), 3.; J. Aldous (King of Hearts), i. Boys—D. Riley (Sioux Indian), 1; R. Leveiu (Robin Hood), 2; P. Levein (John Bull) and F. Falder (Haiwatha), o (equal), Epuni School: Girls—G. Watson, ; L. Davidson, 2. Boys—P. Pileher anctvi. Bone were judged equal and awarded the second prize. -Normandale School: Boys—S. Biggin, 1; K. Riggin, 2; M. Biggin, 3. The prize for best fancy dress costume went to C. Tilley, who represented a Sioux Indian. Tn the afternoon the children were given bags of sweets arid entertained at a free picture matinee at the King George Theatre,

IN OTHER CENTRES By Telesrash—Preea ABioolitlon. Masterton, July 21. The procession which left the Municipal Buildings this morning at 10 o'clock, though not as large, was certainly as demonstrative of happiness on the part of the children as that of the adults on Saturday. Though the weather was inauspicious, the children enjoyed themselves. Many of the vehicles which had taken part in Saturday's celebrations participated in to-day's procession, and were • supported by hundreds of children in most unique fancy costumes, headed by the Municipal and Central Bands. The procession marched to the Park, where a sports programme was gone through. At noon the children were provided with refreshments by a committee of ladies, under the supervision of the Mayoress, Mrs. W. H. Jackson. The sports were continued in the afternoon. Bands and Pierrots gave an impromptu concert in the streets until a late hour.

Taumarunui, July 21. Five thousand people attendee! the Peace celebrations on Saturday. A thousand school children in fancy dress, with tradesmen's displays and returned soldiers, headed by a band, marched to the Domain and were addressed by the Mayor and Rev. Mr. Ward. In tho afternoon there wero school races and free picture entertainments for children. Two meals were served in the Theatre Royal, where open liouso was held all day, two thousand five hundred people afternoon, and there wero fireworks at night. It was the biggest, day celebrated here. I The weather is doubtful for' to-day. There is to he a big reception for returned soldiers at the Theatre Royal tonight. New Plymouth, July 21. The Peace celebrations lacked tho "go" of the armistice occasion. The procession was barely half the length of the one on Armistice Day. The illuminations, however, were better, and with a torchlight procession and coloured fires made a bountiful spectacle. To-day the school children are having a motor ride of about " ,; rfv ni'les round the 'country, about 200 cars being utilised. Tho weather is showery. Dannevirke, July 21. Dnnnnvirko held its Peaco celebrations in boisterous weather. Saturday was Children's Day, when the juveniles of the town and surrounding settlements marched through .the streets, and wero afterwards entertained at dinner, and subsequently-' taken to the picture matinees. There were firoworks and a bonfire at night. To-day is being devoted to celebrations by the grown-ups, a procession and sports beiog the principal features. Napier, July 21. The peaco celebrations concluded to-day with more processions and a Children's Dav on the beach. There was a record turn-out for the 'torchlight procession in the evening, and thousands of people danced around a huge bonfire on the Parade. Tho celebrations wero kept up till long past midnight. Auckland. July 21. To-day tho weather was fine. In the morning tho public school children were entertained at the schools and liberally provided with good things. Tho afternoon was devoted to athletic events, all the grounds being occupied.

