MEETING AT TOWN HALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1918, Page 2

MEETING AT TOWN HALL.

Hie fi rebel Is rang out another joy peal at 4.30. p.m. yesterday, after which a public meeting was held iri the I 1 °wn Hall to celebrate the special , occasion. The Town Band played the National Anthem in front of the builaing, and subsequently a number of tunes and after the meeting played up Resell Street, the appearance of the Band being a welcome one. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided at the meeting at which the Xationnl Anthem sung by the large assemblage which filled the room to the doors, opened the proceedings. Mr Perry in the course of a spirited speech reviewing the position and it , was ‘L years since f lic war started and during that period they had not had much chance of rejoicing until the last few weeks when there had been such a change in the appearance of the actual position, and now it appeared as if within a week or two we wotyid see a general peace. The celebration that day was because Turkey had unconditionally surrendered to the A Rios. He moved a resolution expressing joy and gratification at the good news received which indicated an early and satisfactory settlement of tllC war. J. A. Murdoch (Mayor of Kumara) was the next speaker and in a forceful tolling address lie reviewed the position of the nation since July 1914. In doing so he extolled the support to the Empire by the men of the Dominions and paid a special tribute to the men of South Africa who had taken such a gallant part in the fight for freedom and justice. Mr Murdoch expressed the opinion that the meeting should express its appreciation of the attitude taken up by Hon. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward in connection with their protest against the Pacific colonies ever reverting to Germany. He then moved that the meeting should convey to Hon. Massey and Sir J. G. Ward, its appreciation of the statesman like stand taken np in reference to the Pacific colonies. Rev. Dr Holloway in supporting the motion said their jov was of deep thankfulness specially for four reasons, —owing to the losses sustained, the nearness to which they had been to defeat on many occasion, the many of their dear ones who had lost their linos and what the victory will mean. He felt k that they all felt that deep feeling of thankfulness to God for the success that had accompanied their arms in the great struggle that was now coming to an end. Mr ft. Wild felt that they should do as Mr Murdoch had suggested, support their leaders in the many difficult, problems they would have to face in the future. Mr Mandl (through the Mayor) expressed his regret that illness prevented his addressing the assemblage . The two motions were then put collectively and carried by acclamation. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the gathering.