PEACE.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 106, 14 November 1918, Page 2

PEACE.

Matamata Celebrates. The news that Germany had signed the Allies' armistice was received at Matamata about 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Apart from a little isolated cheering the morning was very quiet, the business places closing immediately, and preparations being made for ,a procession in the afternoon. The Glaxo factory siren was kept going for about five minutes to acquaint country residents of the news.

In the afternoon a procession of motor cars, vehicles and horsemen, to music supplied by Jones' band, left the post office for a tour nf the town. " The Kaiser" and " Little Willie of Nix " took back seats on two motors. Incidently both were hanged, drawn, quartered and burned. There were over thirty beautifully decorated cars etc., so the procession was an imposing one. Upon the return to the post office, the chairman of the Town board, Mr J. Price, read the official telegram to a very large audience. After the Doxology had been sung he said how gratifying it was to the British race and to the Allies to know that victory was theirs. For over four long years they had had to fight a thoroughly unscrupulous enemy, who had left nothing undone to. attain victory. The Allies could never forget what the enemy had done, and would see to it that he was properly punished for his crime against humanity. However, the good that would probably result would be that war would be ended for all time. After cheers had been given for the Allies, Army and Navy, accompanied with patriotic songs, Mr Price called upon several speakers.

Mr W. Bichards said the Empire was rejoicing that Truth and Righteousness had been vindicated. The horrible times when man had begun to doubt the strength of God were gone for ever. God had proved that He was on the side of Right against Might. It had been proved that Truth and Righteousness were stronger than all that could be arraigned against it. A. lesson of the war was that there would have to be a National brotherhood. Man could no longer fight against man. The men who had fought and sacrificed their lives in the Allied cause had helped to save mankind. Humanity had been trodden to earth but had been raised in a greater glory by the soldiers and sailors of the Allies. Mr E. C. Banks, chairman of the Auckland Education board, said " The Day " had come. For many years the Germans had been toasting " Der Tag," but their dreams of a German domination of the world had not materialised. Instead, the day to be toasted was an Allied " Our Day." The result of the four years conflict, which the Germans had forced on the world, was something that the British Empire could be proud of. Her action on behalf of small states would be a glorious page in history for all time. The British Empire had never been higher in the world's counsels than she was to-day. Mr Banks referred to New Zealand's efforts and also paid a tribute to America. He then referred to " after the war" matters stating that the country would have to do its duty to the returned soldiers. Cheers greeted the conclusion of the speeches, and the proceedings terminated with the National Anthem. At the invitation of the Town board chairman yesterday was also observed as a whole holiday. There was great jubilation, everybody being as happy as a sandboy. Apropos of what happened to the Kaiser at Matamata on Tuesday a correspondent forwards the following: "THE DEAD KAISER." Executed at Matamata. 12/11/18. Honor him not with an " Irish Wake!" . Through his vile body drive a " stake!" Shovel him in without a tear And " shout" for the Rascal — "No English Beer " (bier)