Waihi, July 21. There was the greatest enthusiasm at the Peace festivities on Saturday. Tho procession, which included 1500 school children, was a mije in length. The Mayor read the King's Proclamation, and sports wero held in the afternoon, and are being continued to-day, with a fireworks display to-night. Christchurch, Julv 21. The weather to-day was perfect, being warm and calm. Over eight thousand children participated in tho schools' procession in the morning. -The children, carrying flags, were arrayed in groups to iteprescnt the various Allies, each group being headed by the flag of its particular nation. The effect was a very fine one. The citizens' procession in the afternoon was easily the finest spectacle of its kind over seen in Christchurch. The procession was nbout four and a half miles in length, and took over an hour to pass a given point. The'outstanding features were thoOiig parade of returned soldiers with battle banners, and a hundred magnificently decorated motor-cars. The routo was thronged everywhere, and the greatest yntliusiasm prevailed in marked contrast to Saturday s military procession'. \ ' Waimate, July 21. lhe Peace celebrations on Saturday were held in beautiful weather. A crowd of 4000 formed a splendid procession, including four bands, 100 returned soldiers, tableaux, tradesmen's displays etc drew up at the Post Office at 11.30, when speeches were made by the Mayor (Mr.' Evans), and the County Council chairman (Mr. Hart). At tho stroke of noon there was silence for two minutes, out of respect to the fallen fighters. Eight hundred children were entertained at lunch in the Drillshed. Sports were held in Queen Street in tho afternoon, and there were fireworks at night. Eight, hundred people attended at the Olympia .Hnll for tho thanksgiving service yesterday, the Rev. Mr. Julius being the preacher.

Tlmaru, July 21. , The Peace celebrations concluded to-dav in brilliant weather with a pleasing and successful Children's Day b<- Timnru and nearby schools. A tota.l of about 3000 formed a procession, which, when comoleted by Standard T pupils and infants for the final part of tho march, took thirteen miliutes to pass a point, in close fours. Most of tho children wore some sort of decorative costume, and, with their flags, they made a pretty show. Invercargill, July 21. The' peace celebrations opened in fine weather on Saturday. Tho town was gaily decorated,'tho streets being arched with row after row of flags. lii the morning, the flags were flown at half mast. At noon all activities ceased on the firing of a gun as a signal, and the church 'bells tolled. After five minutes .the gun was fired again, and all the flags were raised to the full height. The afternoon was devoted to a brilliant children's procession and sports. The streets were crowded in the, evening, and the city was illuminated, the water-tront and post office making exceptionally fine displays. A torchlight procession led to the Queen's Park, where there was a fireworks display. On Sunday there-was a united thanksgiving service in the Municipal Theatre. To-day, succrssful military sports were held, and this evening there was a big returned soldiers' ball, which was a great success. Rain set in to-night. To-morrow is Footballers' Day. Dunedin, July 21. . The peace celebrations were continued to-day in splendid weather. The school children were entertained at various schools in the morning, and the upper standards in the Drill Hall in the afternoon. Outdoor fixtures held in the afternoun, with I lie object of raising mourn for the returned soldiers' building fund, were well attended. At Rugby football. IM'iiriK'd Soldiers defeated Olngo by 1" point, to S, and at Association football Olago beat Returned Soldiers by 4 goal: to 2. In a hockey match Returner' Soldiers beat Otago by 5 goals to I A concert was given by the Choral Sccietv ill the Drill Hnll to-night. Th streets were brilliantly illuminatedngn,'. iii-nighl.

Greymo .1 ti'Ty 21. ] The procession in conna iion with the ' peace celebrations was in the, history of the West Coast. The town was packcd, one thousand people "oming in from the countr;'. At noon, when "The Last Post" was and volleys were fired, wreaths v ere placed : on the liotundn. During tl !'• afternoon ! the cemetery was visited, ai 4 wreaths'

were placed on the soldiers' graves. There was a grand fireworks display at night time. Bad weather spoilt the sports, and football matches wero abandoned.

GRE'YTOWN CELEBRATIONS. The Peace demonstration held yesterday was most successful. The Committee of Management, under the Mayor (Mr. W. A. Hutton), had everything nicely arranged. The procession, consisting of some 2000 persons, were in decorated cars, other vehicles, and on foot. Quite a number of young ladies were in fancy dress. There being no brass band, Ml*. Donald Sutherland officiated with the bagpipes. The dinner given to the returned soldiers by the Mayor was also very successful, there being some 50 soldiers present, and the Messrs. Bouzaid had'a sumptuous repast ready for them in the Crown Theatre. Mayor Hutton presided, and the usual loyal toasts were given and duly honoured. A sports ■ meeting was also held in the Memorial Park.