PEACE WITH HONOUR.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 23 July 1919, Page 3

PEACE WITH HONOUR.

Local Celebration s

Otaki.

SATURDAY'S PTJNCTION. ' A GREAT DAY. The local celebrations on Saturday •r-tlic first day of the national rejoicing—were in every way a great success. The fact that. Waihoangs and Te Horo districts were combining with. Otaki tended to give greater importance to the function, and therefore to 'make a bettor display than would other- j wise have been the case.. ;

Much anxiety was felt regarding the weather. Though Friday was a perfect Gay, and there was a cloudless sky until very late that night, Saturday dawned dark and threatening, and a 'few light showers of rain early in the morning prevented some from ventur- { ing out. On the whole, howovor, considering the time of year, the weather was fair. The sun shone brightly 'during the greater part of the day, and after the commencement of the /celebrations there was only one shower of brief duration at mid-day.

Owing to the Wellington Silver Mission Band not arriving till the 11 a.m. train the procession did not get away until 10.30, though many children arrived on the sccno hours beforehand. .

The Procession. The procession- was certainly the biggest ever seen in the district. Despite the threatening weather the children from To Horo and district and SVaihoanga mustered in full force;, the majority being motored over by kindly disposed motor owners. Captain Bax managed his difficult task of macrshal admirably, and with the aid of school teachers, committeemen and others things went smoothly and well, fchere was a good display of bunting ill the Streets, and as the procession moved off from the main street it was a most imposing ' and inspiring spectacle. Perhaps the most attractive portion of the procession were the children ocf the \various schools in the district.- The ' great majority of these wore gaily, at-, tired in brightly-coloured raiment, .wearing the school favours, and each Child carrying a Hag, while a large proportion of the boys and girls appearcd in picturesque fancy costumes, many of which were original and very pretty. Each of the schools—Otaki, Otaki Convent, Te Horo and Waihoanga —marched separately, each carrying proudly, their banner, and the merry i'aeos of the little ones and their brightly coloured decorations made ai beautiful scene. All' the younger children were conveyed in motor cars and motor 'buses, these vehicles presenting a most picturesque appearance with their happy passengers. There was not a large gathering ef military, unfortunately, but the returned soldiers—heroes who had participated in Gallipoli, "Egypt, and all j ■jhe battlefields of Europe—made aj good show and were looked upon with pride, There was also a fair number of territorials and cadets. ■ The Natives were not represented strongly numerically, ■ but the motor laden with Maori wahincs, clad in Maori costumes, with tattooed faces, eome carrying piccaninnies in Maori fashion, was a most picturesque sight. The local Bed Cross made a very fine display. A large bevy of Red Cross purses were conveyed in a motor Bed Cross ambulance, admirably equipped, every detail being carefully attended to. It was a most creditable display. Another very fine display was a representation of the Allied Nations by a number of young ladies, mounted m Messrs Bills and Moore's motor lorry. Which had been beautifully decorated, aad was driven by a returned soldier, Private Bert Pcnney. The characters represented were:—Miss M. Bills, Britannia; Miss M. Powell. America; Miss W. Powell, Canada; Miss D. Ad'6ett, Australia; Mrs Cooper Harvey (in Maori dress) and Miss Buby Adsett, New Zealand; Misses G. Beau- > *hanip and J. Baker, Belgium; Miss M. j+Baker, Servia; Miss F. Bevan, Eou*'mania; Miss L. Patching, Portugal; Miss G. Knox, Japan; Miss G. Powell, France; Miss K. Penn, Italy. Miss Norgrove represented Peace, and Miss ■Wi Baker nurse. This display was much admired and attracted much attention. -?f» The local Druids, who were out in goodly numbers, made a brave show in Jheir quaint beards and gowns, while the Fire Brigade engine also turned put.

