ARMISTICE DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1927, Page 2

ARMISTICE DAY

ENGLAND’S HOMAGE.

[Australian &■ N.Z. Cable Association.]

LONDON, Nov. 11. Homage to the Empire’s valiant dead began before the dawn. Poppy selleis were astir in the markets and othei centres all night, and early workers at the Cenotaph have it wreathed already. The day promises to bo cold but fine. It is wintry weather, and exceptionally early frosts have been experienced in London.

The “ Morning Post ” ascertained front the War Graves Commission that the most recent estimate of the Empire’s dead from all causes is 1,069,5-o. compared with 946,023 stated in Parliament on May 4. 1921. and 938.984 stated on December 5, 1920. Ibe growth in the death roll is due to constant revision of the figures, in the light of discoveries and reports from the whole Empire.

The figure 1,036,8-12 represents men of the fighting forces and mercantile marine known to have died I rum causes directly attributable to tlie war, during the official period of the war, from August 4. 1914. to August 31. 1921. Even this huge- total does not include the most recent claims of relatives which have been admitted by the Ministry of Pensions.

Two hundred ajul fifty Old Contemptiblcs, including three winners of the Victoria Cross, landed at O.stend. They are going to Moils to spend Armistice Day on the battlefield, representing the little British army which stood up to the first German onslaught in 1914. Following on a meeting in College Green, Dublin, against Imperialistic displays on Armistice Day. scuttles occurred between demonstrators and wearers of Flanders poppies. The police dispersed the rioters with two baton charges.

ALBERT HALL CEREMONY. LONDON. Nov. 12

Ten thousand ex-servicemen and women crowded the Albert Hall, which was lavishly decorated with poppies. Thousands gathered at Hyde Park, where the proceedHtgs were transmitted by loud speakers. The Prince ol Wales arrived in mufti, and was re- ( ceived with the National Anthem, after which the crowd sang “ For lie’s a .folly Good Fellow.” There were deafening cheers when the Prince acknowledged the salute. 'I tie assembly enthusiastically joined tlie community singing. The Prince of Wales, addressing the audience as “ Old comrades and friends,” said : “ We celebrate first tlie Armistice Day with rejoicing and relief. It was the end of a long period of strain, struggle, sorrow and glory, the like of which he prayed God would never endure again. Nobody present at any public place during the two minutes’ silence that morning, or night, could question that Armistice Day was still full of meaning, but it was now a day, not of rejoicing, but of remembrance. Everyone cherished dear their personal memories. There were also memories shareable with others on high. They should dwell with us every day and every year. If we were able to save ourselves, and those succeeding us. renewed war-time sufferings in even a more frightful form, our every action and every-day conversation, and even thoughts must seek to ensure peace. We also had a duty to the living. In battle every man fighting alongside was a comrade and friend, and whether his luck was better or worse than ours to-day, he was no less a comrade and friend, and at least we could remember. The great tiling for which he fought was still alive, and comradeship was its vital spot. Only such remembrance could redress tlie sacrifices of those serving the name and cause of Britain at her time of trial.” The climax of Armistice Day was a remarkable final scene, and will live long in Londoners’ memory. The Prince of Wales, outside the Albert Hall, placed himself at the head of fifteen hundred torch-hearers, behind whom lined up the crowds pouring out of the Hall and Park. Then, accompanied by ten hands and torches flaring, the Prince of Wales led through the cheering crowds, along Knightsbridge "and Buckingham Palace Road to Whitehall, where there was an unforgettable spectacle. As they reached the Cenotaph there was a simple ceremony. It was early morning before the crowds dispersed. POPPY DAY. ROVAL CONTRTBUTIONS. LONDON. Nov. 11. Tho King paid £IOO lor his poppy, likewise Queen Mary, to a seller calling at Buckingham Palace, who also visited York House, where the Prince of Wales paid £IOO. The Poppy Day headquarters received two cheques for £25 apiece trom tlie Duke and Duchess of York.

“ GLORIOUS OLD CONTEMPTIBLES.”

LONDON, Nov. 11

The Old Contemptibles Delegation arrived via Brussels, and was welcomed at Mons by military and municipal authorities, ex-soldiers’ association and marched in procession to the Town Hall, where the Burgomaster said irons would ever remember the coming of the British advanced forces. He concluded: “ I greet you, glorious Old Contemptibles.”

The procession marched past the British Cemetery where silence was observed.

DUBLIN INCIDENTS. LONDON, Nov. 12.

There were, a series of minor accidents in Dublin in connection with Armistice Day.

A young woman carrying a Union Jack was mobbed on the waterfront. Ex-servicemen went to her rescue, and fighting continued until the police dispersed the combatants.

Several processions traversed the city liearing a Union Jack. The police prevented disorder.

ARMISTICE DAY CEREMONY

WAtE-LENGTH THE PROBLEM. LONDON, Nov. 12. The British Broadcasting Corporation lias not received official reports of the Armistice Day broadcasts, but results are generally as expected. Replying to a question, whether it would not he more advisable to adjust wave lengths according to the distance and time of the different Dominions, the Corporation replied: This would eventually be done; meanwhile it was trying out every possible method before reaching a conclusion. It will he simpler when Australia, Canada and Africa have separate wave lengths, and their own spaced aerials. The time factor will always he the most difficult problem. Other quarters express the opinion that Chelmsford is using too short a wave length for nil Empire purposes. Some listeners in England assert that Chelmsford emits in transmission a hum, which is an indication that the station might he better tuned.