PUKEKOHE PEACE CELEBRATIONS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 451, 25 July 1919, Page 1

PUKEKOHE PEACE CELEBRATIONS

A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION.

THREE DAYS OF REJOICING AND TRIBUTES TO THE FALLEN.

The three days' Peare Celebrations, from Saturday, July 19th, to Monday, 21st, were loyally and enthusiastically observed in Pukekohe and the surrounding district. The people thronged in great numbers at every centre, to celebrate with joy and thanksgiving the signing of that peace the price of which has taken such heavy toll of our manhood, and caused untold grief to mourners in every town and settlement. And in that tremulous throng, intent on doing homage and singing a paen of victory, were little children just able to toddle, and old men and women in the evening of life. In the course of the various functions, which were rightly devoted to rejoicing for peace with honour and victory, fitting tributes were paid to the noble dead, whose lives were given in order that we might live in peace and security, free from the sword and strident voice of the conqueror in our midst. Naturally, the soldiers who have had the great good fortune to refurn from the "made in Germany" inferno were the recipients of the people's gratitude, though at no time did either soldiers or civilians forget the women who served in the hospitals in and out of the war zones, nor the mothers, wives, sisters, and sweethearts who had borne their load of sororw and anxiety with admirable fortitude, and who had also worked for more than four years in a labour of love and sacrifice in order that the soldiers overseas might not be lacking in those home comforts and luxuries not provided among military stores. The trio of days was worthy of the great occasion, and doubtless will live in the memories of the citizens to the end of their lives.

PROCESSIONAL ORDER. MILITARY UNITS. The wea'her hud beau threatening all the morning, hut fortunately the lain held (iff until nearly lunch time. At about 9.30 a crotfd had mustered near the three lamps, and all along King stre«l, people were looking out curiously for the procession. The Ufeople from the outlying districts kept streaming in, until the tlirong swelled to very respectable proportions, patriotic emblems being everywhere gaily in evidence. The Pukekohe Town J J and struck up, and rendered a nnmber of airs while the details of the procession were being arranged in order. At about 10 30 a signal was given byLieut flatt, who was parade marshal, for those in the procession to move oil. The procession was headed hy two returned soldiers -Troopers E liilkey and W. Oruiu, mounted on a chestnut and grey respectively. Following the mounted troopers were several hundred school children, pupils of the Fukekolm school, and each child carried a Union J;ick,

while a large flag on two poles, c.nrried by two hoys, headed, the juve niles. Following the district school children were pupils of the l'ukekohe Convent school, who also carried flags, and wore black velvet drosses with g«ru huts Thoy were under the command of their respective classroom teachers. The Municipal Band, under conductor J. Hindman, headed the military portion of the procession. The instrumentalists were followed by a specially-decorated car containing wounded returned soldiers, who also had a mascot. Tiio car, which was owned by Mrs Hooey, and driven by Pvt H. Twidle, of the Territorials, was well decorated with flags of the Allies, while a sign containing the words "Good Old Diners'' stood out prominently over a speci-aily-prepuvd arch. liiciit. llnf, tiie I'arade Marnhul, and Aim Officer

