THE GERMAN ARMISTICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1918, Page 6

THE GERMAN ARMISTICE.

ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATIONS. PROCEEDINGS IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

The news of the signing of the armistice terms by Germany was received in .New Plymouth with general rejoicings. Evidently people i came into town in expectation uf an early announcement oi such news, for watchful eyes were kept on the Post Office for the first sign of the hoisting of the Hag. No one had long to wait, for at a few minutes after 1) o'clock the great news was heralded forth by a loud clanging on the bells in the clock tower of the Post Office, and when the flag went up a moment or two later it was greeted with vigorous cheers by those who had hurried into the street. Bunting and banners were unfurled as if by magic, and people began to throng into the streets, and the noisy element soon took charge of things Small groups of grotesquely-costumed people began to display themselves and parade the streets, playing instruments of the mo3t wierd types. The High School boys made the best attempt at an organised display in the early stage of the proceedings, but as the crowd increased and the traffic developed it *as evident that the steps taken to control it were proving effectual. The borough authorities and the police worked together, with the result that vehicles

were kept to their proper side of the ,-,treet and the ispeed limit was well observed, and those in control have every reason to be satisfied with the result in this direction. One of the very amusing sections of the crowd was the Bed Post "An-Sak" Band, j. T ho, every here and there, halted and, led by a comet, chanted some wiierd doggerel to the tune of a well-known hymn, and then led by the hefty Highlander *rho commanded them, they moved on to repeat the process at the next street comer The crowd gave expression to its joyfulness in this fashion up till dinner time.

THE PROCESSION. Between one and two o'clock there gathered into the main streets one ot the largest crowds that has ever been seon in New Plymouth. Devon Street was densely packed with those anxious to witness the procession which was being marshalled at the Central Fire Bricade Station. By the number of cars and vehicles gathering in that locality, it was apparent there was going to be a lengthy procession, and such proved to be the case Appropriately, the returned soldiers, bearing aloft their Ansae banners, headed the procession, followed toy the band, veterans, High School Cadets, and school children, and then numbers of variously-decorated cars and vehicles, and the colors carried in the procession and by the crowds in the streets made a brilliant spectacle in the brijrht sunlight. The route taken was from the Fire Station along Conrtenay Street, via Gover Street to Devon Street and Egmont Street to the railway station, where short speeches were delivered. When the crowds in the street and processioD gathered about the improvised platform, both inside and outside the railway fence, there was a dense pack of people stretching from the western end of the railway station down to the firosvenor Hotel and round into Egmont Street. THE SPEECHES. When the crowd had gathered itself about the platform, it was evident that many of those present were still surcharged with an amount of superfluous "steam," which they were determined to "let off," and it was some little time after the singing of the National Anthem before the Mayor was able to commencs speaking. Waving aloft a small Union' Jack, Mr. Bnrge&s commenced: "This is the flag that has braved a thousand years," and then renewed cheering took place. When he could next be heard, the Mayor said we had met to celebrate a peace —the most important peace declaration in the history of the world. (Cheeer9.) He then read the official telegram from the Prime Minister announcing the signing of the armistice, and continued: "So, you see, it's no have this time!" Mr- Bursess apologised for 'the absence of Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., who, through indisposition, was prevented from partaking, in the proceedings. Proceeding, the Mayor said thai in the present generation the peace which had followed the Battle of Waterloo had been considered the most important ever known, as it had freed Europe from the power of Napoleon, who was bent on the conquest of Europe, and might have succeeded but for the, part played by rßritain. She threw the whole weight of her resources against him, and he ended his days in miserable exile at St Helena- So, in the present war, the German Emperor set out to conquer the world, and nearly succeeded. Since 1870 Prance had lived in dread of attack by her powerful neighbor, and had been .forced to keep a large army for the defence of her borders.; but when war wan .declared on her by Germany she was en* tirely unprepared. Britain, too, had :been deceived, iby the Germans. She bad been content to keep the Navy up to standard, bat even that branch of the service would have been neglected if some of the statesmen had had their way. The Army was completely neglected—compared with Continental armies—and that in spite of the warnings of lord Koberts and men Hke him, who saw dearly that Britain must one iday fight not only for commercial suprejnacy but for her very existence. No -one listened to them, and when "the day" came—the day that Germany had .waited 50 years for—the British Army fcras totally unprepared. The Fleet was ■ fcready, though—'(cheers)—else (Britain would assuredly have shared the fate of Belgium and France, and until the history of the war is completed no one will tmly know how nearly she had 6hared that fate. "Will any of us," cried the Mayor, '"forget the dark daysof August, 1014?" War was dreaded because of what it meant, but we dreaded , more that Britain's unpreparednes3 i would prevent her from taking her full share in the world struggle about to beI gin. But she kept her pledges to her i Allies, though she has suffered terribly I for her unreadiness. The record, however, of what Britain had .done was a I wonderful chapter in her history- Once i aroused, she entered the struggle grimly and determinedly, with but one goalvictory and freedom for herself and her Allies and the smaller nations. Her people rose to the occasion—(cheers)—■ •no- sacrifice was too great, and from one of the smallest military Powers she i leaped arby a miracle to one of the very 9m*\* J*"*M! £&£&*•»-««*

