AUSTRIA'S DOWNFALL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1918, Page 1

AUSTRIA'S DOWNFALL

Tin* town celebrated the downfall of Austria yesterday on lines similar to those when the news of Turkey’s .surrender came through, the hells being rung, and the schools and business places closing, the hells ringing out again at 4.30 p.m. following which there was a public gathering in the Town Hall, the Mayor presiding over a large gathering of enthusiastic citizens. The National Anthem opened the proceedings, sung lustily by the assemblage. Mr Perry then referred to the news that had come to hand that day presaging an early end to the war. He was followed by Rev. P. B. Fraser who gave a spirited address oil the topic- of the hour, thankfulness to God for the victory being his theme. Mr D. .1, Evans was the next speaker and his special message was to look after the soldiers when they came home and to see that promises made to them were even doubly kept, ana a request- that the educational authorities should make every endeavour to instil into the c-hil--tlren alove of loyalty and truth. The next speaker was a Main Body returned solidot. Corpl. Timpson of Hokitika, and the assemblage honored his uniform with a strikingly human outburst, which was continued for quite a long time. Corpl. Timpson had a few words to say and they were mainly of thanks to the women of the New Zealand for the many parcels of homo comforts that had come to the soldiers on all fronts. He assured his hearers that their parcels reached the men in the .battle fronts and they were the source of deep gratification for the recipients. who treasured the kindest of thoughts to the donors. He had also good words of thanks for the Y.M.C.A. Church Army, Salvation Army and kindred societies for the cheering cup of coffee or tea, (without sugar, he emphasised. as that was a luxury not obtainable in France), and other comforts that these societies provided almost in the firing line. The speaker was accorded another ovation when lie concluded, followed by “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr J._ A. Murdoch, (Mayor of Kumara) was the concluding speaker. and lie made a masterful and telling address oil what the British Empire had done, omphasing the truth of the maxim “Righteousness exaltetli a’nation.” Mr Murdoch drew a reverse picture of tlie Central . Empires and their leaders, his points being well made. “Tlie Marseillaise,” “The Navy” and other verses were sung. The National Anthem again concluding the gathering.