f>>) the I'lstrut, wn.i Mr i!ih htta.il of the men on f.•. =t, ainl tu!l>..t lnrri were ?r:ven war Vrtfr.-uj-, iiiciuiling Messrs K. F. Wt-lniK.r, W A'laius, (Maori War), ,J F iJe.mu, \V i dins, J J'lf.itiv, (.South Africa ] H.rt-sfS, of Luciji ..i i '■ ttSijll [iti jdoil v* iii :Lid (• • ..i iiciil mldiers. 'iiie leturi.tiii u if i« i ilrl mT Alrtjul J irsli r, ill t i 1111111 tlfcl' i/f will 111.1 I■ - ■ 111 I! M« I fn hi [ li.H fr.'y, .I.l' ili.i.- u- !*>! I'V a ' : 11 I'j l!!-. .. i,il ■■ f 1 lit 1 t-r in lint! intr:., wll • t in i•'■ • _•>•<»( thuw 11 i f.* iii" i «•111; 1 • 11111 «11.1 111. • 1111! mi Iril hll (•ill f'uiiy milt -riilul" I 1.1r!.i iillll;)] otiifi iS«r,4 l\!:i| . v ''liiili, n«:«l ■* I■ iitimny M«j .1 (i liiiii.^ CIVIC Khri; K-wvN i'A'i'li ),\" Nnxt in tilt) [M'l'i o-siuii w.r 1-i XI" Borough Councillors unilcr tlio com 111.11111 of th« rinof (:iti/,iMi (Mr (K. Lavvrmj Mayor of I'ukukolii' Tin local li.-uiicli i.l' rim Aiirkhiml Women's I'litnulic wen

tiemlfil hy t ii»» Sncii-ly'■< mi i.l»■ ri,, i irn«(t l.\ ill' -I u i ,Sii \ \\ uti-tni 1 !n< l i'li. i [iii:l>'! ..'il 111 full luicti. '1 ll<! V.tl'l'.Ul Stilly. f.l I'll ; |l> i lII' [loini'in, .'ii.'l v.Hi.i lull.. w">l ■ v li. ■ local I'll'- riiiivi'V'ii I■ \ Air J. i'. m i,i -ii . '"'fy, •i in I .-r t In-1 ■ iiuiii hi! i»f < 'nji'.i !i li'-u lir.iw n 'Mr! In:) s u ..■< i >< ■ < \\itii .mil llajj.x, ;ui'i thn tirn ll' .-.M |VI-| V, 'I.-. ijl'fcH 11 11.11.11 l

I'M w ini h w ,r. :t !.111.11■ hi...- ■ i>; Tlinn i .tin • ,i < 'i; !■ •'i J'-jy■ >! .1u11..-, and m,; i, attir mi i -•.< • Mini, v [ii".J 'o.'i' * 1 •i v • . t mr.' I' I>i \ Hftii : ' f i.', •- - .•'<! ' , "-V • i 11; cs; l\ < . A ..-i ,nr.; I ,''(ini u r.-k-----luati • 1 ii »n; Mi-s ii!a?i.jjiiir !. " i.i. a J'roy ,y.:.-<l, "mti ''i An ; 11. .Smith an a.Maun ,v; -man. Master C. Maxwell !ii--(jtt'l tho iiwuntfcd iiOri.iiin ol the :<t ■" a ii"(:'<raied

bicycle, and was followed by Mr N. Mills in his car, which was lieniiti fully decora'ei! with IJni<>ll J.trks ami g.eenery, find one <.f ilie occupants was Mis F. Howie t representing the IFiiion Ja<k. Next was Mr Leu Jjawrie's c.'ir, which was lifted tip in ship, and named "JIMS Tls 7." In the cur were Mr L La writ* and Miss W Snn.-i I R«#l (Inns nurse ; Miss Ivy Duncan "Franco" and Miss Muriel Liwiie " JVacH." A consideralilo amount of time was spent in decorating these cars, H'.d the owners descrvo a great amount of credit for the excellent displays. Following was Mr 1 leyworth's J)odgo which was also well '• got up " with Hags of our Allies. Then came a large number of horses anil vehicles ami underrated motor cars. ON THE MAKOII Once the procession moved off

people wild li.ui liiiikl the main thoroughfare follow* <l. The long lino uended ii.s way down Kii»*r htnift, into Manukaa Road, and ailing Harris Stiver, and entered the Domain at tlm Kdinlmrgh street entrant, which li-t.il been specially prepared lor the occasion. 'i'iin various places of l)usiu-*f-s in ivi' g Street were decorated with hunting, while .several wore udorned with greenery. The entrance to ihe ])> main was liitt d up with a floral archway. At the Domain the units of the proees.sion were formed up in a enclosing the flag-staff, which cariied the various ensigns of the Allies, a laige Union Jack about eight yards long by about five yards wide holding pride of place at the top, SO feet high. Til HI KING'S PROCLAMATION. After the band had played the National Anthem (while tlie large crowd atood baieheuded), His Worship the Mayor, Mr C. K. Lawrie, then read the King's proclamation as follows <l Whereas a definite Treaty of i'en.e between Ha and the associated Governments and tiie German Government, was concluded at Versailles 011 tlie -H h d.iy of June lust. In conformity tln'ieiuilo We have thought lit