Britain was harmless, and she treated j her with contempt. Germany was sure (.hat India and the Dominions would break away from the Mother Country; but those two errors of judgment had cost Germany dearly, and the terms of the armistice would show the price she would have to pay for her errors, fehe had woefully misjudged the British character and temperament, and when the gauntlet was throw* down it was taken up without hesitation iby the whole F.mph - e. At this stage, the clanging of bells and* blowing of whistles and the hoo-raying of a section of those in the crowd, many of whom, on account of the size of the gathering and the direction of the wind, were <juite outside the range of the Mayor's voice, which had punctuated the speech at frequent intervals, became so insistent that his Worship found it impossible to proceed and for a time the din continued and appeared likely to prevent further speaking. When, at last, a lull came, Lieutenant-Colonel Westdn stepped forward, and as he said the Mayor wanted him to say a few words, the reception accorded him set whistles and bells going again, and it was sometime before he could 'be heard, and when he did speak he said (pointing in the direction of a railway engine, which had been whistling vigorously), "Evidently that chap over there does not want me to speak." Proceeding, the Colonel aaid it was a day either for making a great noise or else of being very silent. But whether joy was unalloyed or tinged with sorrow, everyone shared the relief in knowing that that great instrument of crime —tbe German Array—had been destroyed. (Cheers) The sword which had overhung the world for so long had now gone for ever. He thought it' would be a sufficient punishment for her that a great and proud nation as Germany was had now been given over to the wolves of revolution and civil war. We should be extraordinarily grateful to destiny for the part she had played in assisting us to punish the guilty criminal. The Kaiser had iueen robbed of the dramatic part he had expected to play of signing peace before the giize of the rfhole world, and J;o had escaped with his son across the frontier in disguise. The Colonel playfully referred to the cinema pictures that would be shown of the fleeing monarch. fle then expressed thankfulness to the forefathers of the nation who had framed such a glorious constitution as that of the British Empire. Not the least grateful should they be to the King and Queen and the members of the Royal Family, who had all played a wonderful and unobtrusive, vet a very human, part in the war. They had shared the griefs and now would .share the joys of their people, and today, when thrones were tottering and kin"s were being hounded out of the countries of our enemies, the Throne of England and England's King was more firmlv established than vevcr. He referred to what the Prince of Wales had done, and said that when he came out to visit the Dominion the people would And him one of the "dearest little chaps they had ever seen." (Cheers and applause) The band then played "It's a Long Way to Tipperarv." after which cheers were given for the King, the Allies, the boys at the front, the old and new veterans, and also for the Mayor, and the sinffine again of the National Anthem brought this stage of the proceedings to a close. PROCESSION CONTINUED.

The procession was then re-formed, and continued the route march along Queen Street and Devon Street to Lia>det Street, stretching almost the whole length of that section of the street. On reaching Liardet Street, the various sections disbanded, and thereafter the proceedings resulted in a general perambulation of the streets by the crowd, which thinned out towards five o'clock.

