PREMATURE PEACE REJOICING

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 425, 12 November 1918, Page 2

PREMATURE PEACE REJOICING

Widespread Celebrations

In common with other parts of the Dominion, as also in Australia, the news circulated on Friday morning on the opening of the telegraph offices that an armistice with Germany had been signed and that the war was over was responsible for general rejoicings throughout the Lower Waikato. Business premises everywhere were promptly closed and cheering crowds took possession of the streets. The lack of official confirmation of the cabled report in no way staged the enthusiasm, people of all ages being wild with joy at the thought that there would be no more bloodshed and that the New Zealand soldiers would in due course be returning home after having nobly assisted in gaining a glorious victory. PUKEKOHE The first intimation came to Pukekohe over the railway telegraph wires from Auckland. Engine whistles shrilly sounded, the firebell was vigorously rung, the dairy factory syren maintained a continuous blast, whilst the ringing of handbells, and the beating of gongs added to the din. Bunting soon adorned the streets, flags being also displayed at all possible vantage posts. The Mayor (Mr H. G. R. Mason) was at first averse to any organised celebration proceedings being undertaken until the news was officially confirmed but with knowledge communicated by telephone that Auckland city had accepted the report as correct His Worship yielded to popular pressure and authorised the carrying out of the programme of festivities that had on the previous Wednesday been designed at a public meeting. This comprised an assembly of citizens at 2pm in the Domain with a torchlight procession in the evening, followed by the lighting of a huge bonfire on the old showground. The gathering took place in the Domain. Shortly after 2.30 p.m., the Mayor and Messrs C. K. Lawrie (President of the Pukekohe Patriotic League), and D. R. Flavell (head master of the Pukekohe school) delivered addresses and musical items being rendered by some ex-members of the defunct Pukekohe Brass Band, whilst the National Anthem was also lustily sung. The hyinu. " 0, God, our help in ages past," was also rendered, and the function terminated with cheers for the King, the Allied Armies, Gene-; ralissimo Foch, and Our Boys at the front.

The evening procession was headed by a motor lorry containing a number of young ladies singing patriotic airs. A number of returned soldiers idlowed, together with the members of the local Fire Brigade. Then came numerous motor-cars and other conveyances. At the scene of the bonfire, in the old Show-ground, arrangements were well advanced, and after kerosene and benzine had been poured on tho debris gathered for the blaze, and a dummy of " The Kaiser " had been placed at the top ot the " stack." the fire was set going, and righted up the countryside for miles. As the Kaiser sank in the flames, the audience, with vigour, sang the National Anthem.

AT TUAKAU. The residents of Tuakau turned out in full force on Friday to cominerate the supposed victory of the Ailied armies over Germany. Arrangements having previously been made to celebrate that afternoon Austria's withdrawal from the war. The main street was decorated with bunting, and a band was organised, and headed a procession through the town, Mr H. W. Northmore taking an active part in organising the street demonstration.

Patriotic speeches were delivered by Messrs Dynoa Fulton (Chairman ™ of the Patriotic League), W. Q. Graham (school-master), Foulkes, and Mrs E. D. Hunter^^tay A number of patriotic aiis sung. J At night a large bonfire lit up the C whole countryside. 1 AT PAPAKURA i At Papakura a general holiday was observed after the news had come through and business promises ! were closed. An impromptu band/n was formed of ex-bandsmen and se- % lections were played in the main * street, the musician? being Messrs. Andrew Richardson (conduc'or) C. C. Tuely, W. Rowe, J. Richardson, Arthur liichardson, I. Mack, F. McKean, J. Bates, and L. J. Mills. In the absence of any I previous practice the strains at times j were naturally somewhat weird but nevertheless the bandtmen loyally lH adhered to their self-imposed task of ■] assisting to make m >rry and their efforts certainly enliven A the ship Many residents also their way to Auckland to take part tw in the celebrations there. ! A