ARMISTICE CELEBRATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1902, 14 November 1918, Page 3

ARMISTICE CELEBRATIONS.

As previously mentioned in our last issue, as soon as word was received locally on Tuesday morning that the armistice conditions bad been signed by Germany, Foxton, in common with every other town throughout the Dominion, let itself go. All the bells were set ringing, and mill whistles sounded, and people began to assemble in the main thoroughfare. A rush was made for flags, and local business people soon disposed of their stocks. Flags were displayed, and bunting stretched across the street. Within an hour of the receipt of the news, Main Street presented a very gay and animated scene, and the noise was deafening. Toy trumpets, musical and unmusical instruments were sounded, accompanied by the explosions of fireworks. Business was at a standstill. Comparative strangers gripped each other by the hand, and exchanged congratulations. Those who had relatives at the front were filled with joy at the good news that hostilities had ceased. Even the dread epidemic was forgotten for the lime being. A large platform was quickly erected across the footpath near Messrs Walker and Kurrie’s store. At 12 o’clock all business places .were closed. Decorated ears began to bring people in from the out-dis-tricts. Every child possessed a dag, and the national colours were displayed on clothes and hats. About 1.30 the crowd thickened, and hundreds of children, decked out in fancy drosses and colours, decorated motor cars, red cross nurses, cadets in uniform, gorgeously attired “darkies,” moved about among the throng. The marshal, Mr Ailch.cson, ranged those taking pari in the big procession in two long lines, in the centre of the road. The Borough Band, headed by a returned soldier (Frivale Hughes) carrying the New Zealand ensign, and oilier returned men, proceeded between the hues, and upon I timing near the Triangle were followed bv those who had formed the lines. Those taking part were (he Band, Returned Soldiers, Ritle Club, Territorials, Cadets, Friendly Societies wearing regalia, Girls’ Guild and Ladies’ Patriotic Guild, Mayor and Councillors, School Children and Teaching Staff, Maoris, decorated motor ears, and others. The whole turn-out was most -spectacular, and one long to he remembered. As the procession wended its way along .Main Street, the hells were rung continuously. The proeession ranged round the platform, hacked by an immense concourse of people. Fortunately the weather was perfect, with bright sunshine. The Mayor opened the proceedings with a brief speech appropriate to the occasion. Then followed the Doxology and the National Anthem, after which Pte. Hughes unfurled the flag, and the returned men tired a salute. The-hymn, “0 God, Oar Help in Ages Past,” was sung. The “Marseillaise” was sung by Mrs Tevioldale, 1 ho public joining in the chorus. The Mayor moved the following resolution, which was seconded by the Rev. Mr Raino, and carried unanimously: — That this meeting of citizens humbly and reverently render its heartfelt thinks to Almighty God for His kindness to our Empire and her Allies in the cause of rigidoousness by (he attainment of glorious victories over our enemies, We also desire lo express our sincere gralilude lo I he gallant and heroic soldiers at (he front, as well as the men who have returned, for their self sacrificing efforts in the Empire’s cause. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the relatives of Unit great band of brave, heroic men who have fallen during this great struggle. We shall always cherish pleasant memories of them for their duty nobly done. We rejoice in,the glad tidings received to-day, and trust that soon a permanent peace may lie assured us. The Mayor said lie felt it an honour to represent the citizens on such a groat occasion. There was no doubt Germany was beaten (cheers). He paid a tribute to the genius of Marshal Koch, for whom llircc cheers were given. The Mayor briefly traced (he history of the war, and said that Great Britain and her allies had won a victory in the cause of righteousness and a triumph for democracy. A glorious heritage had been won, and we were now entering upon the dawn of ?i lasting peace, (Cheers). The Rev. Mr Paine delivered an eloquent address, I lie keynote of which was thankfulness for having come safely through the greatest crisis we have ever known. It would have been a world calamity had Germany Avon. WVwere proud to know that we had saved civilisation. He referred to the sacrifices made, and to the honoured dead, and asked them to resolve from today to know more of true brotherhood and human companionship, and help in the building of a nobler world. Mrs L. Bullard sang “Coming Home,” followed by a short address from the Rev. Ashcroft (representing the Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay Methodist Synod). Mr H. Signal sang “Sons of the Sea,” and Mr W. Hooker contributed a patriotic song. Cheer upon cheer was given for the King, Allies, soldiers and sailors, etc. The Band rendered selections at intervals. After the singing of the National Anthem the Maoris took the platform, and gave several hakas and poi dances. The proeession again paraded Main Street in the evening. All the shops were illuminated,-and a vast assemblage centred round the plat-

form. The Doxology and National Anthem were sung. The Mayor .delivered' a further speech, followed by the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Appropriate speeches were delivered by Messrs Ilornblow, Dr. Alandl, Rev. James, Martin, Kellow, Fume, and Cottiugham (returned soldier). Songs were contributed by Mrs Teviotdalc, Mrs Bullard, Miss Bryant, Messrs H. Signal, Hinds, ajid Follett. The Baud contributed selections, and the Maoris danced hakas and gave a poi dance. The accompaniments were played by Air Collins. The crowd, which was the largest public assembly yet witnessed in Foxton, was very orderly throughout. The National Anthem concluded the proceedings. At a later hour the Band serenaded a number of citizens. A collection, initiated by Air Furrie, in aid of the Borough Band, realised the sum of £7 4s. Yesterday was observed as a close holiday. In the afternoon Hie Band turned out, and the children were entertained in (he school grounds. The following were the winners of the races: —Bovs under 1.0 yeai’s, AY. Robinson; under 12, D. Nelson; sack race, K. Robinson 1, E. Robinson 2, H. Huff 3; barrel race, Burnett 1, Huff 2, Walls 3. Girls, under 10 years, Ivy Gay 1; under 12 years, P. Robinson; under .1.5 years, Ivy Lacey; under 8 years, E. Hcnski. Boys' championship, Robinson I, Burnell 2, Walls 3. Girls’ handicap, 10 to II rears, V. Lawton 1, Ivy Lacey 2; bandsmen’s race, Mr Aileheson 1, Air Brown 2. Thanks are due to all who contributed cash and lollies for this impromptu gal boring, and to Messrs Colder and Aitcheson for organising same. A most enjoyable lime was spent. Yesterday thanksgiving services were held in Hie Anglican, Presbyterian, and Aielhodisi ('handles, in Hie hillcr elinrch hist night the Mayor presided. The addresses by Hu* Rei. Sloekwell (Keilding), and Rev. Richards, chairman of Hie Methodist Synod, were of a very high order. Indeed, Mr Stockwell’s address was one of Hie finest orations we have been privileged (o listen 10. The choir rendered an anthem, and sacred solos were eon!rilmled by Airs Bullard and the Rev. Ilashun.