PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2005, 22 July 1919, Page 3

PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

All the arrangements made locally for the Peace celebrations on both Saturday and Monday had to be amended, on account of the bad ►weather conditions. Heavy rain fell on Friday night, and it was still raining at nine o’eloekxoti Saturday morning, so that it was out of the question to attempt to carry out the full programme of procession and sports previously decided upon. A meeting of the committee was held at 9.30 o’clock, when it was decided to have a procession up and down Main Street, and to hold the dinner for returned soldiers in Mr Perreau’s rooms at 11.30 o’clock, and if the weather was favourable at one o’clock, to march to the racecourse and get off as much of the sports programme as time permitted, but if the weather was still unsuitable, to hold an impromptu sports meeting in Main Street. At 10.30 o’clock the procession was lined up in front of the post office. Mr AlcAlnrray officiated as marshal. It was headed by the Combined Borough and Salvation Army Bands, in charge of Captain Godin, followed by the Territorials, Cadets, and Scouts. The only decorated vehicles wore two lorries, the decorating of winch were undertaken by school children in charge of Misses McMnrray and M. Collins, These were both awarded prizes, as also was a decorated bicycle in charge of little Miss Iris Rout. The procession proceeded up and down Alain Street, and came to a halt in front of Pereran’s building, whore, after the National Anthem was sung, the Mayor announced the decision of the Committee. The returned soldiers’ dinner was fairly well attended, and at the conclusion of same the Mayor, in a short speech, welcomed the soldiers home again, ami Conveyed to them the thanks of the community for the manner in which they had answered to the call of duly. At one o’clock - , as the won I her was still unsettled, it was decided to go on with a short sports programme in Alain Street. Keen interest was taken in all the events, and altogether a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. The following are the results of (he various events: —

75 Yards (open). —B, Gardes 1, A. East 2.

Egg and Spoon Race, F. Petrie 1, A, East 2, Slow Motor Bike [face. —A. Ebbelt .1, C. Brower 2. Potato. Race, ('. Diulson 1, T. Simon 2.

Walking (horses). —J. Moffati 1, 0. Green 2.

Poi Dance. —Rangi McGregor 1, Grace Taylor 2, Bella McGregor 3, Janie Davis 4.

Egg and Spoon Race for Returned Soldiers. —W. Hvnes 1..

Motor Car Driving. —Cecil Robinson 1, Vernon Robinson 2. Motor Car Driving (ladies).— Mrs Moore 1.

Potato Spearing 1 from motor oar. - —Wilson Scott 1, Mrs Moore 2. Tug-of-War. —Maori team (Rewi, Raupi, H. McGregor, Phillips, Paki, A. McGregor, K. McGregor, Potaka).

The weather yesterday was again unfavourable, and the proposed picnic for the children to have been held on the racecourse Jiad to be abandoned, and the children were accommodated in the Town Hall. There were a very large number present, the place being practically full, leaving very little room for games, races} competitions, and other amusements. However, if the noise that went on inside the building is any indication, the children certainly thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There was a plentiful supply of fruit and sweets,, and every child was well catered for in this connection. The competitions included foot races, monkey, potato, hopping and various other kinds of races, apple-bobbing, etc., for children of all sizes, and these kept the little ones well amused. There were sandwiches, calces and tarts in plenty, and the little ones wore taken to the supper-room in relays, and their appetites allowed full sway, under the supervision of the lady members of the leaching staff. The announcement that to-day would also be observed as a school holiday was received very enthusiastically, as also was the notification that a sports meeting was to-be held at a later date. At four o’clock the ball was cleared, and the tired but happy children wended their way home thoroughly satisfied with the entertainment provided for til cm.

THE MAYOR’S SPEECH. After reading the Royal Proclamation, af the concert last night, the Mayor said he hoped the people would give it their earnest consideration. The victorious peace thus established was a cause of great rejoicing throughout the Empire. It meant the re-union of families by (he return of our soldiers, and we all shared in that gladness. Some parents ought to he particularly ha pry, seeing that they had only sent sons to the war and had received both sons and daughters hack again. He said he was not going into the question of the relative merits of English and Colonial brides, being a Pcaee Celebration Night, but wished to extend a hearty welcome to all. He slated that our people rejoiced because Britain and her Allies had won the war. Most of them loved victory for its own sake. Victory had resulted in the securing of more territory, and although the war was not fought for this purpose the Peace Council had justly decided, under the mandate system, that 800,000 square miles of land should