LAST SIGHT'S ILLUMINATIONS. The scene at night was a particuarly striking one. The work of illuminating the town had been deputed to a committee, consisting of Messrs G. W. Browne, C. Carter, and R- H. Bartley, who must be congratulated on the fine effectStrings of red, white, and blue electric lights had been placed across Devon Devon Street at regular intervals, the effect as viewed from the Post Office and

Liardet Street being very beautiful. Searchlights from the picture theatres added to the brilliance of the scene, the effect of which was enhanced by the majority of the shopkeepers having their premises well lit up.

ALONG THE COAST. Along the coast, in common 'tfitilii the rest of Taranaki, there was great jubilation. That keen interest was felt was very evident to those who left New Plymouth by the mail coach, for all along the road people were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Daily News, whilst at tihe various stopping places the driver of the car and a representative of the Daily News who was on the car were besieged with questions as to whether there was any news of the armistice. It was not until the car reached WaTea that the news was received, and there an eager crowd had asembled and the flag was promptly hoisted. An attempt to speak through the telephone to New Plymouth quickly verified the news, because all that could be heard was tilie din of bores, bells, and the shouting and cheering of the New Plymouth crowd.. From Warea on to Opunake the (scene was very Jivelyi •showing how quickly the glad news had spread and how welcome it was. Bunting was ihung out in all directions, factory whistles were blown loud and long, anvils were clanged, and anything that could make a noise was requisitioned. At Pungarehu the first visible signs of rejoicing were noticeable. Here Miss <Mackay, the school-mistress, had mar-j shallcd the children, and with flags' -waving and tins rattling tlhey marched -to the school. Later, headed by the Goodin family in costume, the children marched round the township, finally winding up at the iha.ll, where they asJuted the flag, marched, generally jubilated, and were regaled on lollies, eakee, preserved fruit, etc. Pungarehu will continue its- celebrations at Eahotu -to-day. At Rahotu the township was gaily deeorated, streamers being hung across the road. The school children were lined up in frW of the post office, and briefly addressed by Messrs. T. P. Hughson and A. F. Chapman, chairman of committee. They were also regaled to sweets. Today the proceedings will be continued, commencing with a procession at 11.30 a.m. to the recreation ground, where the European and Maori settlers will hold a united gathering, deluding » seven-a-side tournament and a sports gathering for the children. A feature is to be the' roasting-of a bullock and pigs whole ina copper Maori by the natives who aTe entertaining the Europeans free. M. Coffey and Papa have this in hand. In ihe evening fireworks ftfid an -open-air

At Oaonui the school-children were assembled in front of the hall, addressed by Messrs. J as. Young and R. p. Malcolm, and regaled to sweets. Opunake did itself proud. The bowb was spread by the clanging of the fire bell, and the screeching of the county traction engines. Quickly the crowd assembled. The school-children of the public and convent schools were marshalled in front of the post office, under Fleming and Lewis, where there was a great gathering. Tiiie band, under Bandmaster Humphrey, tad ibeon resuscitated, and acquitted itself nobly, playing the National Anthem and other selections. Mr. C. A. Trotter chairman of the Town Board) briefly addressed the gathering, after which Rev. Strand led in prayer. Mr. G. W. Rogers gave a short address on behalf of the county, apologising for the absence of Father Doolaghty and Mr. W. R. Wright (chairman of the County Council). Other addresses were given by Messrs. J. Young (chairman of the Farihaka Road Board), Revs. Strand, Palmer and N. P. Papakakura and Mr. 6. Looney, each of whom were happy in the theme they chose. The speeches were punctuated by the traction engine whistles and the applause of the audience. At the conclusion the Marsellaise was sung, the accompaniments being played by Mr. Henderson on a piano on a decorated lorry. Cheers were given for the boys at the front.' An impromptu procession was then .formed, a striking feature being the dancing of hakas by some Maori women. In the afternoon a procession was held and it was a great sight, worthy of a larger town than Opunake, Staid citizens let themselves go, and paraded the street dressed as "Charlie Chajplin" and in every conceivable fane.; and ludicrous dress, a striking feature being a prominent lady dressed -is a Maori woman, with the picanini carried iu correct fashion. The procession was headed by the band on'"* 1 decorated lorry, playing stirring music. There followed abo Ait 40 motor cars, the majority decorated and laden with daintily-dressed damsels and gaily-attired men. The school children, also in fancy dress, and numerous grown-ups, completed the procession, which is easily the largest ever seen in Opunake. After traversing the town a few times, a bee-line was made for the Recreation Grounds, where the children were entertained with sports, etc., the Natives also dancing. hakas there and in the street. Mr. P'ease was marshal of the procession, which was conducted in a very creditable and orderly fashion. In the evening a concert was held in the main street. To-day another procession is to be held, followed by a picnic and sports. Pictures were to have been held in the evening, but, of course, these are off owing to the Health Department's prohibition. The inability to use halls at present is interfering with arangements for many coastal functions, but is tboing cheorlully borne. To-morrow there is to be a ihuge bonfire.

