PEACE FESTIVITIES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 18 July 1919, Page 2

PEACE FESTIVITIES.

OTAKI’S REJOICINGS. All arrangements arc practically complete for tho combined Peace celebrations to be held at Otaki—Otaki, To Horo and Waihoanga districts combined. Given fine weather everything should pass off well, and only fine weather—of which there is every likelihood —is needed to ensure the success of the celebrations.

The programme is fully advertised elsewhere.

The procession to-morrow morning should bo something really good, ns very great preparation is being mado by many who are taking part. Wo hope that every member of the public, will do his or her best to ensure tho success of this spectacular event, and that special efforts will bo taken to decorate vehicles, etc. AH returned soldiers, Territorials and cadets are urged to make an effort to be present in uniform. The local Druids, Fire Brigade, Red Cross and ether organisations will bo represented by special displays, whilo motor lorry loads of young ladies, costumed to represent the Allies, should form a fine display in itself. Tho children will, of course, make one of the most prominent features of the procession, nnd full arrangements have been made for a full muster of tho boys nnd girls, of tho district, and a good display of bunting. The Wellington Silver Band will arrivo by the morning train. The pibccssion is timed to leave the town at 10 a.m., but it will probably be 30.30 beforc if actually gets away. This should allow them to roach tho railway station at II a.m., where the band will join in and lead tho procession to the racecourso.

The Royal Proclamation will bo read by Mr Byron Brown, who will also make a few remarks, whilo other brief speeches will bo made by Mr W. H. Field, M.P., tho Revs. Knowles Smith (Wellington), Petrio and Slade. Afterwards thoro will bo sports of all sorts, and fun for young and old. Refreshments will be provided for all children, but adults must mako thoir own arrangements. Tho public will bo ablo to seenro afternoon tea by payment of ninepcnco. This arrangement, no doubt, will bo greatly appreciated.

Tho combined thanksgiving service on Sunday promiaws to be ono of the most important functions of the whole celebrations. The Silver Band will take a prominent part in this service, which will bo conducted by the Revs. G. F. Petrie, M.A., W. G. Slade, M.A., nnd Tcmuora Tokoaitua. Tho address wils be given by the Rdv. Slade, as the Rev. Knowles Smith has to return to Wellington on Saturday night. The sacred concert to he given by the Silver Band on Sunday night should attract a very big crowd, as tho bandsmen arc a talented lot, who have tscen most successful with this sort of entertainment in Wellington. A silver coin will be charged for admission to this, while a collection will be taken at the combined service in the afternoon.

The visiting band will give a performance at the Sanatorium grounds on Monday afternoon, and will return to the city on Monday evening. The celebrations will “wind up" on Monday night with a grand patriotic concert and dance, in Brights’ Theatre. This function promises to be a huge success. The programme, which i« sdvertised in full, is a good one, with plenty of variety, and, of course, patriotic items form a prominent feature. As the charges have been fixed at a low sum there should be a bumper house. The concert will be followed by, a dance, for which music will be provided by the Cook orchestra. Should the weather prove wet the Otaki celebrations will be held in the theatre, while the Tc Horn children will be entertained at Te Horb.

One of the attractions for Monday > Peace celebrations will be a five-aside hockey tournament, which wilt start at one o’ekek on the Otaki Domain. Some ten teams have already entered—more are expected—and good fnn is anticipated. The Silver Mission Band will render a short programme of music before proceeding to the Sanatorium ground*.

All members of the Druids’Lodge are requested to assemble at the Lodgeroora at 9J30 to-morrow morning, to take part kx the Peacv Procession.

IH -KEMOEY OP ODE HOKODSED DEAD. A BBIEP HALT IN THE ' ' REJOICINGS. Cabinet has requested that the people of New Zealand suspend all Peace celebrations on Saturday from 32 noon until five minute* past noon in nunnery of the naval and military forces of Great Britain sad her Allies, and especially to the New Zealand soldier*, the men of the Mercantile Marine, sod also the noble army of nursing sisters and other heroic and devoted men and women who sacrificed their lives in the cause of liberty, freedom and justice. During the five minute*’ duration all activities should cease, alt male person* should uncover their head*, ami all persons stand in reverential silence a* a tribute to the honoured dead.