inaiiiiy to >-• »<miktvii«l that, thn .*H:ilf lit! [illlill.Siltid 111 lillH Cllllr.ltt tlir 'lit ;ill ihir J>• Miljiiioit.s ; hi:il v\do (i.'i ln« iii all uiir I'), i : iriul.j.n-fn tuir wiil ami JllrlfM'lr 1 llitt II poll tllrl l-Xrlliill^O (if ilii* r.itiiiiMfion tlinvnf tlis "..lid 1.1 I'tnlCr! tin nliSMl'Vlni i"vi hm well I»v aa I>y 1.-I I :ti.i' in iiil [ilrtic?.i wlifttso r\=-i nl I it-f i \ nliil colit■ll 11: > 1 111 .til ■•111" loVllly; Mlllpjm [3 fI > t.« I- l.oj :l lit-VH'if Hint I*,; Oil! f'li.l ! - j, !■, " (jr. a: fill r Court tit. I >u<-k il. r '. >1: 111 > this l*t (lay "f ■liily, in tint v ;ir ill' our Lord (Hit* 111 •»u : 111 niim hundred and liiiH-'f'-ii and mi tin' MHli year of our I i'd The KintT ! i,l \ Kill 1., ' i . V '• I 11 ■ I U :! Ir. I .1 r.. Mii i» |, 11 v, !' I. 1.1 .111 Ii I I>, .1 11 I'. 1 'I'll!", V. . .11 i! I'i' > j Kl.'l'l I's (I)'' \'| M i!>KV. I Ii ' v' •. > 1.,;. lii ■• I . : •!.. -s.'i! till) j i«-mt ■' i .i . , i i )i.t f un\ J ri'jir 'i' i:■ Mtivt=, i > on . Ixiiii J'.viri' on I• 11n11 of Mm sfii-r *t MI!'HI' '. vii i ■■ i-ii'iinilV-T hi'ir iiiii! ill,;: .1 1 ! ■ y had it.iMvii'ilt d I '■'!/. ■l l. i: d.i ■, i..r tim !Hir|io.sn oi | , id- "! ;i luaiinitr till'

! .mi! ! im(j I'»hco tint had j tifon a-iiii'V-jfl !>v tlif llritish Empiro ii.ikl ii■ r A!'i«-f ; after the Moodiest j warfare over experioneed in the annals of history. It was duo to the .soldiers who Lad gone forward to uphold the traditions of the Empire and their King:, that that day we were living in safety. (Cheers for

the Diggers) Continuing, Mr Lawrie said the sons nf the Empire had rallied round tho flag, and New Zealand hud played her part in a manner we should all feel proud of. Out of a population of about one million she hail sent forward 100,000 of the cream of her manhood to stand shoulder to shoulder with the sons of the Allied nations IMer ring to the excellent part played in thu conflict for justice, right, and liberty, Mr T.awrie said had it not lieen for tho soldiers tliey would most, probably not have lieen celobrating this peaceful occasion ; hut, on the other hand, we may have In en overtrodden by avaricious hordes of Germans. Whiie speaking of the soldiers, they must not, forget the noble part the Grand Fleet had played in the great struggle of Right over Might. We at home could not imagine the great hardships endured hy both soldiers and sailors in the battle for Liberty. Tnere was also the womanhood ol the nation, who had sacrificed all comforts to go forward to do their parts. He referred particularly to the Afmy Nursing Service. The women attached to this branch of the great machine which htought about the crushing defeat of the German nation performed deeds that would ever remain fresh in the minds of generations. They played their

part nohly, faithfully, and hemically, and ha could not find words sufficient to praise their glorious work. Speaking of those who had remained at home, and who could not get away to take an active part in the fray, and who had prepared comforts for those who had gone into the line, from where they never return, they must not he overlooked.