There were so many beautifully j decorated motor cars, traps, etc., that it would be invidious to mention any. -Suffice to say these made a very bcau'tiful scene, man y of the decorations 'showin" that much care and taste had been displayed in their preparation.. The procession was nearly a mile in length and took quite a long time w pacing a.'given point. At tie Railway station, on arrrval of the train,* the Wellington Methods SLioT Silver Band joined the proccSn, aua led to-the Maori Racing Club's course, wbicb proved an .deM place for the gathering. Proclamation of Peace.-

Iramediately the large concourse of oeoole had settled, the large grandS being completely*X|e£Mr ByronSwra (chairman of the Town Board

Combined Bejoicings in

A Memorable Occasion,

and the Peace Celebration Committee

'J read the Boyal Proclamation of Peace I followed by the National Anthen ' played by the band. Mr Brown thei r read a detailed account of events thai I led up to the war, prepared by instruc)tion of the Government. Our Honoured Dead,

I i It being then a few minutes before noon, at Mr Brown's request all present stood motionless for a minute or two with bared heads, in honour of the heroes who fell during the great %var lighting for liberty and justice,' followed by the playing of "The Garland of Flowers" by the baud, the plaintive notes of this beautiful piece of music J appealing deeply to all present. It was I a solemn time and a most fitting tri- , bute to our fallen soldiers. Bousing cheers were then given lor I the band.

A Stirring Address. The Ecv. Knowles Smith, of the Wellington Central Methodist Mission, who appeared in military, attire, ho being a military chaplain captain, then addressed the assemblage, and held the closest attention of his big audience through a most interesting forceful, and appropriate address. Mr Smith said it was- a pleasure for the band to take part in the celebrations. There might bo bigger, and even more proficient bauds, ho said, but thore was certainly not one more loyal. Every member of the baud of military age and physically fit had volunteered for .service. (Applause.) Referring to the presence of Maoris at Otaki, the speaker suid the magnificent part played by tho Maoris in this war, whore they had fought shoulder to shoulder with their pakeha brethren, would bo written largo in the history of tho future. The war that had but recently ended was, said the speaker, one of materialism versus Christianity. Far deeper than anything else the spiritual forces had been in conflict in this war. Germany had become materialistic to the very core, and advocated a doctrine of "might is right." Tho brutality of the Germans luring the war had exemplified the result of this teaching. On the other land, the British soldiers had a sin;ere belief in God and God's iuterfcr:nee, and we did not place our whole rust in the power of the sword. It vas because of that spirit that we were \ o-day chanting the noble tunes of * .'ictory and blessing. Mr Smith went a >n to say that no lesson of the war was norc striking than that of the break- ' ng down of class distinctions. We ' lsed to talk of our aristocracy, demo:racy and even our "snoboeracy," aid he, amidst laughter, but no one-did hat to-day who had been in the great ;onilict—all were comrades •in the lour of danger. This war had demon- J trated the brotherhood of their great 3mpirc—it did not matter what their f losition. It had also broken down the lifCcrenees of deuominationalism that md handieapped the churches. The * act that a man in uniform was a padre fc vas sufficient for the soldiers —it did C lot matter whether he were a Eoman a Catholic, a Salvation Army man, or vhat he was—and he contended the ? var had united tho churches in one l ioud that would never be broken, and C hat should enable them to do greater . ;ood in that great and glorious pur- \ lose, the uplilt of humanity. (Apilause.) The speaker had some hard * vords to say re the war profiteer. There I vere some men, he said, who were not ;lad the war was over, because they E nade it their opportunity to increase . heir own wealth. "That man ought o hang his head in shame who proited at the expense of our boys." said ho speaker amidst applause. He had . 10 sympathy with that man. There , vere hearts in their midst, said Mr Smith, that felt a subdued joy that day. T o the mothers of the lads who were . looping on Gallipoli or the battlefields if Europe, he would say do not let tolay be a day of sorrow! Though there . vas the natural heartache, he believed hose boys lived in a larger and granler life than they lived here, their leroism having demonstrated their eadiness to take part in the life be- . -ond. The speaker urged his hearers C lot to forget that, though the war was V ■nded, they had a duty yet to fulfil. r fhey had a duty to the incapacitated, md he trusted they would do it. Let £ r not be said of New Zealand that we dlowed our heroes to drift to charitable nstitutions—this was not the reward :hey should get! He appealed to all to J ;ee that the returned soldiers were properly treated.

In closing a vigorous address, freely j punctuated with applause, the speaker said the w _ ar demonstrated one fact . with particular force—that every Bri- - tish heart—no matter in what part of ■ the vast Dominions—beat true to our great and glorious Empire, our King, ; and our Supreme King and Lord of Lords! Refreshments.