At Okato, bunting galore was displayed. Whistles were blown at the factory and the county crusher and roller. The children's tin-can band had a royal time. They were driven between the township and Stony River by Mr. E. Wooldridge in his big motor bus, and were regaled by Mr. Samson with lemonade and Mr. Fox l wilA sweets. The Okato hotel was closed for a couple of hours. The Okato children, it is understood, will come to New Plymouth today to view the procession. At Warea, Puniho, Tataraimaka, Oakura, and other coastal centres bunting was hung out (the two latter having very fine displays), and general jubilation took place.

AT STRATFORD. Influenza dampened the enthusiasm of many, but the depression soon passed away, and, with the cessation of horns and bell-ringing, Mr. Joe Wado tuned up his pipes and, from the balcony of the County Hotel, played several airs clear to the heart of the Scotsman. Immediately the news was received, work ceased and employees quickly gathered in the streets. A small tin-can band of juveniles paraded Broadway, and one or two individuals in grotesque uniforms endeavored to enliven proceedings, and succeeded. Later on in the morning the Town Band played several selections outside the post office, but the demonstration proper was left until the afternoon. Owners of motor-cars and cycles made up a very effective display of bunting, and the scene in Broadway at 2 p.m. when the Mayor and others addressed the large audience, presented a scene that will be memorable in the years to come. The day proved very favorable, and after all had assured themselves tihat the news this time was authentic, the public gave themselves over to the holiday, and throughout the afternoon steady streams of country folk camo into town to pass a fewwords of congratulation to friend and stranger on the passing of the war and to express the hope that from now onward a better understanding between mankind would prevail.

When Tariki received the news two trains wero at the station, and their whistles, with the factory horn, soon made the welcome news widely known. Tariki men, however, did not stay at home to celebrate it, but ".hit out" for Stratford, inglewood,, and New ■ Plymouth, and a few minutes later things were as quiet as usual. M

sion to the Park, as previously arranged. Scholars will assemble in Eawau Street in the following order:—Country schools, Frankley Road, Fitzroy, 'West End, Central, private schools. Any further information may be obtained from Mr. H, A- Stratford.

At a meeting of the Peace Celebration Committee ycesterday, the following wore appointed an executive committee: His Worship the Mavor, Mrs. Burgess, Me.'M-s .T. \V. Haydcn, F T. Bellringer, Ft. Stratford, C. E. Bellringer. The streets will be illuminated again this evening for the procession, and it is hoped that all business people will have their shops lighted. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SMALL CHILDREN. The arrangements in connection with small children not in tiie procession are advertised in another column. It will bo seen that stalls are provided at the Gilbert Street entrance to Pukekura Park (opposite the Bungalow), at which, small children may each receive a souvenir flag and bag of sweets. » Details are stated in the advertisement. DONATIONS. The following donations have Been received towards defraying the cost of souvenirs, lollies, etc., which are being, provided free to the children::— £ s. d. F. T- Bellringer R. 11. fieorjo ~;,, .*■;*, .-.wwT* 10 0 A. B. Gibson 0 3 0

A Bartlett 0 a 0 Newton King -,.-,.,..-.. Tfiranaki Herald and Budget.,-320 G.B.K. ...,. ~,,,;;. 050 His Worship the Mavor r.-.y r .<r.- 5 0 0 P. W. ID. Robertson vT. H. Fowler . 1 1 0 .T. D. Sole .-.••;.-.-... : . 10 0 .T. Paton ...... 1 1 0 Mrs. Skinner, sen. ~,-.-:-,tw .-■-,- 10 0 Intending subscribers are- asked to hand in their donations early this morning.