It very often happened. Motheis, and sweethearts were sorely tried, waiting, watching, and praying patiently for news of the doings and safety of their beloved ones, far, fur away in a foreign land. Referring to the Patiiotic endeavours, Mr 1 jawrie said those who had taken part in these deserved credit for their undertaking. lie instanced a recent campaign in the Auckland province, when an appeal was made for monetary contributions for the purpose of providing comforts for the lads who fought for them. The appeal was not made in vain, aboil!; £300,000 being raised in the Province alone. This money was obtained for assisting the men who had returned maimed, and who could not assist themselves. Tn conclusion, Mr Lawrie thanked all the different committees for their untiling work in carrying out the various duMes They nil felt it their duty to !>u able to assist on such a memorable occasion. (Loud applause.) OUR SOLDIERS At the command of Mr Flavell, headmaster of the public Scho >l, the children rendered a verso of the National Anthem, after which Mr R. P. Webster, president of the Chamber of Commerce spoke of what had been done during the last live years. Thaf day they had assembled for the purpose of celebrating the lasting peace which had been proclaimed. Their thanks were due to

Almighty God that Peace had come. All who had assisted to bring about the glorious peace had been blessed bv the Giver of all goodness. We | in New Zeland were indebted to the brave men who had gone forward to give their lives in the great pause to overcome a cruel nation which was out to dominate the whole world. Tie was pleased to see so large a number of eoldiers who had returned, and trusted that they would be spared to share in a long Peace. 1 hey must not forget what, the boys had done for them to keep them in safety, and to enjoy the prosperity in this part of the world He trusted that the men who had fought for us would enjoy the glorious peace, and live long and have prosperity. Referring to the Navy, Mr Webster said it was deserving of no end of praise for giving us the safety which we had enjoyed. The Navy had been the bulwark of the Cmise, and all the British Dominions, and it, was through the Navy that they had been aMe to keep the flag Hying. Lieut.. Ilatt. thanked his comrades, the returned men, for turning out as they had done, lie also thanked members of the other units for parading. He explained how it was that some of the lads were not in uniform and said that it was due to the postings which took place at this

tune of the year. Inferring to the ladies patriotic work Mr Ilatt said the soldiers were greatly indebted to them for supplvfng comforts during the war. The Friendly Societies also had done work. 110 expressed appreciation for the manner in which the Kite Hrigade had turned out. Th.-y must not forget, tlie hoys who were never to return. He was sure that the men uho hail departed never wished that the living should not rejoico. LESSONS OF HISTORY. Mr IV K. Flavell, headmaster of the l'ukekohe I'uhlic School, said there was no need for him to enlarge on the horrors of war. For four years they had lteen glutted with bloodshed and fiendish cruelties of every description. Hut though war was a fearful thing there was something more fearful still and that was anarchy--a condition of general lawlessness, when there was no stable Government ; whon every man's hand was turned against his neighbour. Of these evils Russia to-day afforded a terrible example. He hoped that the other peoples of the