The arrangements for refreshments . were excellently carried out without , a hitch, reflecting the greatest credit on the ladies' committee, the members of the school committees, and all who assisted. A special word of praise must be given to Mrs J. W. Hodgson, whose able supervision and excellent management of affairs contributed in no small

measure to the success of this mos important part of the proceeding. Every school child had an ample suff ciency of good things, while the band: men and friends were also royally cr tcrtaincd. The refreshments rooms an conveniences of tho racecourse build ings proved very useful indeed in tharrangements for entertaining thosi J present. Hot water was supplied fo: all adults, who were enabled to picnic on the grandstand and adjacent build ings. Amusements.

A programme of sports events was carried out on the "straight" in front of the | lawn, under a committee of which Mr M. H. Ayre was convener, while a Punch and Judy show kindly loaned and "run" by Mr Ferry, of (Otaki, proved a great draw, and provided great fun for the little ones in particular. The hockey match played on the grounds proved a great attraction to many, while Inst, but by no means least, the excellent music provided by the Silver Band was a great delight to all—both young and old, and was undoubtedly the chief attraction of j I the whole day's festivities . Tho j whole day's outing passed oft' without j a hitch, and young and old spent a most , happy day. ; ~ j

THANKSGIVING SEKVICE. j AN INSPIRING GATHERING. [ The united thanksgiving service, held on Sunday afternoon in the theatre, j was splendidly attended, the crowd ■ being a large ami interested one" It j.' was a fitting demonstration by a united ' ' people of thanksgiving for Peace. The ' Silver Mission Band was present in ilmost full Strength and ' discoursed !'' music that was highly appreciated, . f md also played the hymns, while a ; l :hoir rendered valuable service. Mr b 3yron Brown presided, and in a few ' vords stated lie was not present to nako a speech, but pointed out that j ' hey had met together tn render thanks I o God for the victory achieved in the I ' ;rcat'war. After .the singing of ''The j * )ld Hundredth" he read the Peace J c 'reclamation, which was followed by [ * he reading of a peace thanksgiving, I ° Dcally composed, as follows: '1 ?eace, by the graco of God, has come! J His blessed peace proclaim! a Lift up our hoarts in thankfulness, h And praiso God's Holy Name! v Our' Nation, for its sin, chastised, |\ Has borno His chastening rod; ' And comes before His altar steps ° The altar steps of God— i a Claiming the Christian privilege, With all its heart laid bare, P To sound tho timbrel of His praise, n Before His altar there. j j ' u The vict'ry He hath given us; His might hath triumphed wrong! } Cl Bow down all Nations to His grace, I P Where thanks alone belong. c: V Our God of old is God to-day! He fights with truth and right! " The God Who led our fathers forth • D ' In triumph with His might. (ei

Bow down the Allied Nations all! Praise God for victory! But let us not in gladdened hearts, Forget the agony.

Then followed the National Anthem, prayers by Revs. G. F. Petrie, M.A., and Tcmuera, and hymns, suitable for the occasion, a lesson by the Rev. W. G. Slado, M.A., and the reading by the chairman of the events that led up to the war. The hymns sung were: "O God Our Help in Ages Past," John Oxcnham's most appropriate "We thank Thee, O our God, for this long-fought-for, hoped-for, prayed-for peace," suiig to the old favourite tune, "Duke Street," and Kipling's Recessional to that majestic old tune, "Melita."

The address by the Rev. Slade. was a very fine, thoughtful aud forceful dissertation, and was listened to throughout with great attention. Following is a digest of the address: — Peace has been so long in actual consummation that one almost feels as if all enthusiasm of rejoicing has evaporated. The ecstasy of Armistice Day, followed quickly by the harrowing epidemic, has ended in a quiet lethargy in which a people has complacently grown used to the notion that war is past and peace returned. This fact makes the task of a speaker all the more difficult. The lash of public speech and also that of the press have been applied to quieken a nation's war activities. Now comes the question what word to utter that shall commemorate the return of peace and also inspire our noblest thought and energy for this occasion. In answer to this comes the ono word "responsibility." This is tho word so constantly uttered in the days of war. Please do not object that one assert its application also as a peace word. "Besponsibility" contains a mora! value. It introduces the thought of obligation and duty. It implies something that we ought to accomplish. To use this word to-day carries our thoughts back to the days of war. Since its commencement we have had this sense upon us of moral obligation. The history of the war will assert that our Empire- entered the light for a sense of duty. The "responsibility" was upon us to fight for a weak nation, and one that appealed for the help of our might; above I all for our word of honour that had ! been subscribed to a great international bond. Had our nation remained neutral we should have Teally sided with the shiftless baseness that has all along been displayed by oar foes. But what they Sung aside as a scrap of paper was our life bond, and for its integrity a great nation has groaned and agonised, has bled and fought and won. Now if there was a corporate war obligation the sense of responsibility passed down to each humblest subject. Every soldier in tße ranks, every woman in the home or guild, every man engaged in keeping the home fires burning, every boy and girl: all felt this solemn call of duty. Thus one calls to a people already filled with this keen sense to answer the solemn call in days of peace. Peace comc-5 trpon cs with a moral word. It is for us t& eatei tiat word aud move under

