Celebration of Lord Roberts' Victory.

Manawatu Herald, 1 March 1900, Page 3

Celebration of Lord Roberts' Victory.

Yesterday morning Mr W. S. Stewat, headmaster of the State School received a telegram from the Right Hon. the Premier relating to Commander Cronje's capitulation to Lord Roberts' army at Koodoosrand. He suggested the reading of this telegram to the scholars and that the occasion should be celebrated by granting the children a holiday. All this was duly performed and the scholars gave three hearty cheers at the termination of the announcement. After this a procession of the children was formed with the local " Bob's " mounted, leading the forces and carrying a banner with a strange device. The teachers took up their positions and the Mayor his position at the head of the column. The march down the Main-street, past the wharf, and up Clyde street was marked by the singing of " God save the Queen " and the " Soldiers of the Queen." The column was haulted in Clyde street and set at ease, whilst sections were deployed up to the Mayor's business establishment where he very liberally provided drinks, lemonade and raspberry syrup to every one of the scholars. The children very much appreciated this thoughtfullness on the part of the Mayor for marching and singing causes a drought. When school was reached a dismissal was given. The youngsters hope every victory will be recorded in a somewhat similar manner.