world would take to heart the awful lesson that was to he learned from the actions of the Russian Bolsheviks and realise that anarchy was not a remedy, hut a terrible aggravation of internal trouble ; that civil and industrial grievances had hest he rfmiovod in democratic countries hy lawful and constitutional means. Said the immortal Shakespeare : " Su ed arc tin 1 uses hi adversity which, like I lie tii;ul, ujjlv and venomous, wears vet a preeinus jewel in its hi*ad." Ugly and venomous was war, yet history sji<>wed that out of the manifold horrors that may afflict. thousands for a generation, there oftliuies emerged blessings benefitting millions for centuries. The Crusaders of the 1 '2th and loih centuries, though they failed in ther ultimate object of releasing Jerusrtiem from the power of the Turks, established for many years a feeling of brotherhood amongst the nations of Europe, and by opening up the East to commerce laid the foundation of international trade throughout the world. The Napoleonic wars that a century ago devastated Europe, led the afflicted nation# to realise that unity is strength and to perceive the necessity of preserving the balance of power so that no one State should be able, for selfish reasons, to tyrannise over the rest of tha world. These lessons were so well impressed on the minds of the other peoples of Europe, that when Germany grown rich and arrogant, through battening like a vulture on lesser States, arrived at world-wide dominion, all the great Powers, with the British Empire in the van, united to defeat her deep laid schemes. That these schemes were defeated we were to day here assembled to bear witness, and to record our deep indebtedness to all those individuals, us well as nations, who had delivered us from the hands of tha assassin and the despoiler. To many people speaking divers tongues, there was a silver lining even in the darkest cloud of the fearful wnl whose happy termination we were now celebrating. For generations the unspeakable Turk had massacred the Christian Armenians and the unfortunate simpler nations or the Balkan States, while the greedy Austrians and the insatiable Germans had practised unnameable horrors upon the captive Poles. Now all those peoples-those smaller nations —wore delivered from their oppressors, and they' future safety and independence woro to bo guarded by the League of Nations. There was no need to enumerate the nations to whom wo owed thanks, but we were proud to remember that arrayed in the ranks that so valiantly and so successfully opposed the would-be tyiant of the world, woro our own lathers, our own brothers and our own sons. While wo were justly grateful when we reflected upon the noble pari played by our kinsmen across the seas, the men of the Homeland, of America, of Australia, let us remember that gratitude like charity should begin at home. If

ever wo forgot the duty we owed to our own maimed and wounded, if we ever forgot to cherish and assist the widows and orphans of the mes who gavo their lives that we might he preserved from a degrading serfdom, from horrors worse than death, then these peace celebrations would prove but a vain and empty show. Then should we richly deserve, when the next grim tyrant should appear, to lose our liherty, and our all, as a forfeit to our own base ingratitude. The school children rendered " Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean " with beautiful effect. THE (JOMINO GENERATION Mr Frank' Perkins, chairman of the Pukekohe school committee urged the children to he loyal in all they undertook. As a mark of appreciation, on behalf of the committee, he presented (through Mr Fiavell), the boys with two footballs tiud the girls with a basket ball and tennis racquet. This was a token ot the Committee's loyalty to the scholars, and in turn they must prove loyal to their teachers, thek school, their parents and the best traditions of the race. If they did this, all would he well with them and their Empire, which was a glorious heritage unto them. Mr Havell thanked the committee. Mr Perkins also thanked the

members of the Rand, and all who had assisted generally in the success of the function. Cheers woro given for the School Committee by the scholars. PRIZE WINNERS. The Mayor announced that the following prizes had been awarded for the fancy vehicles and costumes: Motor Car : M* C K Lawrie's "IIS.MS. T.1V7," and Mr S Mills' "Union .lack," (equal) 1 ; Mr J Hay worth, ] lecoratf'd bicychi : C Maxwell Most original costume: Miss M Ijni r< 1 ("Joan of Aic '), I;Mr II Smith ("Maori Wahine "), '2 Host-dressed child : Master Grigor (" John Bull I ; Margaret Grigor and Joyce Jones ("Peace Doves"), •J ; Master M Jones (" Clown "), 3. The school children then rendered " Marching Through Georgia," and his Worship the Mayor extended & cordial welcome to those from outside the Borough. TRIBUTE TO TEE FALLEN. At this stage the hells chimed their song of sorrow for the lads who had made the supreme sacrifice, and the flag at the TVimain was lowered to half-mast by S.S.M. Smith, while the large crowd stood bare-headed and Continued on last page.