st its impulse. I do! not' hope this afte s. noon to do more than hint with afe i- ideas the cogency of this duty. Bt s- there arc three thoughts I must emph; i- sise and to these three eur attentio d now will bo directed. 1- ! I. Peace brings with it the obligy e tion of sympathy, c One need not spend a great deal o r time in discussion what must, be" self a evident to all. Sorrow utters a grea - call to the nation's hearty Perhap.;an illustration will not be amiss. Th( ;' striking Of a chord of music awaken; . 'vibrations of the tone in aIF otliei . strings sympathetically tuned. Those ■ | whose heart strings have, been plucked |by loss are listening for the sympa- ! thetic echo in other hearts. So far J they have heard it, but, friends, do not : let us deaden the chords of our sympathy and silence that echo. Remember our JEmpire incurred more than 3,000,0,00 casualties. Our sympathy and tenderness are due to all the homes that have felt this blow of sorrow. And j others demand sympathy. We ought not to forget those whom the fight has i broken. We must see to it that they i do not drift through life as mere derelicts. The blind, the maimed, and all in any way incapacitated must bo cared for and cherished as the sons of Empire who have won our liberty and bought our freedom with their gift.. . IT. The reign of peace must be a reign of service.

War suddenly necessitated the harnessing of a nation. We declared war uid then began to think of preparation ir'or our bond. The world for two /ears was to witness titanic struggles >f a great Empire against tremendous aids straining towards efficiency and ,'ictory. Every branch of national life mis in those two years brought into treuuous activity. Now when peace times there is just the danger ol" n lump. But. peace involves the solemn luty of continuing all our energies. V'e are not to sit back in the armchair f slotlh We are to gird upon us the v'Capons of a great duty. Think of the remendous social problems that await olutipn. At times they are almost uough to make even a Greathcart depair. Eet me but mention one or two f these things. There is the great nest ion of the woman worker. She as stepped into the factory and shop nd service to lot the man fight. It as by some been suggested that peace ill mean difficulties of service and emloyment for many of these. Again rere is the question of repatriation of ur returning soldiers. We have to rebsorb them into our nation 's life. And iu problem is to give them a worthy lace in our nation.. And who shall linuuisc the problem of our war debts'.' !eavy financial burdens are placed pon our State.. These must needs be irried for many years to come. No! j eaee means no inactivity. It means tergy. We have, fought for an ideal. | 'o have now to work to perfect that : c;il in our national being. Evil must j ; destroyed and the ideal must be ithroned.

HI. AVhnt I have just said is tantamount to the statement that pence comes with an abligation of reverence.

I At the outset of war a nation was forced to feel its incompetence. Men wbo scarce could frame a prayer were lin many instances forced to their knees. Tho shock of war was so" great that men could only pray. And this war was not won by all our might. It is well said that here we had spiritual ; forces arrayed against blatant materialism. Aud God has given us the victory. Listen to the words of Sir Douglas Haig's last despatch: "The margin hy which the German onrush in 1014 was stemmed was so narrow and the subsequent struggle so severe that the word 'miraculous' is hardly too strong a word to describe the recovery and ultimate victory of the Allies." Ah yes! yen and I substitute the name "God" for that word "miraculous." When peace comes it is all too easy to forget these, things. Our ideal is that of God ruling. You and I must see to it that He is crowned actually King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To-day we stop in thanksgiving. To-morrow wc step out in service.

The band then gave a very choice selection, "Welsh Beauties," an item that was splendidly given and folly

appreciated. A most jcrvice. that will live long in the memory of all present, was brought to a conclusion by the pronouncement of the Bcuedietion by the Kcv. Petrie.

