SURRENDER OF AUSTRIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1918, Page 3

SURRENDER OF AUSTRIA.

DEMONSTBATION- AT NEW PLYMOUTH In tiie words of the Mayor, New Plymouth "woke up" yesterday when the news of the Austrian capitulation was received. TJie sounding of whistles and sirens signalled the gooil news to all ami sundry, and it instantly became difficult to restrain the feeling's of excitement that the news created. Opportunity was taken of giving vent to those feelings' when the public demonstration was held at the Soldiers' Club at 2.30 p.m. Before the iimo arranged for tho gathering, tiie town had bedecked itself with bunting of all descriptions, and the crowd that gathered in king Street and the adjacent streets was a very large one. The "tank" was in conspicuous evidence, as Mere also decorated fire engines, motor-care, and vehicles, and it was evident that the town was out to express its satisfaction at the turn o£ events in an enthusiastic fashion. 'The official proceedings at the Soldiers' Club commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, led by the Citizens' Band- The Mayor then addressed the crowd. He first read the Primo Minister's telegram announcing the news received from London and requesting that the remainder of the day be observed as § 'holiday by citizens generally. He also read a telegram from Mr. S. 6. Smith, M.P., joining in the congratulations, and regretting his absence from New Plymouth on the occasion. Proceeding, the Mayor said: "It is a very hopeful sign for general peace that Austria has caved in. Austria was really the cause, of the war, though Germany was undoubtedly tho instigator. One doss not like to harbor vengeful feelings, but it is hard, to be jalm when we consider ail that, tho world has suffered in the last four years. We hopo that out- statesmen and tho Allied statesmen will be able to mete out such punishment as may make some amends "or all these horrors. (Applause.) But. nothing can make amends in full. Of Turkey and Bulgaria we might have expected these things, but Germany and Austria claimed to be of the most civilised nature. War is horrible, but tho horrors can be mitigated. But these nations seoin to 'have revelled in them, and may their punishment fit the crime. (Applause.) I hope for all Oi'.r fakes, for the world's sake, that a final peace will soon be declared- When we met here last Friday to celebrate the fall of Turkey, though events pointed to the early collapse of Austria", I hardly expected that I should be announcing this news to-clay. I do not propose to detain' you any time to-day. You have all followed the events of the war perhaps more closely than I have done, and 1 take it that the object of these gatherings is that we may express our joy and thankfulness in the mass. It is a* poor heart that rejoices alone, and wo feci that if we have something good to tell •we must share it together. It is good and great news, and 1 take tiie opportunity of congratulating all who have sons or husbands or fathers at the front on the prospect of an early peace, and 1 hope that it will net lie long before we meet in welcoming back those men of ours who have so bravely borne their part in tho war." (Applause.) Mr. C. E. Bellringer then gave a short i address, in the course of which he said the occasion marked a very distinct advance towards the attainment of the real objective of the Allies. They could aiiord to rejoice that the cause of justice was triumphant, He.eulogised "the work of the Army, the Navy,"and the mercantile marine. The two he said, had done their work for the most part silently and unostentatiously, but they had Germany by the thjoat and would not release their h'old until she also capitulated. He urged that the big after-war problems be faced as courageously as the lighting had bsjn fated, piiil if they were tliev would be'settled in the best interests of the nations. At the Mayor's call, very hearty cheers were then given for the King, tiie boys at the front, and the National Anthem was sung again. Someone called out, "Are we downhearted!" to which an uproarious "No!" was literally yelled. Mr. Bellringer called for clieers for tiie Navy and the men oi the mercantile marine, and these were given in turn with equal enthusiasm. A large bouquet of roses was then sent up to the balcony for presentation to the Mayoress. The gift was received by Mr. Burgess, who afterwards handed it to Mrs. BurgessA procession was then formed, headed by thq "tank," which was followed by the band and the boys of tho Hi"ii School, who had been paraded, for the demonstration. The scholars of the upper Standards of the Centra! School also joined up, and then followed the uocorate;l vehicles and anyone else who felt disposed to join in. The band played patriotic airs along the route, which was from King Street to St. Aubyn Street, along which it continued lor some distance.

Explosives of various calibres wors let cff frccl.vtin cans tied to vehicles, and horses joined fjic .general jolification, and pandemonium reigned for the remainder of the afternoon.

AT INGLEWOOD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The welcome news of the Austrian surrender was received here at noon to-day with great rejoicing. A public halfholiday was strictly observed. The Mayor (Mr. George Young) delivered an appiopriate address to a large gathering 111 front of the Post Office. A procession headed by returned sojrliers, in which .-'eouts, with their band, and a formidable battalion of boy tin-kettlcrs and schoolgirls played a prominent part, paraded the streets, and their din, blending Willi the continuous pealing of the iirtTbell, created an atmosphere never felt before in Inglewood. The local band was unearthed, and they/'too, played their part. A band of. workers scoured the neighborhood, raising sufficient fujjds to provide prizes and sweets for the children. T.iiler in the day the Recreation 0 round was the scene of activity, where sports games, etc., were indulged in. Addresses were given Ihv the Mavor, Cr. •i. Sutherland, and Mr. ,T. "Win field (exMayor). The iirebell is still ringing at intervals, and an exuberative spirit permeates the atmosphere. A public dance, celebrating the occasion, is being held tf'is evening, whilst the Mayor lias comvened a meeting of citizens to discuss matter* in connection with iieace day, which, we trust, is not far distant. Tnglowood received Turkey's capitulation soberly. Imt to-day enthusiasm knew no bounds, (lugs being conspicuous and benzine tins in evidence everywhere.