come under the control or possession of the British Empire. This fact conveyed the idea of increased power, and he considered the increased power of a good form of government such as our people enjoyed would be a mighty factor in the preservation of the world’s peace. The. Mayor also thanked the soldiers of the town and district for their patriotism and for services rendered in defence of home and native land. He said that the greatest cause of rejoicing was the fact that the eternal principle of justice had been vindicated. Justice sat enthroned among the virtues. Justice had been crowned king, and the crowns of Oppression and Cruelty were trampled underfoot. In speaking of the League of Nations scheme, he said he believed it was an honest attempt to end war. The document prepared provided for the settlement of all disputes by international and public tribunal. It had been signed on behalf of 32 nations, which should be a guarantee that its mandates would be enforced. The British Prime Minister had stated in reply to critics (hat if the League of Nations only succeeded in preventing one war the experiment would be amply justified. The Mayor made an appeal,to those present to preserve national peace. He said it was a great honour to belong to such a mighty Empire. It was also a great responsibility. He hoped they would all be worthy of the additional honour conferred upon them through the recent glorious victory. There was one way they could help the Empire in the coming days, and that was by cementing the bond of union with the grand old Motherland. No doubt Imperial problems will have to be faced, such as reduction of armaments, tariff reform, and our international trade relationships. Ho considered that whatever course was adopted by England in dealing with these questions they should be actively supported throughout her Dominions, The Ajayor, in closing, paid a sincere tribute to (he memory of the brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice. He advocated the erection of a stone in a prominent part of the town, with a complete Roll of Honour inscribed. He said he hoped that at least once a year, preferably on Anzac Day, our fallen heroes would lie especially remembered by citizens placing wreaths of autumn flowers ai’ound the sacred spot to keep their memory green.

CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE,

Auckland, .July 20

Great enthusiasm prevailed in Auckland for the celebrations, which were held in perfect weather. The procession was hold in the morning, and was one of the largest ever seen in the city. In the evening the illuminations were the feature of the festivities, and great crowds thronged Queen Street. Christchurch, July 20.

Whole-heartedly., and enthusiastically Christchurch city celebrated Peace. The weather was perfect, being warm and windless. The city was bedagged and decorated everywhere. In the morning a welcome was tendered to returned soldiers in (he King Edward Barracks, At noon in Cathedral Square there was a huge gathering of people, and they stood silently for a minute in honour of the heroic dead. From the steps of the Cathedral a bugle sounded “The Last Post,” breaking the period of tense, absorbed stillness. In the afternoon a great military procession passed through the city to Hagley Park, where a parade was held. The whole route was densely thronged with people. The evening saw the centre of the city absolutely flocked with people viewing the illuminations, which were on a magnificent scale. The thanksgiving services on Sunday were everywhere crowded, the weather again being summerlike.

Dunedin, July 20.

The celebrations were most enthusiastic. There were memorial services in many of (he churches in the morning, and a musical service in the Oval at noon. The celebrations stopped for five minutes while a 'firing parly fired three volleys and the drummers and the buglers from various vantage points sounded the “Last Post." In the afternoon one of the finest processions ever seen in Dunedin took place. The ctiy was brilliantly illuminated at night, and a torchlight procession led to the Drill Hall, whore Sir James Allen distributed decorations to soldiers.. A mass public service was held on Sunday afternoon.

WELLING TON’S GREATEST PROCESSION.

Wellington, July 20

The weather was fine for yesterday’s celebrations. The city bore a festive appearance, buildings being gaily decorated with flags, streamers and greenery. In the morning the greatest procession ever seen in Wellington marched through the city to Newtown Park, a prominent feature being the captured German guns. At the park military events and sports were held. At night a torchlight marched to Oriental Bay, where a fine pyrotechnic display was made. At several points on the hills bonfires were lit. The streets were crowded to see the processions. On Sunday a Peace thanksgiving service was held at the different churches, and a special service was held in the Town Hall this afternoon, many people being unable to gain admission.

On Friday it was feared that the (ram service would be stopped-dur-ing the Peace holidays, owing to a dispute with the employees in the powerhouse, • The Council had offer-

ed time and a-hal£ rate of wages, and three extra days to their annual leave, but the ipen demanded double rates, as well as the extra days. However, the Conciliation Commissioner effected a settlement of the dispute.