EVENING'S ENTERTAINMENT. SACKED CONCEET. On Sunday evening, after the ordinary church services, a sacred concert was given in the theatre by the members of the Silver Eand, when there was . again a very large number present and keen interest was evinced. The Rev. W. G. Slade was chairman, and during a scitabie interval took the ! opportunity of thanking the ilission | Band for its attendance and great as- i sistance, and stated that the band had assisted without 'ee, but at a future date would Teturn to Otaki and render a concert for the purpose of raising | funds to assist in the building of a memorial hall in Wellington. A Srst-class entertainment was provided. After the Dosology the band gave a selection, which was followed by a song by ilr H. Toaks, entitled "No Burdens Yonder." The item was a fine one and thoroughly appreciated. | "Nearer, Still Nearer," a company song, was also enjoyed, while -Mr , Byron Brown's recitation. "The Vagaibond," was rendered in masterly j style. Sergeant Baker sang "Man ef I Sorrows" in a pleasing way. the Ta--1 kiwi brothers, were encored for their ' fine singing, while a recitation by Mt- | Tonks was well received. Another ■ company song, and band selection*, including. "The Garland of Flowers." 'were all appreciated, >_d then tfce pleasant gathering was, terminated by I "God Save tie King." '•

I PATRIOTIC CONCERT. : / : _=L:. -_ - ON MONDAY NIGHT. Despite unfavourable weather there was a large audience at the concert held in the theatre on Monday night, and everything passed off pleasantly. After a verse of the National Anthoni, Mr Howard Andrew, who was in fine voice, sang "Rule Britannia," being assisted in the chorus by several young ladies representing the Allies. Later in the evening he sang with pleasing effeet "Heroes of the Dardanelles." Miss Brydu O'Rourke recited "The Minister Comes to Tea" in great style, and well deserved the vociferous encore that followed. "Spacially Jim" was Miss O'Kourke's encore item, and this was given equally as pleasingly as the first. Mr Ferry, new to an Otaki 'audience, had all convulsed with merriment by his veutriloquial acts. His local hits were good, and cuscd great amusement, and he had to respond to an imperative encore. Mrs R. M. D'Ath was in fine form, and her item, "Because," was excellently rendered, her rich, sweet voice being heard to full advantage. As an encore Mrs D'Ath rendered "Simple Melody," being assisted by ilr Pirimi Tahiwi. The Rev. W. G. Slu'de followed with u violin solo, which he gave in masterly style, and it is evident that he will be an acquisition to musical circles in this district. It was warmly applauded. His encore number was also well given. the second half of the programme was supplied by Natives, and in every instance there was marked approval, and encores were repeatedly demanded. The poi dance by Maori maidens was* f gracefully performed, while Mr Puku Kikihaua and Mr Jacob Utiku fairly brought down the house with their numbers. They were encored again and again, and delighted the audience on each and every occasion. Mr Pirimi Tahiwi also performed splendidly, and his musical monologue, "My Word It Is!" was a pleasing item, and he was obliged to respond to an encore. Mr W. Nicholls proved to have a sweet I voice, and his number, "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," was a nice item, and the audience gave him a well-deserved encore. Miss May Cook gave a sailor's hornpipe gracefully, while Miss "VVcno Tahiwi sung nicely. The programme was brought to a conclusion by a haka. which aroused enthusiasm, after which Mr Byron Brown returned thanks to all who had assisted to make the celebrations throughout such a decided success, and said he had hopes that the £KiO raised would meet expenses. MiBrown made special mention of Mr I Ferry, a newcomer (o Otaki, who had contributed largely to the success of the evening, and to Mrs D'Ath, whose pleasing voice was always welcome. | The Maoris, said Mr Brown, were al- ' ways good, they wcr r ; always patriotic, I and used their fine voices to best ad- ! vantage. Accompaniments during the evening were played by M'S H. O. Jones, ! Misses Rikihana, TlUiiwi, Cook, HaJ peta, the Rev.. .I'etfic and Mr P. Tahiwi, while the Rev. Pctrie was direc- , tor of ceremonies. j A dance followed, when quite a I number of tcfpsickorcaiis attended .'All appeared to have an enjoyable time. I AT THE HOSPITAL AND SANATORIUM. On Sunday the Silver Mission Band played a few selections at the hospital for the benefit of staff and patients, and needless to say the music was fully appreciated. On Monday the band entertained the "San" staff and patients by ;i varied programme of choice selections, but the inclement weather was the means of keeping many of the general public away. Nevertheless, those present had an enjoyable time, while the band»men were entertained at afternoon tea by the staff. The wards at both the hospital and sanatorium were effectively decorated tor the festive occasion, and great praise is due to those who had the work in hand.

