TWO MINUTES'SILENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 41, 12 November 1920, Page 3

TWO MINUTES'SILENCE

ANNIVERSARY .OF ARMISTICE BAY

AN IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE

• The sun shone 'brightly ovir the city yesterday, -when at 11 a.m. precisely, the thud of a gun fired on ilotint Couk renrtnOd .the citizens of Wellington of their solemn duty, to the <ltul ,on tho second anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in Europe after the greatest war of all times. There were few indeed who did not feel the solemnity of the moment, few who (lid not remember that someone near and dear lo them had made the supreme sacrifice, and few who did not realise that at least a thought should bo given to nil who had suffered and died in the gvcai world conflict. For a space of two minutes i-.U activities—in streets, . factories, offices, warehouses, workshops, schools, and playing- grounds—erased absolutely. The tVamcars pulled up promptly at the signal, wherever they were, the groaning of machinery was hushed and "all •tie air a solemn stillness held." It was Jis' though the hush of night had suddenly bereft the scone of all movement and sound. People, suddenly realising the time and the occasion, stood still, many witli bared heads, and (lid not move until the consecrated two minutes had flown. In most, of the schools the scholars were assembled in the play; grounds, and fifcood quietly to attention for" the stipulated time, the object of the procedure having previously been explained to them.

In all revpects the manner in which the anniversary of a momentous day was. marked'was singularly appropriate, and the unanimity with, which -it was observed was quiet testimony to the feelings of the people generally A brief memorial' service as held in St. Mark's Church ot 10.30 p.m. to synchronise with the time of the service that, was held in Westminster Abbey. Has ISxecvlency the Governnr-frcnei'al r»iid the lessons' (from the burial service). " The - service' was ooiidueNl by faff acting-vicar, tb e in>y. (A. T. I!. Page. The service' was fullv choral, end qt'i'.s termination Mr. Lawrence WatHuh played the "Dead March" in and binders sounded Ihe "Last Post" and finally the "Keveille."

RECOGNITION IN PARLIAMENT

RESOLUTIONS IN BOTH HOUSES. The tiro minutes* silence in observance of Armistice Day wns a feature, of tho proceedings in Parliament yesterday. The House of Representatives met at halfpast ten, so that it wan .in Region when the moment arrived. At two minutes to eleven the'Prime''Minister asked that members should rise. This they did and remained standing in silence for tho period set; The Prime Minister then moved the following resolution-.—

On this the'second anniversary of Armistice Day,' and at the close of the first session of the twentieth .Parliament, we, the members of the House of Representatives, desire to Vecord. on behalf of the people of Aew Zealand, that the loyalty of'lhe , Dominion .to the 'King, to the British . Empire, of which we proudly form • a'part, and to its Constitution which guarantees our freedom, remains as steadfast in tin's time of peace ns it did throughout the long yenrs of war. And we desire also to 'jword our ' earnest hope that dnrimr this difficult period of reconstruction our fel-low-subjects in every country .under a the British flag mnv sink all see'Htional differences and imito for the continued maintenance of the inloir- . I'ity of the Empre. the promotion of its tommprc.inl and industrial prosperity, and-the welfare-ami happiness of its peoples.

In movimr'the resolution,'-' Sir: M.issey said that it was not necessary to remind his fellow-members that loyally and determination were just as necessary; now in this- difficult period of reconstruction as they wore when our men were fighting for our national existence on the plains of Flanders and in the other theatres of war. The people of New Zealand were equally patriotic as-other citizens .of the Empire, and he did not thhVk it would be taken amiss that this resolution should be forwarded to the heart of the Empire. In the absence of the Leader of the Onnosition he would ask Mr. T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South) to second the resolution. -v .".- . (Mr. Sidey said that lie thoroughly endorsed the sentiments expressed hv- the Prime Minister. It was thoroughly, in keeping.thafwe should come to this resolution on the second anniversnry of the armistice.' He was quito sure that it would find mi echo in the hearts of every member of the House and of everyone in the country.'

: \on the carrying of the motion the niembeDi rose and sang the National Anthem, after which the ordinary business of Iho TT'Hiso was rosuuiod. A similar resolution was Inter passed in the Council on the motion of Sir Francis Bell. /

At eleven o'clock an impressive ceremony, was held at tho Dominion Farmers' Institute.. Every- person in the institute, including the building contractor's employees,' assembled, and maint*inr<l silence for two minutes, and then joined in sirieirig the National Anthem.

OBSERYATIONOF THE DAY IN

AUSTRALIA

(Eec. November 11, I!Ki p.m.)

Sydney, November 11. An impressive silence settled over the city for two minutes after IT o'clock ■truck.' All traffic ■ everywhere was slopped. The people stood in the streets Kitless. There was a big gathering in Martin Place, whero the Governor and the Premier gave short addresses' and paid a tribute to the illustrious dead. Special services were held in a number of churches.. '

■ .There was a similar observation of Armistice Day throughout .the Commonwealth.