THE WORLD’S “DER TAG.”

Taihape Daily Times, 3 October 1918, Page 4

THE WORLD’S “DER TAG.”

While all other people throughout the Dominion Mafekinged, rang bells, blew whistles and went mad with joy about the conquest and unconditional surrender of one of the jworld’s four enemies, Taihape people wondered why the flag was flying over the Municipal Buildings. This does not signify that the people of Taihape are over-phlegmatic, callous or indifferent, nor even that they have not realised that a war is in progress; they are inclined to drift, however, and not make provision for proper observance of any great event until it is past and gone. As there are likely to be a series of happenings, that will go down in history for thousands of years as being most important in the world’s annals some preparation should be in course of development so that this town .may observe and honour them as reasonable, rational, patriotic citizens should do. Various churches can arrange their owhi methods of signifying their joy ,and thanks, but there should be a platform on.which every man can stand,: unseetarian and non-political; a means of expressing our joy and gratitude to the, brave boys who are still fighting, and more so to those who have made the great, the supreme sacrifice for our freedom afid comfort. We suggest that a committee should make this an important part of its duties, arid it is probable that such a committee as that controlling the Red Cross work would find the work involved wVH within its powers to perform. Such a committee is needed at once, and time" will be saved if the Red Cross Committee will meet promptly, decide to take on the responsibility and commence work without delay. It should be known where every flag in the town can be laid hands upon, and where everything that can be sanely used to express public joy and gratitude, is available at a moments’ notice. The end of this fearful war is coming within measurable distance; are we, in Taihape, going to celebrate this greatest event in the world’s history like savages, or as educated, artistic, civilised beings? Are we going to demonstrate that Britain has gone to war for civilisation, justice, freedom and liberty, or merely for saving the life of our animal existence? The sacrifices made of this country’s flower of manhood should bar any headlong way we, who cannot even conceive what the w r ar is like, may be taking. The vacant places that bur heroes have left in our ranks ought to compel our appreciation of what they have done in winning freedom from the hellish tyranny of Prussian militarism. We should, at least, celebrate the cessation of life destruction and country devastation in a befitting manner when it comes by some great popular ovation and demonstration. Music on such occasions is indispensable; there should be a monster choir to sing a Te Deum, and, perhaps, a Hallelujah chorus in which bands and orchestras should co-operate in sending up a mighty volume of artistic gladness. We earnestly hope some such, celebration will be put into rehearsal at once, and no risk taken of a purely animal exhibition with its yells and uncouth noises. We have no desire to anticipate the committee’s work, or to dictate in any way, but we do urge that the Red Cross Committee should at once consider the-suggestion we offer and decide so that in case of their decision not being favourable another body may be formed.