On Saturday morning there was jubilation at the institution, when several oak trees were planted on the Sanatorium farm to commemorate the great event of winning the war. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed, especially -when a "Victory" oak was planted near the "San-7 gates. On Saturday night a huge blaze created a deal of interest, and the fire, drie to huge heaps of manuka scrub, made a bright spectacle, which was noticeable for miles. The matron (Hiss Sealy) and her staff are grateful to all who assisted to entertain, and to Mrs J. Fielding, of Te Horo. who gave a fine lot of flags, which were most acceptable. CELEBKATIONS AT MANAKATJ. BIG DAY ON SATTJKDAY. Although the weather was riot favpurable all Manakau turned out on Saturday to do justice to the great occasion, and ;ir 10 a.m. the children, ■with bright, smiling facta, resembled at the school ground, where they were presented with flags and rosettes, the latter made by the ladies of the township. The National Anthem was sung w;'th great gusto, after which Mr Les Atkins, the assistant secretary, read the proclamation. Cheers were then lustily given for the King, General Fot'ti, and other celebrities.

At 11.30 the -children re-formed, and happy surroundings were taken to tf c hall to partake of refreshments. Tha tables fairly groaned under the good things provided by the ladies, and HJu:U grace had been sung and full fnstsc.e had bees /lone to the rdiblcs. the youngsters, thanks to Afr Childs. store entertained at a picture display. rfcv e-dul'S in the meantime saitaking : of refreshments. ..Just toff-re .coon a "halt*' was called, and all stood silently, as requested by the -Minister,, after which the children sang e cruses. Then an adjouxEraeat was made t 9

the sports ground, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr P. W. Inge. There were not only events for childrcuj but adults took a prominent; part, aud good sport was witnessed throughout A skipping competition caused -much, interest, and it was only after indulging in a seven-minute skip that one little girl was stopped'. The chainstepping competition for ladies proved a, pleasing event. Mrs Bramlcy was declared the winner, getting within a few inche&of the right distance. Mr W. H. Field, M.P., gave a fine address, especially fitting for the occasion. After feelingly referring to the losses sustained, and to the many sad homes in the district, he hoped all turmoil and strife would cease and that in the future all would shoulder their responsibility and work manfully together. Mr Andrew thanked Mr Field for his address, and cheers followed. At 2.00 the children were marshalled for tea, and again the tables were well laden, and'a picture show given for the children's benefit. While the latter was being enjoyed the adult portion of the gathering were regaled. It is estimated that the total number led dining the day amounted to no less than 500. At 7 p.m. Messrs Kbfoed'and Child's delighted all by the setting oii' of a line lot of fireworks, after which a third free display of pictures was given for the children's benefit.

UNITED SERVICE. Sunday afternoon's united service was indeed one to remember, and the appropriate hymns were feelingly rendered. The Royal Proclamation was read by Mr Atkins, an interesting address for children was given by Mr Gilbert, organising secretary of the Y.M.C.A., the lesson and prayer were taken by Mr P. A. D. Mickle, while the Rev. J. 11. Haslam (Levin) gave a

spirited address, and after thanking Almighty God for tbe great and glorious victory spoke highly of the late Lord Kitchener, Lloyd George, and others.

After the roll of honour was read by Mr Nees, secretary, when all stood in silence for the dead, Mr Gilbert sang "Crossing the Bar," and so ended a most memorable function.

Mr Andrew was chairman of the gathering, while Mrs Andrew efficiently presided at the piano.

A dance followed, and was well at tended, all present spending a most en joyable time on a good.floor, while tip top music was a pleasing feature.