TO THE PUBLIC OF STRATFORD & SURROUNDING DISTRICT.

IXfE have opened a branch in Stratford, and are prepared to do all motor and cycle repairs at lowest possible prices.

Wo have in stock 1917 electric light model Indians from £97 10s, countershaft Rovers and Triumphs, and a good selection of second-hand machines from £2O to £65.

a ' ALL ACCESSORIES, OIL & SPIRITS STOCKED.' BRANSGROVE'S. DIRECT IMPORTERS. CASH CYCLE & MOTOR DEPOTS, Devon Street East, New Plymouth, and Stratford.

MOTOR SERVICE.

QN and after this date the Public must understand that all fares are to be paid cash. Tickets will be issued as Crorn April 8, 1918.

]\|AIL .gERVICE. INGLEWOOD-PURANGI. PURANGI-INGLEWOOD.

Leave Inglewood daily at 3 p.m.; arrive Tarata 4, Purangi 5. Leave Purangi daily 7.30 a.m., arrive Tarata 8.30, Inglewood 9.30; W. CROZIER, Proprietor.

SUMMER TIME TABLE. CAR LEAVES DAILY.

Waitara 9.45 a.m. Awakino 7 a.m. Motonui 10 „ Mokau 7.35 „ Onaero 10.10 „ Moh'k'ti'a 8 „ Urenui 10.30 „ To'gap'tu 5.30 „ Waitoitoi 10.40 „ Okau Rd. 9.10 „ Uruti 11.20 „ Urnti 9.50 „ Okau Rd. 12.30 p.m. Waitoitoi 10.15 „ To'gap'tu 1.30 „ Urenui 10.50 „ Moh'k'ti'a 2 „ Onaero 11 „ Mokau 2.30 „ Motunui 11.15 „ Awakino 2.50 „ Waitara 11.30 „ (Arrive). (Arrive). Connecting at Waitara with car for Lepperton to meet Wanganui train. Information can be obtained at garage, Waitara. Fares "ash. C. H. JOHNSTONE, New Plymouth and Hawera.

K olil MAILNEW PLYMOUTH TO OPUNAKE DAILY MOTOR SERVICIs. TIME-TABLE AND PARES. New Pylmouth (depart) 7.30 4.15 Omata 7.40 4:30 Z/6 4/ Oakura 8.0 4.50 4/6 7/0 T.itaraimaka 8.20 5.10 6/ 10/ Oltato 8.35 5.25 7/ 12/ Puniho 8.50 5.40 8/ 14/ Warea 9.0 5.50 8/6 15/ Pungarehu 9.15 6.0 9/ 16/ Rahotu 9.25 6.10 10/ 17/6 Oaonut 9.40 6.25 12/ 20/ Opunake (arrive) 10.15 .6.45 13/ 22/6 Opunake (depart) 7:15 3.30 Oaonul 7.35 3.45 2/6 4/6 Rahotu 7.50 4.0 4/6 7/6 Pungarehu 8.5 4.15 6/10/ Warea 8.15 4.25 7/ 12/ Puniho 8.30 4.35 8/ 14/ Okato 8.50 4.50 9/ 15/ Tataraimaka 9.10 5.5 10/ 17/6 Oakura , 9.25 5.15 11/ 19/ Omata 9.40 5.25 12/ 20/ Hew Plymouth (arrive) 10.0 5.45 13/ 22/6 Seats may be booked and parcels left at the Garage, King's Buildings, Brougham Street, New Plymouth, or Club Hotel Stahles, Opuuako. All piftcels to he prepaid. E. WOOLDBIDGE,