PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 142, 24 July 1919, Page 2

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Matamata Jubilant. The holding of peace celebrations so far as Matamata was concerned were deferred until Monday, when a monster procession and picnic, followed by a dance in the Town hall, was held. There was a thrill of excitement evident from very early morning, caused sometimes by the bable of children, but equally as much by the actions of tho adults. Across the open spaces of tho town and suburbs could be seon the fortunate possessors of motor cars cleaning-up and decorating so as to take part in a celebration worthy of a prosperous district —a district which has sent a very fair portion of its lads to assist in defeating tho Hun, and thus helping to mako a satisfactory peace possible. Matamata entered on its scheme in no slip-shod manner, but with great enthusiasm and the district was united in this so as to fittingly usher in the new era of Peace. THE PROCESSION.

The procession was timed to parade at 10.30 a.m. Long before that time the decorated vehicles began to arrive. Children from the country districts came cheering along their roads, all making for the one goal —Matamata. If they were not cheering they were singing, and it was a pleasure to notice that the National Anthem was the most popular tune. The Okauia school's tribute, a large waggon, gaily decorated with bush plants and trees, with a sprinkling of National colors, was the first to make its appearance to be closely followed by a large supply waggon, drawn by six splendid draught horses and driven by Mr S. Harding, from Hinuera. Wardville, Waharoa, Turahgaomoana, Te Poi (Omahine), Taihoa and Mati were all represented by gaily decorated vehicles filled with smiling youngsters. The residents from these districts and their school committees had spared no energy in preparing their respective vehicles to conform with the general scheme. One ot these which came in for a large amount of eulogy was the tribute from Te Poi, a tribute to the memory of those great lads who had fallen. The motor lorry from Mati was a splendidly decorated vehicle, which was awarded a special first prize. The motor cars were a credit to the district, the owners having made full use of the bunting, flags and flowers procurable. The remainder of the procession was made up by a large number of horsemen and horsewomen in fancy dress with decorated horses. Pride of place was fittingly given to the returned soldiers. The duties of marshall were in the capable hands of a man who has been famed for his organising ability on tho fields of Franco and England, Major H. J. MooreJones. His task on Monday was a heavy one, but he was again equal to the demand on ' him. Whilst the procession was traversing the main street people really marvelled that such a brilliant pageant could be staged by such a young town. Two remarks overheard on the corner of Tower •road were a fitting judgment on the general display. One was that " it is much better than I saw in on Saturday " (a town much larger than Matamata) and the other, a seasonable remark "I wonder what J. C. Firth would think of Matamata if he oould see it to-day." The procession was led by postillions on the thorough- \ bred horses, Ring Lupin, Te Ora,, and Goldbird. THE DOMAIN. J

A halt was called at the Domain where a huge picnic had been arranged. On account of the large assemblage only the prize-winning vehicles were allowod on the ground. The order of the prizewinners was : Best decorated and original motor lorry, Mati sohool; best waggons, Hinuera school 1, Te Poi 2, Okauia 3, Turanga-o- ---' moana h.c.; best decorated motor car, Mr S. Salisbury 1, Mr J. Carroll, Wardville, 2, and W. Egan 3, W. H. Miles and J. E. West h.c. ;• most original fancy dress, Ruth Shepherd 1, Alice Oliver % ; best decorated horse and rider, Miss Ella Johnston 1. The concourse of adults and children was easily the largest over seen in the district, and the day also the most enjoyable. For several days tho mombors of the Town board and a few members of the School committee (Messrs W. Egan and S. Salisbury) with the assistance of a few other residents, had rendered yeoman service in getting the grounds ready. A huge shelter shed was Erected, spinning wheels, giant strides, swings, etc., provided, and everything prepared to amuse tho children. The swings and the giant stride were the most popular, and were not without use the whole day. At noon the chairman of the Town board, Mr J. Price, read a summary of the war and the events leading up to it, and then briefly addressed the children. Mr Price then read His Majesty the

King's proclamation to his people, after which tho National Anthem was sung, A satisfying lunch was then provided all present, after which sports were provided for the children, interspersed with lollio scrambles, and later afternoon tea. FOOTBALL. Tho sports item which created most interest during the day was the soven-a-sido football tournament, for which Waharoa, Wairere and two Matamata teams had ontorod. The first match of 15 minutes between Matamata A and Wairero, resulted in practically a runaway victory for the latter by 11 points to nil. In the match between Waharoa and Matamata B tho teams were more evenly matched. The difference between the two teams was a force by which Matamata lost a point and consequently tho game. Each toam scored a try. The final game, which followed an exhibition game of basketball by the girls of the Matamata High School, proved a similar sort of match to the first one. Waharoa hold their end up for about fivo minutes after which Wairere got to the front and ran out winners again by 11 points to nil. The winners will bo recipients of medals, to be presented by the Matamata Rugby UnionOther matches played were Matamata High school (7 players) v. other schools (13 players). The Matamata boys, who knew much more of the points of the game and were the heavier won by 10 points to nil. Tho Wairere juniors narrowly defeated the Matamata juniors. SPORTS.

Several running and sports events were held during the afternoon. Numerous events were held for the children. In ihe hundred yards open handicap for adults H. McKenna (5 yds) won by about three yards from R. Burke (4 yds). Some keen tug-of-wars were contested, the principal event being between Peria all-comers and Matamata allcomers. The healthy farm life stood to the Peria men who secured to out of the three pulls. IN PASSING. When the sun began to set the 'children were still swinging and several private sports events were in progress on the outer field. The stage manager, Mr Price, was still at his post directing the next day's dismantling. Praiso of his devotion to his duty could not be set out in words, all circumstances considered it is beyond that. The assistance rendered during the several days preparation was not what would naturally be expected, and it is a wonder that the arrangements were so perfect. However, his reward, and thatot those few who did assist, will be in knowing that the people of Matamata were never more satisfied than with the fare prov-ided for the greatest of peace days. THE EVENING. In the evening a dance was held under a sub-committee of which concluded the peace celebrations was the most popular one that Matamata has experienced and ono of the most enjoyable. Tho floor was in excellent order, the hall was nicely decorated, the supper was good and tho music played by Mr Darby's orchestra was of the usual high standard. Everyone was there and all wore unanimous in stating that the function was a fitting conclusion to a great day.