ARMISTICE DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1923, Page 4

ARMISTICE DAY.

YESTERDAY’S A N NIV ERSA RY. The anniversary of the first Armistice Day (November llth. 1918) was marked yesterday bv a special observance all round the Kmipire. Falling on a Sunday there were special facilities for a more solemn observance than usual. The church congregation assembled betimo.s, and special services were held to mark the occasion. By request of the King two minutes silence in memory of the fallen was observed throughout the Empire at II o’clock, the hour at which the armistice protocol was signed live yours ago. With the striking of the hour here, came the obligation for silence, and the people paid ready attention to the observance. The silence was broken only by the sowing of the westerly breeze and the incongruous tolling of the firebell, the brazen notes of which did not lit in at all appropriately for “silence.” So was observed in solemn form what was probably the most notable event in the world’s history, an event which carried with it the obligation to respect also the memory ol the fallen whose service and sacrifice for humanity had made the occasion possible. OX CASS SQUARE. Yesterday afternoon on Cass Square there was a fair attendance mound till 1 Cenotaph at II o'clock, when the Town Band rendered a couple of selections. These were followed by the .National Anthem and the “Garland of Flowers.” Tim Deputy .Mayor (.Mr 11. -M. Coulson) then gave an interesting address on Armistice Day speaking at some length mi the ha npeni ngs leading thereto, and the m■ce-ssit \ for honoring the memories thereof. Mr D. J. Evans ( President of the Returned Soldiers' Association) followed in similar lines and announced it hail been dc-ided to erect tomb..-tones on the crows of those soldier.- who lay ill rln I lid, il l it a cemetery. A enlFction was tokmi up and resulted in over 2, . The Rand subsequently played a number ol selections that were rendered in exc( llent style. AIi.MFsTK !•: EVE, ANNIVERSARY. There was a bumper ailcuilunre at the Soldiers’ Hall on Saturday night for the special dance organised by the R.S.A. organisation in aid ol the clubmom building fund. The flour was crowded from nine o'clock to midnight. Very much appreciated music was supplied h.v tin' Royal Orchestra consisting of Messrs Lawn (piano). C. Ross (violin). C. Gibbons (flute and pictolo). V) . lioss (cornet), and 1.. Gibbons (drums). Mr (!. Wright was in charge of the floor proving a very efficient .Master of Ceremonies. At JR. Id supper was served iu the annexe by the ladies committee. wliert l patrons were regaled with refreshments. The whole function passed off verv successfully and eujnyably. Several visitors who were present expressed pleasure til such a suitable hall tor the purpose being provided, and remarked also on the good dancing floor and the excellent arrangements generally. Shortly before midnight the evening's entertainment was wound up with the singing of a verso of the National Anthem.

THIS EVENING’S REUNION. At the Soldiers' Hall to-night at 8.80 o'clock till ox-servieemon arc invited to attend the reunion of the R.S.A. the evening will take the term ol a smoke concert, following up the one held here so siiccesslttly a year ago. The President of the R.S.A. will preside, and a good attendance is expected, including the members of the R.S.A. .Minstrels and Orchestra, who will assist with Lite musical programme no doubt. There will la* a short toast list and advantage taken id’ the occasion to urge the service men to continue the organisation for the mutual benefit of their comrades. Messrs Laughton Bros are the caterers, and the ladies’ committee of the R.S.A. will decorate the (aides. Now that tlie soldiers have a hall ol their own, it is intended to make these reunions annual functions, and a better date than Armistice anniversary could hardly he selected for such an occasion. ARMISTICE. DAY IN LONDON. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this (lav at 8 n.m.) LONDON. Nov. 11. Armistice Day tailing cm Sunday was celebrated in the most solemn manner with a ceremony at the Cenotaph and in all the churches. ARMISTICE DAY IDEALS. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) NEW YORK. November 10. Mr Bruce emit: Uniting an armistice day statement to the New York World said that peace is mere than a chance for the nations to understand each other better i, the ideal ol Hie Australian penj h . who gave their utmost toward the victory of war and Ifcedont. and I am confident all the English-speaking initntrios will uphold the same ideal. I am convinced the nations tire slowly coming into closer accord ami that it is the duty and responsibility of the stronger ami mote enlightened powers to assist this movement to their utmost. WASHINGTON. November 10.

I’residont Cool idge in an Artiiistict Day statement .said the lapse of time lias uiPlktre.l the resell Linen t.s which arose out of the war, and healed many "'ounds that surli a struggle v.a.s hound to make. It is greatly to he hoped that "e are on the threshold of a new era. The I'resident praised the work of the Washington Conference ami commented on tile rigid economy of Government expenditure of f'nited States, and concluded with an exhortation to rstmomher the servicemen.

WOODROW WILSON’S STRICTURES, tR-ocoived this day at 8 a.m.) M ASfIINGTOX. November 10. .Mr Woodrow Wilson addressing the American people for the first time since he left While Mouse, declared America's attitude after the world war "as deeply ignoble, cowardly and dishonourable. He said France and Italy had made waste paper of the Treaty of Versailles. The only way United States would show appreciation and significance of A i misfire Day was by resolving to put self interest away ami formulate and act upon the highest ideals of an international policy. He spoke for live minutes into a radio, and the message was broadcasted to all sections of the country. Mr Wilson said the anniversary of Armistice Day should stir Americans to a great exaltation of spirit, but a happy time of triumph for ever was marred and embittered because they turned their hacks upon their associates and refused to hear any responsible part of the administration of peace. America withdrew into a sullen. selfish isolation, which is deeply ignoble, because it is manifestly cowardly and dishonourable. The speaker stressed the great wrong America did civilisation, because the conditions which, she might have rectified are now growing worse. He added that the "hole field of international relationship is in perilous confusion. He concluded with an ap.peal to the United States to renounce her self-interest arid again formulate and act upon the highest ideals for the purpose of international policy.