PARAPAEAUMU PEACE CELEERAxIOKS. There was a practically unanimous response of the residents of the district to the invitation of the citizens- 1 committee to assemble at the school ground on Saturday morning, the gathering, probably being the largest ever held in Paraparaumu. Cr. W. J. Howell, after a patriotic address, presented to the school, on behalf of the citizens, a splendid New Zealand Ensign. This was hoisted to the masthead to the accompaniment of the National Anthem, followed by hearty cheers. A procession was then formed up headed by .Mr Capper, sen., us marshal, followed by Piper W. Capper and a representative gathering of returned soldiers. Next came the local troop of Roy Scouts under Scoutmasters L. Howell and P. Beckett. Then the school children, succeeded by a large gathering of residents of all ages, and fmully many vehicles of various types. The procession passed through the township to the recreation ground, and here the remainder of the day was

spent. Vigorous .-ports were indulged in. and probably many of the older folk who engaged in the various events such as running and jumping ami tug-of-war will lie somewhat unpleasantly reminded of the tact by the state of their muscles for soine days to come. Great interest centred in the tug-oi-war, married v. single men. Teams of nine aside took position, and at the word a sudden strain was put on the rope, with the result thai it parted at fhe centre. Folk sitting on the bank some distance away declare they felt the shake when both teams hit the ground simultaneously. The teams were subsequently Teduced in size and after good contents the married men. who had a decided advantage in weight, were victorious in the two pulls. The young folk, and also many who can hardly now be designated such, spent portion of the day indulging in games of various kinds. At the close of the

afternoon's fun hearty cheers were given for the organising committee, of which 3lr C. B. Eeevo was an efficient chairman, and Mr C. Hunt an energetic secretary. To these two residents, much of the success of the gala, was due. During the afternoon school children planted several willow trees about the reserve.

Several of the young men had gone to considerable trouble during the earlier parr or the week i<> collect a large heap of timber on one of the ridges, and at dusk this was set alight and made a very fine blaze. There was a splendid fireworks display in the evening, controlled by Messrs D, Howell. D. Lynch and C. Brazier.

Many of the residents gathered at the local hall after the-fireworks display eorreluded and engaged in a ..auee till about 11 p.m. Mrs Attenboirow, Misses E. Byneli. D. Bhijuer ami E. Weggery provided- enjoyable music for the dances. Thus closed a day that will probably be long remembered by the rtrssctents as an especially pleasant and -memorable occasiom

AT- VtAXEANAE. The weather was dull and overcast is "VYaikanae on. Peace Day. Despite that fact every one in the township turned out to celebrate the greatest day in the history of our natios.. 'The town was nicely decorated with dags and banting, axch.es of flags were streteited

across the roads, and nearly every house displayed its own flag or flags. At 9.30 a.m. all the children assembled at the school, where Mr Rodgers, headmaster, and the schoolcommittee arranged them in review order/and Mr Jv A. Austin in stirring address' fold them about the greatest war of the Empire and the meaning of Peace Day. They then cheered the Union Jack and .sang "God Save the King."

At 10 o'clock the procession moved off, headed by Mr W. Capper, of Paraparaumu, playing loudly on the pipes those stirring tunes which spurred men on to victory since time immemorial. Then came the veterans, returned soh diets, school children, girls' club, and citizeiis gaily decorated with Allied flags, streamers of red, white and blue and all kinds of rosettes made a very brave show and one which will long be remembered by the young folks. On arrival at the racecourse Mr Capper played a lament for all soldiers who hud fallen in the great war, during which all stood strictly to attention in honour of our departed heroes. Afterwards swings Were set up for the children, the ladies got busy preparing refreshments, and the school committeo 'made a start on a long sports programme, which consisted of all kinds of foot events for young and old, and horse events for the more vigorous. .Money prizes were awarded for each event, for which there was a full quota of entries, and competition among them all was most keen. The married ladies' race, the sack race, the thread-the-needle, egg and spoon, lightning change, and apple bobbing were most amusing and created no end of fun. At the tick of twelve o'clock everything was silent for live minutes, during which time all paid silent tribute to our fallen heroes. The last post was sounded, after which the programme was resumed, s

During the afternoon Mr Field, M.P., addressed the gathering and recounted the main events of the war, and in a most telling manner stressed the chief

atrocities committed by the Germans, and urged on the people the necessity of so ordering their future lives and policy as to make impossible any recurrence of such a barbarous war. Excellent refreshments were on throughout the day, and it was the general opinion of everybody that Waikanae's Peace Day could not have been celebrated in better manner.

At 7 p.m. a bonfire was lighted on Mr R. J. Port's hill and at 7.15 quite a good display of fireworks was left off in the old school ground, which exhibition was quite a fitting end to a perfect day. A peace bull was held on Monday night.