LONDON PAGEANT. MARCH OP 18,000 TROOPS. A SEVEN-MILE PROCESSION. TWELVE NATIONS AND THE NAVY. London, July 19. Victory Day was celebrated by all classes in Britain in bright weath’cr, which ensured the success of the long-prepared festivities. Joy bells heralded the marshalling of the pageant art. Knightsbridgc. Relays of ringers continned'all day long. A procession of 18,000 troops, covering a length of seven miles, representing twelve victorious nations, defiled through the Albert Gate at 10 o’clock, marched through Sloanc Street, over Vauxhall Bridge, and traversed South London, returning via Westminster Bridge. Tim tail of the procession left Albert - Gate as flic head entered Hyde Park corner. Every yard was crowded with cheering onlookers, many of whom had camped along the route. At daybreak every train, ’bus and tram from the suburbs was packed to its utmost capacity. General Pershing'headed the procession, with 3,200 Americans brought from (ho Rhino. Alarshal Foch, who was continuously cheered, headed 1,200 French, including picturesque Zouaves and Tirailleurs. Detachments of Japanese, Belgian, Italian, Polish, Serbian, Greek, Czecho-Slovak, Rumanian,, and Siamese troops followed. The only disappoinlment was the non-arrival of Indians in time to participate, owing to an outbreak of influenza on a troopship. After the Allies came Sir David Beatty and Admirals of the Grand'Fleet, including Admiral King-Hall and Vice- Admiral Palev, heading -1,000 naval men, each squadron having a hand. Dame Fnrso iieaded Hie Wrens, who were in smart bine uniforms and while hats.

Sir Donkins Haig led Hie Army Staff, including Generals Birdwood, Monash, and Bussell, and delacliments of all branches of the regiments of (lie British Army, ending with four tanks. An Australian band led the Australians and New Zealanders, each with detachments of nurses, and were everywhere received with cheers and coo-ees from thousands of comrades in the crowd. Detachments of doctors, chaplains, women’s legions, nursing services, and massage corps followed, nineteen squadrons of the Air Force closing the procession. The’ route was brilliantly decorated, the Houses of Parliament Hying specially presented Dominions’ flags.

STRIKING TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD.

Apart from the salute taken by the King, the most memorable episode was the passage of troops through Whitehall, where a cenotaph at the end of Downing Street, 33 feet high, was inscribed in letters of gold, “The Glorious Dead.” On the top was an altar covered with, a Union Jack and a laurel wreath. A Guardsman with bowed head and ride reversed stood motionless at each corner of the base. The procession broke into two columns and marched six abreast on either side of the cenotaph, saluting the heroic dead. The bands were silent. A pleasing touch was that Kitchener’s bust on a pedestal outside the entrance of the War Office, and Nelson’s Column, were festooned with laurel trophies and flags. The Mall Avas a brilliant spectacle, with fifty pylons, 23 feet high, inscribed with the names of famous battles, and surmounted by golden globes. These were to have been illuminated at night, but the electricians struck. The Mall and Constitution Hill were lined with stands for members of (he House of Lords and House of Commons, Chelsea pensioners, and thousands of widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors.

The procession took two hours to pass the King, whom Air Lloyd George attended. The Royal party were stationed on (he eastern side of the Victoria Memorial, in a pavilion draped and canopied with royal purple, with the marble memorial as a setting, and the facade of the Palace as a background. The arcs of the crescent on either side of the pavilion were filled with ten thousand disabled soldiers and sailors, of whom many were from the Dominions. The King entertained British and Allied Generals and Admirals at lunch.

The afternoon’s festivities in Hyde Park included folk dances and Maypole dances in most picturesque gaily decorated marquees, under national flags. Kitchens in all the parks provided food for hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The fireworks at night were on a record static. Portraits of the King and Queen, the Princess, and generals and statesmen were rapturously applauded, the climax being a colossal device in letters of fire reading “Victory, Thanks to the Boys,” Then a huge bonfire was lighted, and was the signal for bonfires throughout the Kingdom, recalling the Armada and Trafalgar. The evening jubilations were marred by rain. There were similar festivities everywhere in Britain, features being “welcome home” dinners to all returned soldiers and Bailors, and salutation of the Allied flags on village greens. There were fancy dress carnivals at "spas and seaside resorts,

■When the peace procession was nearing the Royal pavilion, the King sent for Alarshal Foch, who dismounted, walked to the dias, saluted the King, and kissed the Queen’s hands with quick, virile gracefulness. The King similarly summoned General Pershing, Sir David Beatty, Sir Douglas Haig, and other war leaders joined the King and watched the men they had led to victory file past.

During the evening, in response to an enthusiastic call from an immense crowd outside Buckingham Palace, Their Alajesties appeared on a balcony and bowed their acknowledgements. ~ General Pershing has received the Freedom of London.

GALLIPOLI HEROES

Paris. July 17,

General Gouraud, in an interview, said: “I adore my poilus, but I say ‘Hats off to the British 29th Division and Birdwood’s Anzacs on the 19th.’ They are magnificent —the best soldiers any war produced.”